<![CDATA[East Bay Chamber of Commerce - Blog]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:56:22 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Under the Dome: Advocacy in Action June 8, 2026]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:22:08 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/under-the-dome-advocacy-in-action-june-8-2026Advocacy in Action: June 8, 2026
 
Anticipated Final Week at the State House

The General Assembly hopes to complete its work for the 2026 session this week, likely by Thursday. This edition of Advocacy in Action includes legislation scheduled for actions this week as of Sunday night. The House and Senate may add bills and other Substitute language thereto throughout the week. If the legislative work is completed this week, bills will be transmitted to the Governor periodically over the following few weeks. The Chamber will send out a final legislative wrap-up once that process concludes and will provide a list of new laws businesses need to consider.
 
Monday, June 8th
 
FY2027 Budget
 
Last Friday, the House voted a revised FY 2027 budget by a vote of 65-10, which now proceeds to consideration by the Senate Finance Committee at 5:30pm on Monday, and likely to be on the Senate floor on Tuesday. The $15.2 billion plan raises additional revenue, increases expenditures in a variety of categories and asks the voters for approval to bond $600 million for projects.  This represents a 6.2% increase over the current year’s fiscal budget.  Many of the proposals were also included in the Governor’s budget submitted in January of this year. The final articles as adopted by the House can be reviewed here: https://www.rilegislature.gov/Budget/SitePages/FY27.aspx.
 
House Floor
The House is scheduled to meet at 4pm on Monday to vote on 116 bills between its regular and consent calendars, which include the items below, the full calendars can be found here: https://status.rilegislature.gov/calendars.aspx
 
Tuesday, June 9th
 
Senate Floor
 
The Senate is scheduled to meet at 4pm on Tuesday to vote on 100 bills between its regular and consent calendars, which includes:

1099 Thresholds
At 3pm in Room 35, the House Finance committee will consider H 8604 Sub A, and at 5pm the Senate Finance Committee will hear/consider S 3367, which would update the thresholds that require the filing of Form 1099 with the state from $100 to the federal threshold, currently $600, regardless of whether state income tax is withheld. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/Proposed26/H8604A.pdf
 
 Safety Lids & Signage
 
The House and Senate have each advanced, in different form, legislation requiring all licensed retailers authorized that sell intoxicating beverages to provide a safety lid to a consumer upon request. The initial drafts of the bills included that operators prominently and conspicuously display signage of “Don’t get roofied! Drink lids available here. Ask a staff member for details.”
 
The House removed signage from 7975  SUB A prior to passing it. The Senate has scheduled a hearing on passage of this bill in concurrence for Tuesday in room 313 at 3:30pm, but it is possible that other amendments may be made to this proposal. The Senate removed the “Don’t get roofied!” component when it passed S 3000  SUB A, but otherwise retained signage requirements.
 
Hospitality businesses demonstrated willingness to comply with the lid mandate, but express opposition to signage requirements, as it conveys the unfounded message that all venues and operations are unsafe. The Senate bill has yet to be scheduled for consideration in the House as of the writing of this report.
]]><![CDATA[Advocacy in Action: June 1, 2026]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:15:17 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/advocacy-in-action-june-1-2026Last Week at the State House
 
Friday night, May 29th, the House Finance Committee passed its version of the State’s FY2027 budget.  The $15.2 billion plan raises additional revenue, increases expenditures in a variety of categories and asks the voters for approval to bond $600 million for projects.  This represents a 6.2% increase over the current year’s fiscal budget.  Many of the proposals were also included in the Governor’s budget submitted in January of this year.  The full House will take up the budget on the floor Friday, June 5th at 3:00 p.m.
 
Revenues Raised:

  • Millionaire Tax:  New personal income tax on individuals, pass-through-entities and bankruptcy estates making more than $1 million (to be adjusted by inflation annually).  The Committee proposal phases in the new tax at 1% (6.99%) starting tax year January 1, 2027; 2% (7.99%) starting January, 1, 2028 and 3% (8.99%) starting January 1, 2029.  The new tax is estimated to raise $21.6 million in the first phase of the tax.
 
  • Trust Income Tax:  New income tax on taxable income of an estate or trust at 1% of RI taxable income over $36,427.  Today, non-grantor trusts and non-bankruptcy estates are taxed at 5.99% for all taxable income above $10,450.  This would increase the tax once the $36,427 threshold is reached.
 
  • Corporate Tax Decoupling:  The budget includes decoupling from the Qualified Business Stock Gains and the business interest limitation that was included in HR1.  This is estimated to raise $1 million in revenues.
 
  • Gas Tax:  The House budget did not include the Governor’s proposal to decrease the gas tax by two cents per gallon.  The budget does increase RIPTA’s share of the gas tax revenues from 15% to 25%.  That money currently goes to the highway transportation fund.
 
  • Tax Amnesty Program:  The budget proposes a 75-day amnesty period ending February 15, 2027.  The Division of Taxation is barred from collecting any penalties that may be applicable and cannot seek civil or criminal prosecution of any taxpayer for which amnesty has been granted.  Interest due on the delinquent tax amount will also be reduced by 25%.  The provision does require amounts collected to be accounted for separately in order to determine the “success” of the program.
 
Expenditures of Note:

  • E-Permitting:  This provision gives $1.2 million to support uniform construction, land use planning, fire safety, and zoning permitting for RI municipalities.  It is anticipated cities and towns will use this money for software licenses and integrating of licensing and permitting within CRMC, Department of Transportation and Department of Environment.
 
