Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 8/1/26, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.
HB 7177 places a moratorium on new or renewed net metering contracts (which allow solar power customers to sell excess electricity back to the grid), long-term contracts (over five years) for purchasing solar or wind energy, and state subsidies for heat pump installations. This bill directly affects residential solar customers, utilities, and homeowners seeking heat pump incentives by prohibiting these programs starting January 1, 2027. Key provisions ban state-funded heat pump subsidies, prevent new solar/wind energy procurement contracts exceeding five years, and halt all new net metering agreements under state law. The law suspends these specific energy programs without altering broader renewable energy policies.
Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the community college of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.
Bars the council from granting approval to create or expand a charter school beginning operations in 26-27 school year and bars the state from approving or appropriating funds to a new charter school not approved before July 1, 2025.
HB 7004 establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act of 2026, requiring fossil fuel producers responsible for over one billion tons of emissions during 2000-2025 to reimburse the state and municipalities for climate adaptation costs. It directly affects major fossil fuel companies (coal, oil, gas producers) determined to have caused significant climate-related damages. The bill creates a fund to cover "climate change response work," including coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, and heat mitigation projects, using scientifically verified emission attribution methods aligned with IPCC standards. Funds will offset taxpayer costs for climate resilience efforts already underway, following the "polluter pays" principle.
HB 7153 changes the fee-in-lieu payment required for developers who opt not to build affordable housing units on-site. Instead of standard fees, developers must pay 150% of the average development cost for a single-family home or condo unit (with a minimum $40,000 per unit). This fee must be used exclusively by municipalities to fund new affordable housing for households earning 80% or less of the area median income. The bill affects developers in qualifying projects (10+ units) and local governments responsible for managing these funds through dedicated housing boards.
SB 2222 establishes a fee on fossil fuel sellers (like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas companies) operating in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund the "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund," which will support clean energy programs, energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households and small businesses, and worker transition initiatives for jobs in low-carbon industries. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, and help Rhode Island meet its 2035 emissions goals. This is a proposed legislative measure introduced in January 2026 and not yet enacted.
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 3.34% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.
Reinstates, for all teachers and state employees who retired after July 1, 2012, their annual cost of living adjustment for retirement plan year 2026.
HB 7054 establishes guidelines to expand and sustain public prekindergarten programs for all Rhode Island children aged 3 and 4. It requires the state to ensure at least 70% of these children enroll in high-quality programs through a mixed delivery system including public schools, Head Start, and licensed child care. The bill mandates research-based quality standards covering teacher qualifications, class sizes, curriculum, and support for children with special needs or who are learning English. It also requires competitive wages for prekindergarten teachers (comparable to K teachers) and directs 30% of new prekindergarten funding to expand infant and toddler care programs. The law directly affects children, early educators, and child care providers across Rhode Island.
