§ 45-4-24 — Bond obligations of principal and surety; conditions required for existence of cause of action on bond

(a) Every official bond executed under this chapter is obligatory on the principal and sureties thereon: (1) For any breach of the condition during the time the officer shall continue in office or discharge any of the duties thereof; (2) For any breach of the condition by a deputy, although not expressed in such bond, unless otherwise declared by law; (3) For the faithful discharge of any duties which may be required of such officer by any law passed subsequent to the execution of such bond, although no such condition is expressed therein; or (4) For the use and benefit of every person who is injured, either by any wrongful act committed under color of his office or by his failure to perform or by the improper or neglectful performance of those duties imposed by law. (b) No claim or cause of action shall exist against the bond, the surety, or the principal, and no claim or cause of action for indemnification by the surety against the principal shall exist, unless one of the following conditions exists: (1) The principal personally benefits financially from the act complained of; or (2) The principal was personally aware of and had actual knowledge of the act complained of; had actual knowledge that the act was illegal, contrary to law, or the breach of a duty imposed by law; and either acted to cause or failed to prevent the act complained of.