WPRO Newsroom and the Assocaited Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island state senator wants to keep closer tabs on the long list of state commissions and boards that largely operate independent of state oversight.
The legislation announced Monday by Sen. James Sheehan (D-Narragansett) would impose new rules on quasi-public agencies like the state's Economic Development Corp., Airport Corporation and the Turnpike and Bridge Authority. The agencies were established under state law, but often have semi-autonomous boards that decide how their funds are spent.
Sheehan wants to limit members of agency boards to two terms and require them to document their marketing, lobbying and compensation costs. The legislation would also require performance reviews of the agencies and commissions every three years.
Sheehan says he wants the quasi-public agencies to be more transparent and accountable to taxpayers.
