House passes Cardillo bill requiring officials to disclose default judgments of credit card debt

STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives Thursday passed legislation introduced by Rep. Edward T. Cardillo Jr. (D-Dist. 42, Johnston, Cranston) that would require officials to disclose default judgments of credit card debt.

The bill (2023-H 5190A) would require officials to disclose any and all unsatisfied default judgments of credit card debt in excess of $1,000 on their financial  statement.

“This is a good-government bill that I’m proud to sponsor,” said Representative Cardillo. “It will serve to increase transparency of our elected officials, holding them to a higher standard of ethical financial behavior. The public certainly deserves to know if their officials have any questionable debt.”

The bill, which is part of ongoing efforts of House leadership to increase transparency in the legislative process, would amend the state Code of Ethics that requires elected and appointed officials to file financial statements with the Ethics Commission.

The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.