Budget & Taxes

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 3131: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC NICOTINE-DELIVERY SYSTEM PRODUCTS

Defines an alternative nicotine product as any noncombustible product without tobacco leaf but nicotine from another source and also taxes alternative nicotine products at $2.00 per container up to 20 units.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes new taxes on nicotine products, increasing state revenue for budget purposes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 3154: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- WEALTH PROCEEDS TAX

Imposes a tax equal to four percent (4%) on net investment income, such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains and rental income, of high-income households, estates and trusts, based upon federal guidelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes wealth proceeds tax on high-income households, increasing government revenue for public services and promoting fiscal responsibility.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2819: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

This bill amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to remove a funding requirement from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It establishes specific funding categories for special education costs, career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation expenses for students attending out-of-district non-public schools or within regional school districts. The legislation also creates stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center to address local capacity concerns and high school operating costs, while providing temporary bonuses to regionalized school districts. Additionally, it defines and provides state support for school resource officers who complete specialized training in school policing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes specific funding categories for special education, CTE, pre-K, and transportation, creating stabilization funds for school districts, indicating increased funding for education services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes specific funding categories for special education, CTE, pre-K, and transportation, creating stabilization funds for districts, indicating clear intent to strengthen education funding and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax K-12 Education School Safety Special Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8298: AN ACT RELATING TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT -- 2026 BOND REFERENDA

This bill proposes a $25 million bond referendum to the Rhode Island voters for approval at the November 2026 election to fund a statewide bicycle infrastructure network. If approved, the state would issue bonds to finance planning, design, and construction of priority projects outlined in the Rhode Island Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan. The funding would support building safe, connected bicycle facilities across the state to improve transportation options, reduce emissions, and promote public health. The bill requires voter approval before any bonds can be issued, ensuring public consent for the capital investment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes $25M bond referendum to fund bicycle infrastructure, increasing state investment in public transportation and reducing emissions90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds bicycle infrastructure to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation, directly supporting environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill proposes $25M bond referendum to fund statewide bicycle infrastructure network, directly advancing transportation infrastructure and sustainable transportation options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 3130: AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- STATE AID TO LIBRARIES

Increases reimbursement caps promulgated in 2018 and applies to eligible costs for library projects incurred from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2031, or ending earlier if the Office of Library Information Services amends the regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases reimbursement caps for library projects, providing additional funding for public libraries and strengthening state support for essential community services.85% confidence

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 2871: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates state funding for blood pressure monitoring for pregnant women, representing increased public service funding and fiscal investment in essential healthcare programs.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates state-funded blood pressure monitoring for pregnant individuals, expanding healthcare access and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2897: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of MAP Behavioral Health Services, Inc. and MAP Development Corporation, located in the city of Providence. Effective retroactively to 12/31/2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill exempts property from taxation for a behavioral health service provider, providing tax relief that supports fiscal management by reducing tax burden on essential services.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HR 8339: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK

This bill allocates $500,000 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN), a nonprofit organization that provides support to families navigating special education, healthcare, and aging services. The funding is designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be used to sustain RIPIN's peer-led programs, which include individualized family support, health insurance assistance, and community resources for parents and caregivers. As Rhode Island's federally designated parent training and information center, RIPIN serves thousands of families annually through workshops, online content, and direct consultations with state agencies. The resolution authorizes the state controller to release funds from the general treasury upon receipt of proper documentation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $500,000 in state funding to support Rhode Island Parent Information Network programs for families, directly advancing budget appropriations for public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $500,000 to fund healthcare assistance programs for families, including health insurance support and community resources for caregivers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Insurance

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7984: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY AUDIT OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

HB 7984 requires the Rhode Island Auditor General to conduct an independent audit of the Department of Transportation's performance and efficiency. This bill directly affects the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) by mandating a review of its operations and resource use. The key provision is the requirement for a formal, external audit focused on identifying areas for cost savings and improved service delivery. The bill is currently pending, having been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee for further study.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires DOT audit for cost savings, promoting fiscal responsibility in government spending efficiency per budget topic indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Government Spending

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2441: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC WASTE DIVERSION

SB 2441 imposes a $2-per-ton fee on solid waste disposal in Rhode Island, collected from waste haulers and landfill operators. Revenue from this fee funds a Compost Fund that awards grants to support composting facilities, organic waste diversion programs, and municipal waste reduction initiatives. Municipalities must opt into the fee program to qualify for related grants. The bill directly affects waste disposal companies, participating municipalities, and organizations seeking funding for composting infrastructure, aiming to reduce landfill use as Rhode Island's central landfill is projected to fill by 2043.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $2/ton fee (tax) on waste disposal, revenue funds Compost Fund for grants. Directly establishes new revenue stream for government spending, advancing fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill imposes waste disposal fee to fund composting/grants, reducing landfill waste and advancing organic waste diversion for environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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