PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- No state money will be used in Governor Chafee's trip this weekend to France to meet with executives from Dassault Systèmes.
Chafee spokeswoman Christine Hunsinger says all costs will be covered by the Rhode Island Commodores, a nonprofit organization focused on economic development.
Under new rules adopted by the state Ethics Commission this week, public officials and employees have to report out-of-state travel costs totaling more than $250, if they are paid by a third party and received by virtue of their official positions.
Hunsinger said no other stops were anticipated and Chafee's family would not be accompanying him.
However, James S. Bennett, chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority's board, is slated to travel with the governor, Hunsinger said.
She said Bennett is interested in the conventions and meetings the software company brings to Rhode Island, where it operates its Simulia unit. Bennett's costs are being covered by the convention center.