Final 2025 Legislative Wrap-up, Or Is It?
In this, hopefully the last 2025 edition of Advocacy in Action, we provide you with a list of bills that have become law in 2025, along with the effective dates of the new laws. The legislature finished its work at 1:30 am June 21, 2025. Since then, the General Assembly has transmitted bills to the Governor for his consideration. That process was completed last Friday. As you know, the federal government passed legislation affecting state programs, with some changes coming in future years. A team in Rhode Island is reviewing the large bill to determine the changes to state revenue. If the Rhode Island budget must be amended as a result of the passage of the federal law, the legislature will return for a fall session. In the event a session is called to order, all legislation that has not passed. to date, is technically alive and can be addressed. Past legislatures have limited voting to the issue or issues causing the General Assembly to reconvene, but it is not a rule.
Your Chamber was very engaged: reviewing over 2000 bills, actively tracking just over 300 pieces of legislation, and providing testimony on many of them verbally or in writing. Next year is an election year. If you want to be at the table instead of “on the menu,” we encourage you to think about running for office. Contact the Chamber and we can help you understand what is required to run. Thank you for reading this publication each week and for responding to “Calls to Action” when asked. We will see you at the next Chamber event!
New Laws Passed During the 2025 Legislative Session
Labor Issues:
Minimum Wage – H.5029 SubA/S.125 SubA – Public Law Chapters 222 and 223 increase the minimum wage to $16 per hour starting January 1, 2026 and to $17 per hour January 1, 2027. The original bills called for a $1 increase each year for five years, reaching $20 in 2030. A push came in the final weeks of session to reduce the number of years to three years. Your Chamber pushed further to reduce the impact to two years. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5029A.pdf
TDI/TCI Wage base and Siblings – H.6066 SubA/S.974aa – Public Law Chapters 237 and 235 - increase an employee’s taxable wage base for TDI/TCI from $89,200 to $100,000 starting January 1, 2026. The new law also expands TCI wage reimbursement from 60% to 70% of weekly wages beginning January 2026 and 75% after January 2027. Lastly, the law adds the care of “siblings” as an eligible reason to take TCI benefits. “Sibling” is defined as children with a common parent, including biological siblings, half siblings, step-siblings, foster siblings, and adopted siblings. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law25/law25222.htm
TDI/TCI Coverage for Organ Donation – H.6065aa/S.829 SubA – allow living organ donors to use TCI benefits to cover time needed for any procedures, medical tests, and surgeries related to the donation - up to thirty business days. Employees may take up to five days for donating bone marrow to a recipient. The Chamber worked with the proponents of these bills to address these rare situations with the least amount of impact to the operation of a business. The law becomes effective January 1, 2026. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0829A.pdf
Employer “Mini-Handbook” Requirement - H.5679 SubAaa/S.70 SubAaa – Public Law Chapters 337 and 338 - changes an employer’s responsibilities, starting January 1, 2026, as it relates to providing a type of “mini employee handbook” (in English) to employees when they are hired. The information must include: rate or rates of pay and the basis for pay (hour, shift, day, week, salary, piece, commission, or other method), allowances, if any, for meals and lodging; employer's policy on sick, vacation, personal leave, holidays and hours; employee's employment status and whether the employee is exempt from minimum wage and/or overtime; a list of deductions that may be made from the employee's pay; number of days in the pay period, the regularly scheduled payday, and the payday on which the employee will receive the first payment of wages earned; legal name of the employer and the operating name of the employer, if different from its legal name; physical address of the employer's main office or principal place of business, and its mailing address if different; and telephone number of the employer. Failure to comply results in a penalty of $400 for the first and second offense. Subsequent offenses are subject to the penalties in RIGL 28-14-17(a) which reads, “guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction of the misdemeanor, the employer shall be punished by a fine of not less than four hundred dollars ($400) for each separate offense, or by imprisonment of up to one year, or by both fine and imprisonment.” The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5679Aaa.pdf
Menopause Accommodation – H.6161/S.361 - Public Law Chapters 225 and 226 - expand the current law to include menopause and menopause related conditions in the law on fair employment practices pertaining to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions. The language, which became effective upon passage, refers to accommodations for “the need to manage the effects of vasomotor symptoms” which is commonly known as “hot flashes” or “night sweats.” The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law25/law25225.htm
Unemployment Compensation Partial Benefits – H.5448aa/S.622aa – Public Law Chapters 236 and 296 – extend the current partial unemployment benefit program for one more year to June 30, 2026. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly and Governor increased the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant could receive before being
entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits and increased the amount of earnings disregarded when calculating a weekly benefit rate. At the time, it was deemed necessary because jobs were hard to find as many places were forcibly closed by the state. The law was about to sunset June 30, 2025. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0622aa.pdf
Labor Relations Definition of Employee – H.5187 SubAaa/S.124 SubBaa – change the definition of “employee” under Rhode Island law, effective immediately. Members of the unions pushed these bills as a means to head off any federal changes in the National Labor Relations Board. The new definition reads “"Employee" specifically includes any teaching assistants, research assistants, fellows, residential assistants and proctors who perform services for an employer in return for payment or other compensation, notwithstanding whether the employee is a student, or the supervised teaching, research, or other services are a component of their academic development.” These individuals are currently covered in Rhode Island. The law also gives the Board the ability to adopt rules for electronic filing of cards of interest, decertification signature cards, signature affirmation documents and designation of bargaining agent and waiver of right-to-vote forms. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0124Baa.pdf
Captive Audience Ban – H.5506 SubA/S.126 SubA – limit the First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment rights of employers by barring them from holding mandatory meetings with employees to discuss any issue covered under the bill’s definition of “political matters.” “Political matters” is defined as, “topics that are unrelated to the employer's business or business activities, such as subjects relating to elections for political office, political parties, proposals to change legislation or regulations which are not directly related to the employer's business, and a decision whether to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization.” It is this very situation that was anticipated, and addressed by Congress under the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947. That federal law specifically allows employers to hold such meetings provided they do not threaten employees in the meeting. The new state law does allow employers to: (1) communicate to its employees any information that the employer is required by law to communicate, but only to the extent of such legal requirement, (2) communicate to its employees any information that is necessary to perform their job duties, (3) communicate with employees of higher education entities if it is part of coursework, symposia or an academic program at such institution, (4) engage in casual conversations with employees if participation is not required. The law is in effect now. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5506A.pdf
Energy and Environment Issues:
Act on Climate – Senate Resolution 23 – Resolution 313 - creates a five-member special legislative commission to provide recommendations for any necessary legislation and/or oversight for the Act on Climate. This commission must report back to the Senate on or before May 1, 2026, and expires June 1, 2026. The resolution can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0023.pdf
Nuclear Energy Procurement – H.5575SubA/S.318 SubA – Public Law Chapters 101 and 102 - allow the electric distribution company to procure nuclear electricity through long-term contracts. The Public Law can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law25/law25101.htm
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – H.6207 SubAaa/S.996 SubAaa – Public Law Chapters 356 and 355 – require the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Department of Administration (DOA), and the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), to commission a statewide needs assessment to determine the infrastructure, policy, and programmatic requirements necessary to support a statewide redemption and recycling plan that includes packaging materials, paper products, and standard and miniature size beverage containers (aluminum, glass, plastic, etc). This study was passed following an impasse between proponents and opponents of the bottle deposit and redemption bill and the EPR bills. The commission must complete its work by December 1, 2026. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0996Aaa.pdf
Taxation Issues:
State Budget - H.5076 SubAaa – Public Law Chapter 278 – became effective without the Governor’s signature June 29, 2025. The Chamber has reported extensively on this legislation. The 441-page document includes the following taxes:
· Whole homes that are rented for less than thirty days would be subject to the hotel tax. Currently, those properties are exempt.
· The hotel tax increased from 1% to 2%
· Real estate conveyance tax – the budget includes a 63% increase in the real estate conveyance tax which is paid at the time of sale of a property. Prior to 2021, all properties were taxed at $2.30 per $500 of sale price. In 2021, the General Assembly increased the tax on residential properties selling at a price over $800,000 – adding another $2.30 per $500 for the portion of the selling price over the threshold (sometimes referred to as Tier 2 properties). This year, an additional increase of 63% is included on both Tier 1 and Tier 2 properties. The tax increase is estimated to raise $13.5 million in this fiscal year and $18.7 million in FY27.
