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​​Chamber Connections BLOG

Advocacy in Action: May 18, 2026

5/19/2026

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This 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:
[email protected]

​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 [email protected]
  
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 [email protected]
  
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 [email protected]
  
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 [email protected]
  
New Introductions
 
No new bills of interest were filed this week.
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May Monthly Mingle at Bristol Golf Park!

5/14/2026

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Elevate Your Sales Career with Automated Business Solutions !

5/13/2026

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​Contact: Dave Aulisio – VP Business Development 401-601-9674 [email protected]  www.absne.com

OPPORTUNITY: Territory Sales Executive
​Office Technology Solutions | $40-60K Base
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Earn $75-100K+ OTE Your First Year at Automated Business Solutions, our top performers earn six figures by combining our competitive base salary ($35-55K based on experience) with our industry-leading commission and payout structure:

· 25%-45% commission on equipment gross profit
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· Sales Overachievement Bonuses and Annual Company TRIPS !

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· Collaborate with our technical team to design custom solutions
· Manage your territory like your own business with full autonomy
Desired Background (flexible)

· 1+ years of B2B outside sales experience and / or Recent College Graduate seeking to grow personally and professionally
· Track record of consistent quota achievement
· Strong (in person) communication skills
· Business Writing Skills (for proposals, email communications)
· Being able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles and learned from failure
· Experience selling solutions or solving problems (office technology experience not required)
· Strong “hunter “mentality with proven prospecting characteristics
· Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for territory coverage
· Self- Starter mentality with desire to travel within sales territory and meet with people.
· Willingness to operate in a fast paced environment

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Comedy Show Recap! May 8, 2026 Jacky's Galaxie, Bristol

5/12/2026

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Advocacy in Action: May 11, 2026

5/11/2026

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Advocacy 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 [email protected]
 
 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 [email protected]
  
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 [email protected]
  
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.) 
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Federal Tariff Refunds

5/7/2026

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 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: [email protected] 
 
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Advocacy in Action: May 4, 2026

5/4/2026

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 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: [email protected].
 
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: [email protected]. 
 
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: [email protected].
 
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: [email protected].
 
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.
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