  • Executive Office of Commerce:  The budget includes $1 million for the Innovation Initiative, and $1 million for RI Streetscape Improvement Fund, but did not include an additional $1 million for Site Readiness (the House believes $1 million remains in the fund from the currently fiscal year) or $250,000 for RI’s Innovation Opportunities.  The Innovation Opportunities was meant to strengthen collaboration among current and future participants in RI’s economy.
 
  • Car Tax Reimbursement: The House Finance Committee fully funded the car tax repeal to municipalities.  This is estimated to cost $4.8 million.
 
  • Office of Inspector General:  The budget includes $1.3 million for the new Office of the Inspector General.  It is an independent department with the Inspector General appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate.  Once passed, the advisory commission (attorney general, general treasurer, secretary of state, executive director of the ethics commission and the president of the Association of Inspectors General) would meet and submit three qualified candidates to the Governor for consideration.  The Governor would choose and place the nomination before the Senate.  Once confirmed, the Inspector General would serve a term of five years, with a two-term limitation.  The office would have investigative powers, including subpoena powers, and would investigate executive branch agencies and departments.  It would not have authority over the legislative branch or the judicial branch.
 
  • Electric Heat Pump Grants:  The Office of Energy Resources will continue to operate a grant program to assist homeowners and small to mid-size business owners with the purchase and installation of high-efficiency electric heat pumps, with an emphasis on families in environmental justice communities, minority-owned businesses, and community organizations that cannot afford the technology.
 
  • Economic Programs Extended:  The budget includes the extension of a number of programs about to sunset – Rebuild RI Tax Credit, RI Tax Increment Financing, Tax Stabilization Incentive, First Wave Closing Fund, I-195 Redevelopment Project Fund, Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowships, Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund, Innovation Initiative (not Opportunity), and RI new Qualified Jobs Incentive Act.
 
This Week at the State House
 
As the General Assembly approaches what is likely to be the final two weeks of session, votes and amendments may post during the week.  To date, legislation of interest falls on Tuesday, June 2nd; however, the House or Senate could post more bills for Wednesday through Friday as the process moves forward.  The General Assembly is expected to be in session June 2nd – June 5th this week and June 8th – 12th the following week.  This schedule is subject to change.
  
Tuesday, June 2nd
 
Warehouse Worker Rights and Family Caregivers Support
 
The House Labor Committee will vote on H.7364 - Warehouse Worker Protection Act in a SubA form.  The amendment places some guardrails on employer requirements.  Employers must notify employees two days in advance of any modifications made to quotas – no timeline was in the original bill.  The SubA gives employers 21 days to respond to an employee’s request for personal speed data information and states that an employee may only ask for such information once in a 90-day period, unless a disciplinary action is pending.  The SubA can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/Proposed26/H7364A.pdf
 
The House Labor Committee will hold a hearing on H.8578 – Family Caregivers Support Act, a new bill filed May 22, 2026.  The bill declares it unlawful for an employer to fail to hire someone solely due to family caregiver responsibilities.  It prohibits employers from denying a worker’s request for accommodations to address family caregiving responsibilities.  Businesses must provide flexible scheduling, adjusted hours or remote work unless they can prove it is an “undue hardship” to operations.  Employers with less than 25 employees have an affirmative defense, if they have a “reasonable” phased in compliance plan.  The bill gives the RI Commission for Human Rights the ability to investigate and adjudicate violations and can order back pay, reinstatement and compensation for lost benefits and attorneys’ fees.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8578.pdf
Testimony on H.8578 may be submitted to HouseLabor@rilegislature.gov
 
Termination of Gas Line Extensions
The Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture will vote on a resolution to terminate any future natural gas line extensions.  Senate Resolution 2354, cites the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council’s 2025 Climate Action Strategy as the driving force for this action.  The EC4’s Strategy calls for a reduction in the use of gas for home heating in order to meet the State's 2030, 2040, and 2050 emissions reduction requirements.  The resolution states, “Connecting new customers to the gas distribution system locks in customer subsidization of new infrastructure whose intended life extends beyond the 2050 net zero emissions requirements.”  While resolutions do not carry the weight of law, they are meant to express a legislative body’s official opinion.  They do not require the Governor’s signature.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2354.pdf
 
Delinquent Tax Penalty Relief
 
The Senate Finance Committee will vote on three bills Tuesday:
 
S.2847 – State Tax Officials, caps the interest rate for all delinquent taxes at 12% and limits the authority to audit taxpayers to 3 years from the date of filing.  In cases of fraud, the timeframe increases to 7 years from the date of filing.  In no case could the Division of Taxation go beyond ten years from the filing deadline.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2847.pdf
 
S.2453 and H.7568 are identical bills that allow municipalities to waive up to $500 in interest on overdue taxes for commercial properties.  Since 2003, cities and towns have had the authority to waive interest on residential properties.  S.2453 and H.7568 add commercial properties that fall into the same category: (1) The property subject to the overdue payment is the property of the taxpayer and has been for the five (5) years immediately preceding the tax payment which is overdue; (2) The request for a waiver of interest is in writing, signed and dated by the taxpayer; and (3) The taxpayer has made timely payments of taxes to the city or town for the five (5) years immediately preceding the tax payment, which is overdue. 
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2453.pdf
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7568.pdf
 
