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SB 2023

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- INSPECTOR GENERAL

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 8 co-sponsors

Creates an independent Rhode Island Office of Inspector General with broad audit, investigation, and subpoena powers to oversee state and local funds and contracts.

05/21/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2023

Summary of SB 2023 (Rhode Island) – 2026 Session

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes an independent Office of Inspector General (OIG) in Rhode Island to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
  • Applies to all state programs and operations and to procurement of supplies, services, or construction by state agencies, districts, authorities, and subdivisions created by the General Assembly, the Governor, or the courts (including city/town governments).

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation and title: Adds Chapter 9.4 to Title 42 (State Affairs and Government) creating the Office of Inspector General.
  • Definitions (42-9.4-2): Clarifies terms critical to oversight:
    • Construction, Contract, Contractor, Procurement, Public funds, Services, Supplies.
  • Establishment and appointment (42-9.4-3):
    • Creates the OIG and appoints an Inspector General for a five-year term (July 1 – June 30), with eligibility for a single term.
    • Appointment requires a broad, bipartisan process with multiple high-ranking officials; if no selection within one month of term start, the Governor can appoint.
    • Qualifications include at least five years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
    • Prohibits the Inspector General from holding or seeking other public office during and for one year after service; no political party involvement while in office.
    • Vacancy process mirrors initial appointment; potential for a Governor’s appointment if not filled promptly.
    • Removal for cause requires a 2/3 vote of both the Senate and House leadership as described, with a public written rationale; right to appeal.
  • Staffing and budget (42-9.4-4):
    • Inspector General can hire staff (auditors, attorneys, investigators, etc.) up to the appropriation limit.
    • Annual personnel report due to Senate and House Finance Committees; updates required for changes.
    • Prohibits staff from holding elective office during/for one year after service and restricts political activity.
  • Salary and budget (42-9.4-5): Annual setting of the Inspector General’s salary by the General Assembly; budget to be appropriated.
  • Rules and regulations (42-9.4-6): Office will adopt regulations under the state Administrative Procedures Act.
  • Duties and authority (42-9.4-7):
    • Conduct audits, investigations (criminal, civil, administrative), inspections, and oversight reviews of covered programs/operations.
    • Review applicable laws/regulations and make recommendations to prevent/detect fraud, waste, and mismanagement.
    • Public/private cooperation: public bodies may request assistance, with the OIG providing staff as appropriate.
    • Can recommend policies to improve coordination among state, local, federal, and non-governmental entities.
    • Establishes a public information system for anonymous tips and external communications.
  • Access to records (42-9.4-8):
    • Broad access to records, reports, contracts, procurement data, and other materials related to covered programs.
    • Requirement for cooperation from state/local agencies within 10 business days; extensions possible with notice.
    • Authority to initiate investigations and compile detailed reports.
    • Direct access to heads of public bodies when needed.
    • May request voluntary testimony or documents from individuals or private entities.
    • Subpoena power with safeguards:
    • Subpoenas issued to compel production/testimony; limited to relevant matters.
    • Service, notice, rights to counsel, and protection of constitutional rights preserved.
    • Confidentiality provisions to protect witnesses; penalties for misuse.
  • Complaints and confidentiality (42-9.4-10):
    • Accepts complaints and information from individuals; can investigate confidentially when requested.
    • Establishes an anonymous hotline for reporting.
    • Whistleblower protections apply to employees.
  • Reporting to authorities (42-9.4-11):
    • If reasonable grounds to believe criminal activity occurred, must report to the Attorney General and/or U.S. Attorney.
    • Refers audit/investigative findings to ethics commissions or other agencies; referrals not made public.
  • Coordination (42-9.4-12): May coordinate with other state agencies to share information and avoid duplication.
  • Civil actions (42-9.4-13): Can initiate civil recovery actions if authorized by the Attorney General; matters referred to AG for appropriate action.
  • Annual/interim reports (42-9.4-14):
    • Annual report due by April 1 each year detailing office activities, significant issues, recommendations, matters referred, and audit listings.
    • Public disclosure with protections for identities of individuals/entities when no official disposition has been made.
    • Public bodies may comment within 60 days; comments forwarded to key officials and the OIG.

Affected entities

  • State agencies, departments, districts, authorities, and other public bodies listed in § 42-9.4-1.
  • Local governments (cities/towns) and nongovernmental entities when they handle public funds or contracts with state programs.
  • Contractors, vendors, and recipients of public funds through procurement activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Term length for Inspector General: Five years, with one-term restriction.
  • Appointment and removal involve a broad, bipartisan process and special-majority votes.
  • Regular reporting cadence: annual personnel reports, annual activity reports, and potential interim reports.
  • Subpoena and witness procedures modeled to align with Rhode Island civil/grand jury-like processes, including confidentiality protections.
  • Public oversight: annual reporting to multiple high-level officials and public availability of annual reports (with anonymity protections for non-disposition cases).

Notes

  • The bill envisions a robust, independent OIG with broad access, subpoena authority, and strong accountability mechanisms to oversee a wide range of state and local public funds and programs.
  • It emphasizes confidentiality for whistleblowers, protection of rights for witnesses, and interagency coordination to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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