· Sales tax is applied to short-term parking up to one month. Estimated to generate $1.6 million
· Gas tax increases by 2 cents per gallon with a majority of the revenues going to RIPTA. The existing gas tax law has an automatic adjustment every two years. On July 1, 2025, the gas tax will rise to $.41 a gallon.
· A new state tax on non-owner-occupied homes was included in this budget. Some media outlets have dubbed this the “Taylor Swift” tax. The language defines “non-owner occupied as “the residential property does not serve as the owner’s primary residence and is not occupied by the owner of the property for a majority of days during a given taxable year.” If the property has an assessed at a value over $1 million, and the property is not rented for more than 183 days during the previous taxable year or was subject to the room reseller tax, or lodgings tax, it falls under the new tax. The tax amounts to $2.50 for each $500 of assessed value in excess of $1 million. The tax is levied in addition to all other taxes assessed. The tax can be paid in four quarterly payments, with the first installment due September 15th of a given taxable year.
· Fee increases include: a $1 increase in the technology surcharge fee for vehicle registrations, a new $200 fee each time a battery electric vehicle is registered, $100 for a plug-in hybrid registration, a $50 fee for a hybrid electric vehicle, increased penalties for various law infractions.
The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5076Aaa.pdf
Industry Specific Issues:
CDL Training Requirement – H.5231/S.523 – Public Law Chapters 64 and 65 – require that commercial driver instruction include industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking. The law is in effect at this time. The Public Law can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law25/law25064.htm
Investments of Domestic Insurance Companies – H.6315/S.1047 – Public Law Chapters 88 and 87 - eliminate the Rhode Island restriction on insurance companies that limited the investment in Schedule BA assets to 10% of assets. Schedule BA assets are long-term invested assets that do not fit into other asset categories. The Public Law can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law25/law25088.htm
Non-profit Salary Disclosure - S.579 SubA – Public Law 41 – requires non-profits that receive grants or other funding, in excess of $50,000, from the general assembly directly or appropriated through the state budget, to disclose the total benefit package paid to the five highest compensated employees with reportable compensation of at least $100,000 during the previous fiscal year. The disclosure must include a description of the position, the total salary or compensation paid along with all benefits provided including health insurance, retirement or pension contributions, and any other allowances for items such as automobiles, lodging or communication devices. The names of the individual employees do not have to be disclosed. The disclosure must be made within ninety days of receipt of the grant or funding. The law is in effect at this time. The Public Law can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law25/law25041.htm
Ticket Fees and AirBnB Fees – H.5247 SubAaa/S.17 SubA –require entities advertising live-event tickets or short-term lodging to include all fees associated with the transaction before the consumer consents to purchase. Any violation is subject to the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The law takes effect January 1, 2026. The link to the Public Law is not yet available. The final version of the bill can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5247Aaa.pdf
Bills of Interest That Did Not Pass:
S.959 An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations — Workplace Psychological Safety Act. This bill is often referred to as “the bullying bill.” S.959 holds employers responsible for failure to respond and eliminate “psychological abuse” in the workplace. The definition of "psychological abuse" includes actions such as “mistreatment that has the effect of hurting, weakening, confusing, or frightening a person mentally or emotionally.” These terms are very subjective. They can mean different things to different people, leaving everyone wondering what they can and cannot do or say in the workplace. An employee may use both direct and circumstantial evidence to prove a violation occurred. In the event an allegation is deemed to fit the definitions outlined in the legislation, that employee is entitled to economic, compensatory, and punitive damages or $5,000, whichever is greater. The bill passed the Senate but remains in the House Labor Committee.
H.5493 SubA/S.91, Acts Relating to Health and Safety – Building Decarbonization Act of 2025. Both bills went through drafting changes during the last night of session. H.5493 SubA was amended to remove the requirement to build “electric-ready” buildings, but kept in place the requirement for owners of buildings greater than 25,000 sq. ft. to report their annual energy usage by type to the Office of Energy Resources (OER). The Governor had proposed benchmarking state government building first before moving to the private sector. The House passed the bill the night of June 20th, but never transmitted it to the Senate for consideration. The Senate companion remains in the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee.