AI in the Workplace

The Senate Labor Committee will vote on S.2499 – Artificial Intelligence Use and Fair Employment Practices, which creates a comprehensive statutory framework to address and regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace.  The legislation: (1) Sets rules for “inputs and outputs” generated by AI when used to make significant decisions about workers, (2) Addresses the collection of data through electronic monitoring and time-tracking tools by banning such use unless the collection purpose meets specific needs set in the legislation (3) Covers “work process information” related to an individual’s productivity. This 11-page bill can be viewed at https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2499.pdf
]]><![CDATA[Under the Dome: Advocacy in Action]]>Tue, 26 May 2026 14:57:58 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/under-the-dome-advocacy-in-action6890516​Tuesday, May 26th

House Vote on Building Benchmarking

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a building benchmarking bill, H.7183, which creates an energy reporting requirement for residential, commercial and industrial buildings with twenty-five thousand gross square feet or more. As written, the following information must be provided to the Office of Energy Resources (OER) beginning 5/18/28 for buildings greater than 50,000 sq. ft., and 5/15/30 for buildings greater than 25,000 sq. ft.: property address, primary use, gross floor area, annual energy use, source of energy use, annual greenhouse gas emissions, and a statement of compliance or noncompliance with the statute. Exemptions are available for vacant buildings, buildings possessing a demolition permit and buildings with no energy services provided. OER is required to collect the data and to post building specific information on its website, as well as “Progress against baseline year data for intervening years for both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.” H.7183, under the enforcement provision, allows OER to withhold grants and Infrastructure Bank monies from buildings that fail to comply with reporting requirements or “decarbonization efforts.” No other sections of the bill provide OER with the ability to implement decarbonization requirements based on the results of the benchmarking reports. Bills in previous years have included such explicit authority. Lastly, any municipality currently implementing a reporting program (Providence) may continue to do so and submit its information to OER - relieving building owners from a double reporting requirement. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7183.pdf

Senate Labor Committee Votes on Employment Legislation

The Senate Labor & Gaming Committee is scheduled to consider various bills impacting employers at 3:30pm in room 212.

S 2502 exposes employers to liability for workplace bullying. This legislation establishes an obligation on employers to create a work environment free from what “a reasonable person would consider threatening, hostile, or abusive and that unreasonably interferes with the target’s ability to perform job duties. Conduct may include false accusations, sabotage of work performance, consistent ignoring or ostracism, removal of major responsibilities, consistent unreasonable workloads, excessive monitoring…persistent hypercriticism, impossible deadlines…” These words can mean different things to different people, leaving everyone wondering what they can and cannot do or say in the workplace. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2502.pdf

S 2504 requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods; and requires employers to provide information concerning adverse employment actions that an employee might face for failure to meet the quota. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2504.pdf

S 2737A would expand temporary care giver leave to include a grandchild and care recipient (defined as a person for whom the employee is responsible for providing or arranging health or safety related care), increases the benefit period from 8 weeks to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028. The substitute A removes the opt-in for TDI/TCI for self-employed workers but requires DLT to study how to implement such a program. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/Proposed26/S2737A.pdf

S 2924 would allow employees, not represented by a union, to create a group to collectively bargain with employers that would initiate an election by the signing of file cards by 30% of a unit, and for a majority of unit employees voting to determine representation, which may not necessarily constitute the majority of employees of the unit itself. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2924.pdf

Delinquent Tax Penalty Relief

The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to conduct hearings on legislation to relieving tax penalties on delinquent taxes in Room 211 at the Rise (~5pm). Testimony on these bills can be sent to: SenateFinance@rilegislature.gov.

S 2370 authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one-week amnesty period each year. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2370.pdf

S 2847 caps the interest rate for all delinquent taxes at 12% and limits the authority to audit taxpayers to 3 years from the date of filing. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2847.pdf

Grocery Store Restrictive Covenants

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on companion legislation H 8106 and S 2644, which were introduced at the request of Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, and would prohibit restrictive covenants related to grocery stores. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8106.pdf https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2644.pdf

Wednesday, May 27th

Recycling Reforms

The House Environment and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to meet in the House Lounge at 4pm to hear testimony on legislation proposing reforms to the recycling of packaging, paper products, and beverage containers. Testimony on these bills can be sent to: HouseEnvironmentandNaturalResources@rilegislature.gov.

H 7910 establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper, mandating producers to fund municipal recycling programs and improve their effectiveness. H 7911 establishes an EPR program combined with a beverage container redemption and recycling refund system. It would create a 10 cent deposit on designated beverage containers that consumers can recover through a centralized network of locations established across the state. It does not require any retailer to be a redemption center, and would not apply to beverage containers consumed on premise that work with the recycling refund producer responsibility organization. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7910.pdf https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7911.pdf

Thursday, May 28th

Extended Service Hours for World Cup

H 8009A and S 2627A are scheduled for votes in concurrence and would then be sent to Governor McKee for his approval. Under these bills, municipalities are authorized to grant temporary extended service hours to provide public watch opportunities for certain FIFA World Cup Tournament matches that occur late night. Business operators could apply to their local licensing authority 14 days in advance of certain late night game nights to serve liquor up to 3am and close by 4am. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2627A.pdf https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8009A.pdf

Taxation of Corporations, Sales, Meals & Beverages, Gratuities & Overtime

The Senate Finance Committee will meet at the Rise in Room 211 on various changes to tax policy. Testimony on these bills may be submitted to SenateFinance@rilegislature.gov.

