RI House Finance Chair Under Investigation Resigns

BRISTOL, RI—Bristol Rep. Ray Gallison is reportedly resigning his seat and is under investigation by state and federal authorities.

Gallison, also the chairman of the House Finance Committee, will be the topic of a closed-door Democratic caucus meeting at the State House on Tuesday—a meeting unexpectedly called by Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello on Monday.

A lawmaker who would not speak on the record confirmed that Gallison is stepping down from his seat and is the subject of a probe.

NBC10 reported that the probe involves prostitution, according to unidentified sources.

Gallison represents District 69, which encompasses Bristol and Portsmouth. He was first elected in 2000.

Along with serving on the power House Committee on Finance as chairman, he co-charied the Joint Defense Economy Planning Commission and has worked on numerous issues affecting Veterans.

Gallison's resignation comes just as lawmakers are due to begin serious work on the next state budget. A House spokesman wasn't commenting Monday night but it's obvious the subject of Tuesday's caucus was for Democrat leaders to discuss who will take Gallison's place.

This is a developing story.