S.302 SubAaa, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act, passed the Senate but was not transmitted to the House. This bill originally banned almost all noncompete agreements, but it was amended to apply to employees making less than $125,000 a year (full exemptions to the ban existed for businesses governed by Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and agreements made in connection with the sale of a business).
H.5940, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – The Rhode Island Opportunity for Employee Ownership Act. H.5940 requires a majority of businesses in Rhode Island to give all full-time and part-time employees seven-days-notice of an intent to sell all or at least 51% of the business. This requirement applies to every business employing between three and five hundred employees that is privately held and not a publicly traded company. It also exempts pass though entities. Once the notice is given, the employees have thirty days to respond with an intent buy notice, not an offer to purchase. If the employees form a group and give the owner an intent to buy notice, they then have 180 days to determine what they believe the value of the business to be before making an actual offer. H.5940 remains in the House Labor Committee.
H.5943/S.857, Acts Relating to Businesses and Professions – Holiday Business, begin the process of addressing Rhode Island’s designation as the last state in the country to require premium pay be paid to employees who work Sundays or holidays as a part of their normal 40-hour work week. Massachusetts phased out its requirement leaving Rhode Island as the lone outlier. The legislation exempts small businesses – defined as a business with less than 15 employees – from the premium pay requirement. The bills also exempt larger employers if they are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that includes the exemption. H.5943 remains in the House Labor Committee. S.857 remains in the Senate Labor Committee.
H.5245/S.185, Acts Relating to Public Utility and Carriers, create a tiered rate system for electricity and natural gas customers whose household income level is below 150% of the federal poverty level and who are eligible for LIHEAP assistance or Medicaid. 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 including commercial and industrial customers. The House bill remains in the House Corporations Committee. The Senate bill is in the Senate Finance Committee
H.5678/S.589, Acts Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Minimum Wage – Overtime. 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. These bills would raise that cut-off and make additional salaried employees non-exempt and therefore eligible for overtime pay, based on differing formulas for small employers (up to 50 employees) and large employers (50 or more employees) Beginning 2026, the multiplier would be one and one-half times the minimum hourly wage for a 40-hour workweek for small employers and two times the minimum hourly wage for a 40-hour workweek for large employers. Essentially, this makes more employees subject to overtime payments. The bills remain in the House and Senate Labor Committees

House Finance Committee Passes Budget
The House Finance Committee passed a budget at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night. The $14.334 billion budget includes $45 million for primary care doctors, $38 million in extra money for hospitals, $12 million for nursing homes, and more money for education than provided for in the Governor’s budget. During the media briefing, the Speaker said, “Do I want to come back in October? No.” but he acknowledged it might be necessary if the federal government makes certain cuts to state grants or to state programs where federal funding is significant. The full House will vote on the budget Tuesday, June 17th.
How did the House Finance budget find revenues for these initiatives? Article 5 SubA contains many new tax proposals including the following:
· Whole homes that are rented for less than thirty days would be subject to the hotel tax. Currently, those properties are exempt.
· The hotel tax increased from 1% to 2%
· Real estate conveyance tax – the budget includes a 63% increase in the real estate conveyance tax which is paid at the time of sale of a property. Prior to 2021, all properties were taxed at $2.30 per $500 of sale price. In 2021, the General Assembly increased the tax on residential properties selling at a price over $800,000 – adding another $2.30 per $500 for the portion of the selling price over the threshold (sometimes referred to as Tier 2 properties). This year, an additional increase of 63% is included on both Tier 1 and Tier 2 properties. As an example, the median price for a Rhode Island home is $512,750. Under current law a seller of that home would pay $2,358.65 in conveyance tax at the time of sale. Article 5 SubA raises that tax to $3,845.63; and increase of $1,486.98. A home sold for $900,000 today would cost the seller $4,600 in conveyance tax. Article 5 SubA raises it to $7,500. The tax increase is estimated to raise $13.5 million in this fiscal year and $18.7 million in FY27.
· Sales tax is applied to short-term parking up to one month. Estimated to generate $1.6 million
· Gas tax increases by 2 cents per gallon with a majority of the revenues going to RIPTA. The existing gas tax law has an automatic adjustment every two years. On July 1, 2025, the gas tax will rise to $.38 a gallon (plus the $.01 per gallon environmental fee). The proposed budget will raise the gas tax to $.40 a gallon (plus $.01 environmental fee) for a total state tax of $.41 a gallon. Massachusetts gas tax is currently $.24 per gallon. Connecticut has a $.25 per gallon gas tax, but also has an 8.1% tax on gross earnings at the wholesale level, making it more difficult to compare.