S 2022 would eliminate the corporate minimum tax (currently $400 per year). https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2022.pdf

S 2028 proposes creating a digital advertising services tax to fund RIPTA, resiliency, housing development, universal school lunch, and support the state general fund. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2028.pdf

S 2082 would phase out the 1% meal and beverage tax by 0.25% each year until repealed in 2030. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2082.pdf


S 3017 would align RI with federal tax policy, providing for a modification to state taxes for gratuity income up to $25,000 and overtime income up to $12,500. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3017.pdf


New Introductions

House Bill No. 8562 BY Blazejewski, Kazarian, Hull, Caldwell, Shanley, Lima, Cotter, Spears, Azzinaro, Nardone
Establishes the office of inspector general to investigate the management and operation of agencies to prevent and deter fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
House Bill No. 8578 BY O'Brien, Dawson, Caldwell, McEntee, Corvese, Slater, Diaz, Bennett, Kennedy, Azzinaro
Provides workplace protection for family caregivers. It also provides for enforcement]]><![CDATA[Advocacy in Action: May 18, 2026]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 07:26:30 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/advocacy-in-action-may-18-2026This Week at the State House
 
Tuesday, May 19th  
 
 The House Committee on Environment & Natural Resources is meeting at the Rise (approximately 4:45pm) to vote on a building benchmarking bill and to hear testimony related to black takeout containers.
 
Building Benchmarking
 
H.7183, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Building Benchmarking and Reporting Act of 2026, creates a new statute – Chapter 27.5 – to facilitate an energy reporting requirement for residential, commercial and industrial buildings with twenty-five thousand gross square feet or more.  If passed as currently written, the following information must be provided to the Office of Energy Resources (OER):  property address, primary use, gross floor area, annual energy use, source of energy use, annual greenhouse gas emissions, and a statement of compliance or noncompliance with the statute.  Buildings with 50,000 sq ft or more begin reporting May 15, 2028.  Buildings between 25,000 – 49.999 sq. ft. begin reporting May 15, 2030.  Exemptions are available for vacant buildings, buildings possessing a demolition permit and buildings with no energy services provided.  OER is required to collect the data and to post building specific information on its website, as well as “Progress against baseline year data for intervening years for both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.”  H.7183, under the enforcement provision, allows OER to withhold grants and Infrastructure Bank monies from buildings that fail to comply with reporting requirements or “decarbonization efforts.”  No other sections of the bill provide OER with the ability to implement decarbonization requirements based on the results of the benchmarking reports.  Bills in previous years have included such explicit authority.  Lastly, any municipality currently implementing a reporting program (Providence) may continue to do so and submit its information to OER - relieving buildingowners from a double reporting requirement.
 https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7183.pdf
 
 
Black Takeout Containers Ban
 
H.8415, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Plastic Waste Reduction Act, is a new bill introduced April 8th.  The bill bans restaurants and other retail establishments from using black plastic containers for customer leftovers or for takeout (including grab and go) food.  If passed, the ban would go into effect October 1, 2026.
 https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8415.pdf
 
No testimony will be taken on H.7183; however, testimony related to H.8415 may be emailed to:
HouseEnvironmentandNaturalResources@rilegislature.gov

​Wednesday, May 20th
 
Termination of Gas Line Extensions
 
The Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture is scheduled to hear testimony on a resolution to terminate any future natural gas line extensions.  Senate Resolution 2354, cites the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council’s 2025 Climate Action Strategy as the driving force for this action.  The EC4’s Strategy calls for a reduction in the use of gas for home heating in order to meet the State's 2030, 2040, and 2050 emissions reduction requirements.  The resolution states, “Connecting new customers to the gas distribution system locks in customer subsidization of new infrastructure whose intended life extends beyond the 2050 net zero emissions requirements.”  While resolutions do not carry the weight of law, they are meant to express a legislative body’s official opinion.  They do not require the Governor’s signature.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2354.pdf
 
Testimony on SR.2354 may be submitted to SLegislation@rilegislature.gov
  
Thursday, May 21st  
  
Estate Tax Reduction
 
The House Finance Committee will meet at the Rise in Room 35 to take testimony on H.8190, An Act Relating to Taxation – Estate and Transfer Tax.  The bill proposes a phase-out of the estate tax: an exemption of $5 million for deaths occurring January 1, 2027; $7.5 million as of January 1, 2029, $10 million starting January 1, 2031, and a complete elimination of the tax January 1, 2033.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8190.pdf 
 
Testimony may be submitted to HouseFinance@rilegislature.gov
  
Retroactive Liability and Electricity Cost Increase
 
The Senate Finance Committee is meeting at the Rise in Room 211.  Two bills of interest to the business committee will be heard – S.2024 and S.2248
 
