The Overview
If you're a Rhode Island candidate or officeholder facing threats tied to your public service or candidacy, you can now use campaign funds to pay for home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, after Gov. Dan McKee (D) signed the law on June 18, 2026. Security spending by congressional and presidential campaigns rose fivefold over the preceding decade amid escalating threats against public officials, according to the Associated Press.
What the Law Does
The law authorizes candidates and officeholders to use campaign funds for security-related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, when threats arise from their public service or candidacy. The Providence Journal reported the law allows up to $10,000 in campaign funds to be used for security.
The Electronic Security Association submitted written support for the bill. The Electronic Security Association, which submitted written support for the bill, said it encourages the use of qualified professionals and helps ensure security measures are reliable and effective. The law amends Rhode Island's existing campaign finance reporting rules, which govern how candidates raise and spend money, to add security as a permitted use of those funds.
Legislative Status
Sen. Frank Ciccone (D) sponsored the bill, along with Sen. Walter Felag (D), Sen. John Burke (D), and seven other sponsors. The Senate passed it 37–0 on May 19. The bill passed 50–20 on June 10, with about 29 percent of the legislators who voted opposed. The Senate then concurred 38–0 on June 11.
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