· The Governor’s proposed tax on digital advertising was not included in the House budget. This tax was passed in one state and that state is in costly litigation while unable to collect the tax. The Speaker made it clear he was unwilling to rely on revenue from a tax structure that would be challenged in court leaving a hole in the budget.
· A new state tax on non-owner-occupied homes is included in this budget. Some media outlets have dubbed this the “Taylor Swift” tax. The language defines “non-owner occupied as “the residential property does not serve as the owner’s primary residence and is not occupied by the owner of the property for a majority of days during a given taxable year.” If the property has an assessed at a value over $1 million, and the property is not rented for more than 183 days during the previous taxable year and was subject to the
room reseller tax, or lodgings tax. The tax amounts to $2.50 for each $500 of assessed value in excess of $1 million. The tax is levied in addition to all other taxes assessed. The tax can be paid in four quarterly payments, with the first installment due September 15th of a given taxable year. To date, no estimate of revenue to be collected has been published.
· There are a number of fee increases in the budget: a $1 increase in the technology surcharge fee for vehicle registrations, a new $200 fee each time a battery electric vehicle is registered, $100 for a plug-in hybrid registration, a $50 fee for a hybrid electric vehicle, increased penalties for various law infractions.
One positive note in the budget – the Workers Compensation Administrative Fund was taken out of the Indirect Cost Recovery program. Currently the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) keeps 10% of the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Fund dollars paid by businesses. The Governor proposed to increase the percentage to 15%. The House budget eliminates the diversion of funds to DLT – keeping $3.6 million in the workers compensation administrative fund ultimately saving businesses money.




TCI Bill Amended on the Senate Floor Last Week
S.974aa, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Temporary Disability Insurance – Contributions, was amended on the Senate floor to remove the language increasing the maximum number of weeks an employee can take for Temporary Care Giver (TCI) reasons. The bill originally proposed to increase the weeks to ten weeks in 2027 and twelve weeks in 2028. Under current law, employees may take up to seven weeks off in 2025 and eight weeks off starting January 1, 2026 to care for various family members. The Senate noted business concerns surrounding the challenges finding replacement employees as the reason for the amendment. The senate did add “siblings” to the language meaning employee can use TCI to care for siblings. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Billtext25/SenateText25/S0974aa.pdf
The House version – H.6066 is scheduled for a vote Monday in House Labor. The bill is posted in a SubA form to mirror the changes made on the Senate floor.
This Week At the State House
The General Assembly hopes to complete its work either Wednesday or Friday. The Juneteenth holiday prevents the legislature from coming into session Thursday. This edition of Advocacy in Action includes legislation scheduled for hearing or vote as of Sunday. The House and Senate may add bills throughout the week. If the legislative work is mpleted 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 is concluded, providing a list of new laws business need to consider.
Monday, June 16th
Labor Relations Board
S.124 SubB and H.5187 SubA, Acts Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Labor Relations Act changes the definition of “employee” under Rhode Island law. Members of the unions are pushing this bill as a means to head off any changes in the National Labor Relations Board. S.124 SubA was amended as the Chamber requested related to the definition of “employee.” The new definition reads “"Employee" specifically includes any teaching assistants, research assistants, fellows, residential assistants and proctors who perform services for an employer or are under an employer's control or right of control, in return for payment or other compensation, notwithstanding whether the employee is a student, or the supervised teaching, research, or other services are a component of their academic development.” These individuals are currently covered in Rhode Island. The S.124 SubB version and the new SubA version of 5187 proposes to eliminate language that defines the “right of control.” See https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/H5187A.pdf and https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/S0124B.pdf for the new language to be voted on Monday.