S.2024, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – RI Climate Superfund Act, requires the state and municipalities to add up all of the costs expended in the last twenty-five years related to items the bill deems a result of climate change (“sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, extreme heat, drought, erosion, and other climate-driven hazards) including items such as “coastal and flood protection and resilience projects; Stormwater management, drainage, and water infrastructure upgrades; Heat mitigation, air quality improvement, emergency preparedness, and other hazard protection measures that safeguard public health; Resilient transportation, housing, and community infrastructure; Energy system resilience, including grid modernization and distributed energy resources; Ecosystem, agricultural, forest, watershed, and fisheries restoration or protection projects; and Hazard mitigation planning, modeling, monitoring, and early warning systems.” Once the total is calculated, an invoice would be sent to “responsible parties” defined as large businesses that extract and refine fossil fuels (a legal activity under federal and state laws).  A ten percent daily penalty is added to late payments.  This legislation, passed in Vermont, is being challenged by the US Chamber of Commerce in the federal district court for Vermont.  Vermont allocated $600,000 in FY25 to set up the fund and prepare for a legal fight.  In FY26, an additional $300,000 was allocated to defend the case. The state’s Agency of Natural Resources and Treasurer’s Office requested an additional $1.5 million in 2025 to hire outside experts to defend against lawsuits.
 https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2024.pdf
  
S.2248, An Act Relating to Public Utilities and Carriers creates a tiered rate system for electricity and natural gas customers whose household income level is below 150% of the federal poverty level. For these households, the plan envisions capping electric rates to ensure that they pay no more than 3% of their income on electricity or 6% of their income if the house utilizes electricity as a sole source of heat.  The program will be funded by increasing rates on all other customers.  Rhode Island customers currently pay the sixth highest residential electricity rates in the country, fifth highest commercial rates, and fourth highest industrial rates according to the Energy Information Agency’s most recent data. (U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, February, 2026, Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Consumers by End-Use Sector.  https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_6_a)  It is a challenge the state faces as it tries to attract businesses which bring with them jobs that help lift people out of poverty.  The bill may be reviewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2248.pdf
 
Testimony on either bill may be submitted to SenateFinance@rilegislature.gov
  
Document Language Requirement
 
The Senate Judiciary Committee, meeting at the Rise in Room 313, scheduled S.2965, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, for hearing. This bill amends the state’s Act to give consumers the legal right to demand written paperwork in English or Spanish before they sign a contract or complete a transaction electronically.  It explicitly allows any individual to block a transaction until they are provided a physical, written copy of the document.This will affect all businesses, particularly those that use Docusign or Adobe Sign.
 https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2965.pdf
Testimony may be submitted to SenateJudiciary@rilegislature.gov
  
New Introductions
 
No new bills of interest were filed this week.]]><![CDATA[May Monthly Mingle at Bristol Golf Park!]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 14:03:46 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/may-monthly-mingle-at-bristol-golf-park
]]><![CDATA[Elevate Your Sales Career with Automated Business Solutions !]]>Wed, 13 May 2026 17:50:48 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/elevate-your-sales-career-with-automated-business-solutions​Contact: Dave Aulisio – VP Business Development 401-601-9674 daulisio@absne.com  www.absne.com

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· Willingness to operate in a fast paced environment]]><![CDATA[Comedy Show Recap! May 8, 2026 Jacky's Galaxie, Bristol]]>Tue, 12 May 2026 18:13:33 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/comedy-show-recap-may-8-2026-jackys-galaxie-bristol
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]]><![CDATA[Advocacy in Action: May 11, 2026]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 22:45:46 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/advocacy-in-action-may-11-2026Advocacy in Action
May 11, 2026
 
 Speaker Shekarchi Hands Gavel to Speaker Blazejewski
 
Thursday May 7th, Speaker Joe Shekarchi resigned his position of Speaker as he submitted his application for Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice. Speaker Shekarchi served as Speaker of the House for six years, being known for his open-door policy, hands-on negotiating standard and inclusive leadership style.  The Chamber thanks Speaker Joe Shekarchi for his years of dedicated service to the people of Rhode Island.
 
The House Democrats caucused Thursday and nominated Representative Chris Blazejewski to succeed him as Speaker with Representative Katherine Kazarian elected Majority Leader.  As is custom, the Republican delegation nominated Minority Leader Mike Chippendale for Speaker and the vote was 65-10 along party lines. 
 
Speaker Blazejewski was first elected in November, 2010 and represents District 2 in Providence.  He was House Majority Leader in 2020.  As a representative, he championed housing affordability, environmental protection, public education, civil rights, senior services, health care and economic opportunity for working families.  He co-sponsored and led passage of the Act on Climate as well as the renewable energy standard setting a course to 100% renewable electricity by 2033.  He sponsored the Wavemaker Fellowship program, which aims at attracting and retaining graduates in the STEM fields.  Speaker Blazejewski graduated from Harvard University in 2002 and received his law degree from Harvard Law in 2005.  An attorney, he works for Sherin and Lodgen LLP.  A lifelong Rhode Islander, he resides in Providence with his wife, Ami Gada, their daughter, Aria and their son, Liam.
 
Leader Kazarian has served the residents of East Providence and Pawtucket in District 63 since being elected in November 2012.  In January 2021, she was elected Majority Whip. She has introduced laws to allow adults to modify their birth certificates with culturally sensitive language, banning certain military-style assault weapons, and requiring monthly updates from the Department of Transportation on the Washington Bridge and allowing online mail ballot applications and mail ballots.  Leader Kazarian worked at both Upserve and Virgin Pulse and was previously a Senior Planner for the City of Pawtucket. She is a graduate of Roger Williams University School of Law and currently works as an Associate Attorney at CMBG3 Law in Boston.  Leader Kazarian is a lifelong resident of East Providence where she continues to live with her husband Sam Daniel and their twin daughters.
 
