Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2836: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES

This bill modifies state procurement rules to allow the state to purchase food and food supplies worth less than $25,000 in total under existing small purchase regulations. It directly affects state agencies responsible for procuring food items by adjusting the monetary threshold for these transactions. The key provision permits smaller aggregate purchases without requiring additional approval processes, streamlining how the state acquires food supplies. This change applies specifically to state purchases and does not alter broader procurement laws for other types of goods or services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill streamlines procurement by adjusting purchase thresholds, promoting fiscal efficiency and reducing administrative burdens on state agencies.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2797: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- MORATORIUM ON NET METERING, LONG-TERM CONTRACTS AND SUBSIDIES FOR HEAT PUMPS

This bill would temporarily halt several renewable energy programs in Rhode Island starting January 1, 2027. It stops new net metering agreements that allow customers to sell excess solar or wind power back to the grid, prohibits the state from signing long-term contracts over five years for purchasing solar or wind energy, and bars state funds from subsidizing heat pump purchases or installation. These changes directly affect utility customers, energy providers, and state agencies that currently participate in or administer these programs. The legislation does not prevent existing contracts from continuing but blocks new enrollments in these specific renewable energy initiatives.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill restricts renewable energy programs and cuts subsidies, reducing government spending on clean energy initiatives and limiting future funding allocations.85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill halts renewable energy programs, stops net metering, bans long-term solar/wind contracts, and eliminates heat pump subsidies, directly restricting clean energy development.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill halts renewable energy programs, net metering, and heat pump subsidies, directly restricting clean energy adoption and environmental protections.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts renewable energy technology adoption by halting net metering, long-term solar contracts, and heat pump subsidies, limiting access to clean energy technologies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Renewable Energy Solar Wind

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3016: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $800,000 TO WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

This bill authorizes an $800,000 appropriation to WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization that hosts annual bonfire events on downtown Providence's three rivers. The funding is intended to provide operational support for the organization's programs, including its public events and community initiatives like the ArtLab and WaterFire Accelerate program. The resolution directs the state controller to draw payment from unappropriated treasury funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year upon receipt of proper documentation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides $800,000 appropriation to WaterFire Providence for operational support and community programs, directly advancing state budget allocation for public services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 2847: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- STATE TAX OFFICIALS

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill caps interest rates and limits audit periods, reducing excessive state revenue collection and protecting taxpayers from prolonged financial burdens.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Business Taxes Sales Tax

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2809: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TAX CREDIT

This bill creates a tax credit for businesses in Rhode Island that transition to employee ownership models, such as employee stock ownership plans, worker cooperatives, or employee ownership trusts. The credit covers up to 50% of conversion costs, with a maximum of $100,000 for full employee ownership transitions or $25,000 for partial equity structures, and allows an additional $25,000 credit for expanding existing employee ownership programs. To qualify, businesses must grant at least 20% ownership rights to eligible workers and provide them with decision-making rights comparable to current shareholders. The tax credit applies to income tax years between January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2029, and requires businesses to apply through the state Department of Revenue for certification.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates tax credits for businesses transitioning to employee ownership, providing fiscal incentives that promote economic development and workforce stability while generating revenue through tax credits.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides tax incentives for businesses transitioning to employee ownership models, strengthening worker equity and ownership rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Professional Licensing

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2820: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee to be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new restricted receipt account within state department, creating additional funding mechanism for environmental management activities.75% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 3126: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

This bill exempts parking fees for municipally operated beach parking in Middletown from Rhode Island sales tax. It amends existing state tax laws to clarify how various services, including transportation, pet care, and parking, are defined and taxed. The legislation specifically removes Middletown beach parking from the general definition of taxable parking services while maintaining tax liability for other parking facilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill exempts parking fees from sales tax, providing tax relief to residents and businesses, which aligns with fiscal support for taxpayers.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2845: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND FAMILY HOME--VISITING ACT

Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill adjusts reporting to secure maximum federal funding for family home-visiting programs, indicating support for funding essential services75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8317: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue services, fills the budget deficit and restore service cuts, and implements the State's Act on Climate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $5M to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to fund services, fill budget deficit, and restore service cuts, directly advancing budget and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to implement State's Act on Climate, indirectly supporting energy transition through public transit infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly states it implements the State's Act on Climate, indicating environmental protection intent through transit funding.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill appropriates $5M to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue services, fill budget deficit, restore service cuts, and implement climate act, directly supporting public transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Public Transit

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 2833: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND LOCAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT

This bill creates a tax credit program to encourage investments in small Rhode Island businesses with 99 or fewer employees. Under the new Rhode Island Local Investment Tax Credit Act, eligible taxpayers who invest in qualifying local businesses could receive a 50% tax credit, up to a maximum of $3,000 per business and $3,000 total per year. To qualify, the business must be headquartered in Rhode Island, derive at least 80% of its revenue from state operations, and hold at least 80% of its assets within the state. The state would annually appropriate funds from the general fund to offset any revenue loss from the tax credits, and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Strategic Fund would manage the certification process for eligible investments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates tax credits for small business investments, promoting economic growth and providing tax relief while encouraging local business development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Tax Credits Tax Incentives

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