Captive Audience Bill
H.5506 SubA and S.126 SubA are scheduled for a vote Monday. These bills, Acts Related to Labor and Labor Relations – Employe Free Speech Rights, limit the First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendments rights of employers by barring them from holding mandatory meetings with employees to discuss any issue covered under the bill’s definition of “political matters.” The definition was tweaked only slightly. “Political matters” is defined as, “topics that are unrelated to the employer's business or business activities, such as subjects relating to elections for political office, political parties, proposals to change legislation or regulations which are not directly related to the employer's business, and a decision whether to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization.” It is this very situation that was anticipated, and addressed by Congress under the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947. That federal law specifically allows employers to hold such meetings provided they do not threaten employees in the meeting. Both H.5506 SubA and S.126 SubA undermine the employer employee relationship. The amended language can be found at: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/H5506A.pdf and https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0126A.pdf
Retail Sales to Seniors
H.5831, An Act Relating to Commercial Law – Senior Savings Protection Act, requires any business engaged in the sale of goods or services who offers a discount to its customers for utilizing automatic payment systems, via ACH or EFT or similar payment systems, to provide the same discount to any person who is 65 years of age or older who makes a payment using paper checks. The bill is scheduled for a vote in the House Corporations Committee. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5831.pdf

This Week At the State House
The House posted the Budget for consideration in the House Finance Committee on both Tuesday and Wednesday. This will allow the committee to use Wednesday as a backup in the event the budget documents are not ready Tuesday. Legislative bills continue to post as the House and Senate reach agreements on some bills while opposing versions of others linger leaving their resolution in question. The following bills are posted for consideration and/or hearing this week.
Tuesday, June 10th
FY2026 Budget
House Finance has scheduled, H.5076, An Act Making Appropriations for the Support of the State for Fiscal year Ending June 30, 2026. The hearing will be live streamed, although the starting time is difficult to predict as it is dependent upon completion of documents. Livestreaming is available at https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv

Noncompete Agreements
S.302, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act, is scheduled for a vote At the Rise in room 313. Current law bans businesses from entering into noncompete agreements with individuals that make 250% of the federal poverty level or less ($39,125 for a single person). S.302 would strike this language, making noncompete agreements illegal unless it is entered into as part of a sale of the business. The bill adds a provision allowing businesses to enter into agreements with employees not to share customer lists and future business plans. If an employee violates such an agreement, the employer can be awarded injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and costs. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0302.pdf
Minimum Wage Increase
S.125, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Minimum Wages, will be voted on in the Senate Labor Committee. This bill calls for five years of consecutive $1 increases, reaching $20 an hour in 2030. Last week the House passed a two-year increase of $1 per year, reaching $17 in 2027. The Chamber has been actively working on this issue with members of the General Assembly and Labor. Last Friday night, the Senate posted a SubA for S.125 to mirror the House two-year proposal. Massachusetts currently has a minimum wage of $15. Connecticut’s minimum wage is $16.35 with an automatic annual increase tied to the Employment Cost Index that is re-calculated each October 15th. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/S0125A.pdf


“Mini” Employee Handbook
H.5679, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Payment of Wages, is scheduled for a vote in amended form. The bill changes an employer’s responsibilities as it relates to providing a type of “mini employee handbook” (in English) to employees when they are hired. The information must include: rate or rates of pay and the basis for pay (hour, shift, day, week, salary, piece, commission, or other method), allowances, if any, for meals and lodging; employer's policy on sick, vacation, personal leave, holidays and hours; employee's employment status and whether the employee is exempt from minimum wage and/or overtime; a list of deductions that may be made from the employee's pay; number of days in the pay period, the regularly scheduled payday, and the payday on which the employee will receive the first payment of wages earned; legal name of the employer and the operating name of the employer, if different from its legal name; physical address of the employer's main office or principal place of business, and its mailing address if different; and telephone number of the employer. If passed, and signed by the Governor, the new law would go into effect upon passage. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/H5679A.pdf
Outdoor Dining Temporary Building
H.6392, An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Outdoor Dining Act, is scheduled for hearing, and perhaps quick passage. The bill allows a food service establishment to provide temporary outdoor dining services any time a building or other structure used as a food service establishment is rendered uninhabitable by virtue of a casualty i.e. fire or flood. The temporary building could be used for 18 months or until the building is fit for occupancy. If passed, the law would sunset June 30, 2027. This bill is directed at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. https://status.rilegislature.gov/documents/agenda-21107.aspx