 Revenue Estimating Conference Completed
 
The Revenue Estimating Conference has completed its work, leading the way for the debate over the FY27 budget to heat up. 
 
The State did realize some reduction in total caseload general revenue spending to the tune of $15.5 million in the current fiscal year over the adopted FY26 budget, but they expect the state to spend $11.7 million more than originally anticipated for FY27.  Those numbers are better than predicted in November.  In FY27, the conferees believe the state will experience a substantial decrease in RI Works recipients (from 9,875 to 6,600) saving $10.7 million.  SSI payments are slightly up by $183,000.  Residential Rehabilitation assistance is up $900,000.  Other services such as community-based services, day programs, employment services, Transportation and Professional support program costs are projected to be up $5.5 million.  Hospital costs are expected to decrease $4.7 million. Long-term care is up $18.1 million.  Managed care is $50 million more than the original FY27 adopted budget.  Part of the increase will be paid through federal dollars, with the overall budget impact of the FY27 caseload resulting in an increase spending from general revenue funds of $11.7 million
 
On the revenue side, the conferees anticipate an increase of $66.9 million in personal income tax revenue (as compared to the estimate in November) in FY26 and a $35 million increase in FY27 over the November estimate.  Business Corporations taxes are up $47 million in FY26 and $23 million over the November estimate for FY27.  It is important to note these numbers reflect a decrease in the total corporation tax revenue of $9 million between FY26 and FY27.  A great deal of time was spent on estimating sales and use tax numbers for FY27.  The Governor’s budget office talked about the slowing economy and the potential to see a shift in spending on items that are not taxable.  The conferees settled on a 2% growth with a total sales tax revenue of $1.776 billion ($1.6 million over the November estimate).  The conferees enjoyed a brief moment of brevity as they commented on the adoption of “1776” as the sales tax estimate.  The FY26 realty transfer tax saw a $10 million increase over FY25 and is expected to get to $33.3 million (another $4.5 million increase over FY26).  Lottery revenues are $5 million less than anticipated in the November conference, and estimated to increase slightly - $1.6 million more in FY27.  The overall impact to FY26 general revenue is $154.6 million more than anticipated in November’s REC; and $77.8 million more than anticipated for FY27. 
 
 This Week at the State House
 
Tuesday, May 12th  
  
The Senate Finance Committee is meeting at the Rise (approximate 4:45pm) with two bills of interest on the calendar.
 
Tax on Real Property Gains
 
S.2549, An Act Relating to Taxation – Tax on Gains from the Sale or Exchange of Real Property is designed to discourage short-term real estate flipping by imposing a new tax on profits from sales of property held for six years or less. The new tax would be applied as follows:
 
Years property held by transferor      0-99% Gain     100-199% Gain           200% or more Gain
 
Less than 4 months                               60%                  70%                            80%
4 – 8 months                                         35%                  52.5%                         70%
8 months – 1 year                                 30%                 45%                             60%
1 - 2 years                                             25%                 37.5%                          50%              
2 - 3 years                                             20%                 30%                             40%
3 – 4 years                                            15%                 22.5%                          30%
4 - 5 years                                             10%               15%                              20%
5 – 6 years                                              5%               7.5%                             1-%
 
The legislation does provide exclusions for properties sold by 501(c) corporations, properties transferred by courts relative to marriage, certain farmlands and property purchased by the State of Rhode Island.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2549.pdf
 
 Employee Ownership Tax Credit
 
Also on the agenda is the Lt. Governor’s bill, S.2809, An Act Relating to Taxation – Employee Ownership Tax Credit.  The bill is designed to encourage businesses to transition to employee-owned models like Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) or worker cooperatives.   Businesses can claim a credit of up to 50% of "conversion costs" (legal, accounting, etc.) for transitioning to an ESOP/employee trust (capped at $100,000) or other equity structures (capped at $25,000). Existing employee-owned firms can receive a 50% credit (up to $25,000) for expanding ownership by at least 20%.  The program is to be administered by the Office of Business Development with a total cap of $1,000,000 in annual credits, which are refundable.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2809.pdf
 
Testimony on S.2549 and S.2809 can be emailed to SenateFinance@rilegislature.gov
 
 Social Security Income Tax Phaseout
 
The House Finance Committee will hear, at the Rise, H.7057, An Act Relating to Taxation – Personal Income Tax.  H.7057 gradually phases out the state’s income tax on social security benefits over a 5-year period.  Beginning January 2027, the bill provides a 20% exemption, increasing to 40% in 2028, 60% in 2029, 80% in 2030 and a 100% exemption in 2031.  https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7057.pdf
 
Testimony on H.7057 may be submitted to HouseFinance@rilegislature.gov
  
Wednesday, May 13th
 
Benefits for Striking Workers
 
The Senate Labor and Gaming Committee is taking testimony at 4:00pm.  S.2170, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Employment Security Benefits, would require the payment of unemployment benefits for workers who are on strike or are locked out of their workplaces by their employer due to a labor dispute.  Strikes and lockouts are part of the labor negotiation process, often arising from disagreements over wages, working conditions, or other terms of employment. These actions are typically voluntary on the part of the employees and should not be viewed as a situation of involuntary unemployment.  According to the Tax Foundation’s 2026 report, Rhode Island ranks 48th out of 50 for unemployment insurance tax liability, 50 being the highest liability. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2170.pdf
 
