PROVIDENCE − Despite zero public support, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission has approved an increase in the dollar-value of the gifts that legislators and other public officials can accept from people who want something from them.

In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the commission voted to double the per gift limit from $25 to $50, and the annual gift limit from any one "interested party" from $75 to $150, starting on Jan. 1.

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