Rhode Island Ethics Commission Chair Lauren E. Jones during the panel’s Sept. 30, 2025, meeting in Providence. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission on Tuesday approved two proposed rule changes regarding gifts given to public officials: one which is likely to please some state lawmakers, and the other to satisfy the wishes of government watchdogs.
The first rule change increases the gift cap for public officials, who will soon be able to receive $50 single gifts, or $150 worth of gifts in aggregate in one year, from the same person. The previous limits were $25 and $75, respectively…