Testimony on S.2170 may be submitted to SLegislation@rilegislature.gov
  
Thursday, May 14th
  
Grocery Store and Retailer Restrictions
 
The Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled to vote on S.2342 which limits grocery stores by capping the number of self-service checkout stations they can operate to eight, and mandating a minimum ratio of manual checkout stations to self-service checkout stations.  Stores would be required to operate one manual checkout station for every two self-check-out stations operating. Lastly, S.2342 states that “No more than two (2) self-service checkout stations may be simultaneously monitored by any one employee.”  Any store having multiple violations is subject to a fine equal to the wages paid to the highest paid retail clerk during an eight-hour shift.  If the violation is not rectified within thirty days, the business could be subject to a deceptive trade practice violation. Committees can post amended versions of bills 24 hours prior to the vote.  It is unclear if a SubA (amendment) will be offered. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2342.pdf
 
  New Introductions
 
House Bill No. 8524  Corvese, Kennedy, Azzinaro, Solomon, Casey, McEntee, Noret, Read, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION--GENERAL PROVISIONS (Amends various sections of the workers' compensation statute relative to the court's jurisdiction and the court's authority.) 
]]><![CDATA[Federal Tariff Refunds]]>Thu, 07 May 2026 13:15:32 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/federal-tariff-refunds Following recent legal developments related to tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is issuing refunds for certain qualifying imports.
 For many small and mid-sized businesses, this could mean significant dollars returned, but refunds are not automatic and require action. We encourage you to share the below information with any businesses, importers, retailers, or manufacturers in your network who may be eligible. Once submitted and if approved, refunds are generally expected within ~90 days, and may include interest.
 Who may qualify?
Importers may be eligible if they:
  • Served as the Importer of Record on goods entering the United States
  • Paid tariffs under IEEPA
  • Imported goods during eligible timeframes
 
NOTE: Most individual consumers are not eligible unless they directly acted as the importer of record.
 How to apply
Refunds are not automatic. You must submit a request. You should take the following steps:
  1. Log in to the Automated Commercial Environment portal here.
  2. Access the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries refund module.
  3. Upload your claim.
  4. Submit required documentation.


NOTE: Most applicants will likely work with a customs broker or trade professional to file correctly.
 What information will I need?
Be prepared to provide:
  • Entry numbers for imported goods
  • Dates of import
  • Proof of tariff payment
  • Importer of Record details
  • Supporting documentation (if requested)

Our office is available to help support those in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and thank you in advance for helping us get the word out to the business community.

Best,
Erlinda 
Erlinda Castro
Field Representative
Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01)
10 Charles Street, Suite 200
Providence, RI 02904
O: 401-729-5600 
​E: erlinda.castro@mail.house.gov 
 ]]><![CDATA[Advocacy in Action: May 4, 2026]]>Mon, 04 May 2026 20:38:15 GMThttps://www.eastbaychamberri.org/blog/advocacy-in-action-may-4-2026 This Week at the State House
 
Tuesday, May 5th  
 
World Cup Extended Service Hours
 
The House of Representatives will vote on Tuesday on H 8009A, and the Seante is scheduled to vote on Thursday on S 2627A, legislation to enable extended service hours to provide public watch opportunities for certain late night FIFA World Cup Tournament matches. If enacted, licensees could apply at least two weeks in advance of certain match dates to their local licensing authority to extend indoor operating hours up to 4am and liquor service up to 3am. The eligible periods are for the following dates and continue to the early morning hours of the succeeding day: June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27; and July 2 and 3. A local licensing authority may grant or deny, in full or in part, any application to extend service hours under these provisions.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/Proposed26/H8009A.pdf 
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/Proposed26/S2627A.pdf
  
Wednesday, May 6th
 
Payment of Wages
 
The Senate Labor & Gaming Committee will convene at 4pm in Room 212 to hear various legislation impacting the payment of wages. Testimony can be emailed to: slegislation@rilegislature.gov.
 
Under current law, employers are not obligated to pay overtime to their executive, administrative, and professional employees who are compensated through salary rather than hourly wages, unless the salary of such employees would fall below the minimum wage. S 2166 would make additional salaried employees eligible for overtime pay. Small employers of 1-50 employees and large employers of 50 or more would be required to pay overtime to currently exempt workers if their salary falls below 1.5 times or 2 times, respectively, the minimum hourly wage for a forty-hour workweek. These triggers would increase to 2.5 times the minimum hourly wage for all employers by 2029. Many employees currently classified as exempt are compensated with higher salaries and benefits in exchange for their increased responsibilities and the expectation of flexible work hours. The relationship between employers and employes could become more transactional, shifting from a focus on results and outcomes to hourly tracking and micromanagement.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2166.pdf
  
Between 2020 and 2026, Rhode Island businesses experienced a 47.8% increase in minimum wage labor costs.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the cost-of-living increase to be 26% over the same period. For many businesses, labor is the highest operational cost, so an increase in wage is often difficult. When wages increase, there are other costs that are directly impacted by the increase.  For example, if the minimum wage is increased, the unemployment insurance premium goes up, worker’s compensation insurance premiums go up, FICA payments increase. Also, Rhode Island remains the only state in the country that requires many employers to pay premium pay to employees who work Sunday and holidays as part of their normal forty (40) hour work week.  For these employers, an increase in the minimum wage rate is an even greater hardship.  These additional costs of doing business are not considered as part of these proposals and are simply increases that most businesses, especially our small businesses, cannot absorb without directly impacting their ability to remain open or to expand and grow.
 
