Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.
DEM) TO TRANSPLANT QUAHOGS INTO NARRAGANSETT BAY AND ESTABLISH A SHELLFISH HATCHERY PROGRAM (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $2,300,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the transplantation of quahogs and the establishment of a shellfish hatchery program.
This bill appropriates $2.7 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026-2027 to the state department of health for maternal health initiatives. The funds are allocated to four specific programs: $750,000 for maternal health data tracking, $1.2 million for workplace health programs, $600,000 for community health access grants, and $150,000 for advisory council operations. These funds directly support state-level maternal health efforts, including data collection, workplace wellness, community access, and community engagement. The appropriation requires no new policy changes but provides dedicated funding for existing maternal health programs.
HR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.
Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.
Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.
HB 8195 creates a tax credit for Rhode Island taxpayers who invest in certain local businesses. It directly affects individual and business taxpayers who make qualifying investments in designated Rhode Island companies. The bill provides a credit equal to a percentage of the investment amount, reducing the taxpayer's state tax liability. The credit applies only to investments meeting specific criteria set by the law, such as supporting businesses in targeted economic zones. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after its introduction on February 27, 2026.
Requires that the tax imposed upon the conveyance of any real property that is located in more than one municipality to be allocated between or among the municipalities in proportions to the assessed value of the property located in each municipality.
HR 7707 is a legislative resolution appropriating $800,000 from the state treasury to support the operational costs of WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization. This funding, designated for fiscal year 2026-2027, directly supports WaterFire's year-round activities, including its signature river bonfire events and the WaterFire Arts Center. The resolution authorizes the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation. It does not alter existing laws or create new programs, but provides direct financial assistance to an organization cited for generating significant tourism revenue and community engagement in Providence.
HB 7701 removes state-owned property from the list of assets exempt from local property taxes. This change directly affects state government buildings, offices, and land previously excluded from local tax assessments. The bill amends Section 44-3-3 of Rhode Island's tax code by deleting the exemption for "property belonging to the state" from the list of tax-exempt properties. As a result, state-owned properties will now be subject to local property tax payments, aligning them with other non-exempt properties in the community. This is a direct policy change to tax treatment, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
