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.
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.
Provides that in local education agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines, then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.
Submits the state's 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling two hundred seventeen million dollars ($217,000,000) for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November 2026.
Submits the state's 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.
Submits the state's 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $217,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November 2026.
This bill appropriates $118,422 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) to support its Dual Ombudsman program, which assists approximately 40,000 Rhode Islanders who receive both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The program helps these individuals navigate complex healthcare enrollment rules, resolve claim denials, access care, and understand changes in their coverage options. The funding would match federal Medicaid dollars to maintain the program's current capacity for the 2027 fiscal year, preventing its termination as proposed in the state budget. This support is particularly important during a major transition in Rhode Island's managed care system for dual-eligible enrollees, when fewer trusted resources are available to help them navigate their healthcare options.
This bill modifies how unclaimed property funds are handled in Rhode Island to support the state's baby bonds trust program. Instead of depositing all unclaimed property proceeds into the general state fund, the legislation directs that $3,000 be allocated annually for each baby born in the previous year to fund the trust program. The remaining unclaimed property funds continue to go to the general fund, while administrative costs for managing and selling abandoned property can be deducted before transfers. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2027, and apply to the state's unclaimed property administrator who oversees these financial transactions.
Requires that the state’s share to support public library services in fiscal year 2027 be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town in the second preceding fiscal year.
HB 7675 establishes a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (paid by waste haulers and landfill operators) to fund composting initiatives. The revenue flows into a dedicated "Compost Fund," which supports three grant programs: competitive grants for composting projects, municipal waste diversion grants (available only to towns that opt-in), and infrastructure development. The bill directly affects waste disposal entities and municipalities, aiming to reduce landfill use by incentivizing organic waste diversion. Key provisions include quarterly surcharge collection starting in 2027, annual adjustments tied to inflation or a 20% increase, and requiring funds to stay within the Compost Fund rather than returning to the general state budget.