S 2325 & S2923 would increase the minimum wage from $17 per hour by the Consumer Price index effective January 1, 2028.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2325.pdf
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2923.pdf
 
S2620 & S 2930 would increase, respectively, the minimum wage commencing January 1, 2027, to be $20 or $24 per hour.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2620.pdf
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2930.pdf
 
S 2408 would increase the tipped minimum wage from $3.89 to $6.75 per hour, a 73.5% increase on January 1, 2027. It is important to understand that the “tipped wage” does not equate to the hourly wage paid to the employee. Both federal and state law require an employee to be paid minimum wage. If the employee does not make minimum wage when the tipped wage and customer tips are added together, the employer must make up the difference. Tips are a part of the employee's wage; tips are not windfalls over and above wages. S 2408 seeks to move the state toward the European model for restaurant wages. Those wages are higher for employees, but the model eliminates tipping. The result is a disincentive to provide good service as many who traveled have experienced.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2408.pdf
  
Thursday, May 7th
 
The House Finance Committee will convene hearings at the Rise (~5pm) in Room 35 on an array of bills proposing changes to various taxes. Testimony on these proposals can be emailed to: HouseFinance@rilegislature.gov. 
 
Income Tax
 
H 7313 creates a three percent tax surcharge for persons with taxable income over $625,000, taking our State’s highest income tax rate of 5.99 percent to 8.99 percent – a fifty percent increase.  This increase would place Rhode Island’s topmost income tax rate at 8th highest in the country. The Chamber is very concerned that the passage of budget proposal will stifle economic development of businesses and encourage those who can, to move to a lower cost state.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7313.pdf
 
H 7805 would provide for a phased reduction of personal income taxes by an aggregate 10% via 5 consecutive annual 2% reductions of tax rates from 2027 to 2031.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7805.pdf
 
H 8438 would carry through the federal deductions provided for qualified gratuity income up to $25,000 and overtime income up to $12,500 to the state level.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8438.pdf
  
Estate Tax
 
Rhode Island maintains a transfer tax on the value of a decedent’s estate, including real property and interest in certain securities located in Rhode Island, before distribution to any beneficiary. It is among the 12 states and the District of Columbia that impose such a tax. For decedents dying on or after 1/1/2026 in Rhode Island the gross estate threshold is $1,838,056, prior to any deductions in value for such items as mortgages, debts, and claims, with a rate from 0.8%-16%, which is near the lowest exemption level of states with an estate tax. The estate tax disincentivize investment in Rhode Island. Aligning it to the federal estate tax exemption or eliminating it altogether would encourage wealthy individuals and their assets to stay in in Rhode Island. H 7312 would raise Rhode Island’s estate tax exemption to be aligned with the federal $15 million estate tax exemption level on January 1, 2027, as is the practice in Connecticut.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7312.pdf
  
Corporate Minimum Tax
 
Rhode Island currently imposes a minimum tax of $400 each year on corporations, including pass through S Corporations. H 7397 would repeal the minimum tax.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7397.pdf
 
 Sales Tax Holiday
 
H 8199 would create a sales tax holiday for August 8 & 9, 2026. No sales tax would be collected on nonbusiness sales of tangible personal property, except for sales of telecommunications, tobacco products, gas, steam, oil, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboat, meals or a single item whose price exceeds $2,500.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8199.pdf
 
 Tax Amnesty
 
H 7398 authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one-week amnesty period each year.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7398.pdf
  
Commercial Property Tax Interest Waiver; Local Investment Tax Credit
 
The Senate Finance Committee will convene hearings at the Rise in Room 211. Testimony on these proposals can be emailed to: SenateFinance@rilegislature.gov.
 
S 2453 would allow the waiver of interest on overdue taxes for commercial properties in good standing for five prior years, similar to what is currently authorized for residential property.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2453.pdf
 
S 2833 provides an investment tax credit to a taxpayer that makes a qualified investment in a local qualified business of ninety-nine employees or less. The program would be funded by a Rhode Island Commerce Corporation strategic fund. The bill also anticipates the use of annual general revenue appropriations. 
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2833.pdf
  
Landlord-Tenant
 
The Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee is scheduled to meet at the Rise in Room 212 to hear various bills impacting landlords and tenants. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: SLegislation@rilegislature.gov.
 
S2271 would impose rent control, limiting rent increase to no more than 4% annually unless granted an exemption by the secretary of housing.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2271.pdf
S 3161authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3161.pdf
S 2266 would prohibit the use of algorithmic pricing by landlords to determinate the amount of rent to be charged.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2266.pdf
 
S 2267 imposes responsibilities on landlords and tenants with respect to the inspection and treatment of bed bugs in residential premises.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2267.pdf
 
S 2579 would increase the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants from 30 to 60 days, or 120 days for tenants aged 62 or older.
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2579.pdf
 
 New Introductions
  
House Bill No. 8505 BY  Lombardi, Hull, Sanchez, Cruz, Potter
Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

House Bill No. 8512 BY  Cotter, Brien, Corvese
Exempts from sales tax the amount paid for food and beverages during summer restaurant week and winter restaurant week.]]>