The Senate version is also scheduled for hearing and possible consideration Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1139.pdf
Wednesday, June 11th
FY2026 Budget
House Finance has scheduled a second hearing date and time if needed. H.5076, An Act Making Appropriations for the Support of the State for Fiscal year Ending June 30, 2026, could be voted
on 5:00pm on June 11th, if the budget does not receive a vote Tuesday. The hearing will be live streamed. Livestreaming is available at https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv
The following new bills have been filed:
House Bill No. 6387 Felix, Cortvriend, Diaz, Kislak, Corvese, Handy, Morales, Alzate, Stewart, Hull, AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- RIDESHARE OR TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY VEHICLE SURCHARGE (Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6387.pdf
Senate Bill No. 1131 Zurier, Bissaillon, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (Authorizes municipalities to impose a ticket tax on ticket sales for venues large enough to hold at least eight hundred (800) patrons, seated, of seven percent (7%) per ticket. The tax shall be redistributed to the locality where the venue is located.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1131.pdf

This Week At the State House
We are awaiting the posting of the FY2026 budget in the House Finance Committee. The Committee is hoping to take it up this week for a vote. If that happens, the full House will debate and vote on the budget seven days later in accordance with the House rules. Meanwhile other committees are busy passing amended forms of bills that were heard over the last five months. Amendments to bills can be posted online 24 hours before the vote is taken and bills can be amended on the floor as well. The following is a list of bills scheduled for a vote or a hearing this week as of Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Monday, June 2nd
Senate Labor & Gaming Committee at 5:30 – Votes Only
S.70, An Act Relating to Payment of Wages, changes an employer’s responsibilities as it relates to providing employees with statements of earnings. Today employers must include the hours worked, deductions from gross earnings and an explanation of those deductions. The legislation adds items such as the last four digits of the social security number, deduction explanations in “understandable language and form,” the employer’s address and name, and output information if pay is based on quantity. The bill was altered compared to last year’s bill to clarify that employers must only keep records for three years which is consistent with current law. It also requires employers to provide a type of “mini employee handbook” to employees. The sponsor did change the bill to include English as the language for the handbook. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0070.pdf
S.124, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Labor Relations Act changes the definition of “employee” under Rhode Island law. Members of the unions are pushing this bill as a means to head off any changes in the National Labor Relations Board. S.124 is scheduled to be amended as the Chamber requested related to the definition of “employee.” The new definition, if passed, will read “"Employee" specifically includes any teaching assistants, research assistants, fellows, residential assistants and proctors who perform services for an employer or are under an employer's control or right of control, in return for payment or other compensation, notwithstanding whether the employee is a student, or the supervised teaching, research, or other services are a component of their academic development.” These individuals are currently covered in Rhode Island. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/S0124A.pdf
S.361, An Act Relating to Fair Employment Practices expands the current law to include menopause and menopause related conditions in the law on fair employment practices pertaining to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0361.pdf
S.586, An Act Relating to Health and Safety, requires employers, starting January 1, 2026, to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandate training, to recognize and mitigate heat and cold-related risks. The act would require the department of health to establish and implement the training program. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0586.pdf
S.622, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations, removes a sunset provision in the unemployment benefit arena. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly and Governor increased the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant could receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits and increased the amount of earnings disregarded when calculating a weekly benefit rate. At the time, it was deemed necessary because jobs were hard to find as many places were forcibly closed by the state. The law is about to sunset June 30, 2025. S.622 removes the sunset, making the benefit calculation permit. The bill was introduced at the request of DLT. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0622.pdf
Tuesday, June 3rd
Senate Finance Committee is holding a hearing on one bill of interest at the Rise in room 211. S.1040, An Act Relating to Taxation – Tax on Gains from the Sale or Exchange of Real Property, was introduced May 9th for the first time. The bill creates a new tax on gains from the sale or exchange of real property held for six years or less.
*Gain, as a percentage of basis (tax cost)
Years property held by transferor 0-99% 100-199% 200% or more
Less than 4 months 60% 70% 80%
4 months, but less than 8 35% 52.5% 70%
8 months but less than 1 year 30% 45% 60%
1 year, but less than 2 25% 37.5% 50%
2 years, but less than 3 20% 30% 40%
3 years, but less than 4 15% 22.5% 30%
4 years, but less than 5 10% 15% 20%
5 years, but less than 6 5% 7.5% 10%
The bill can be viewed in its entirety at https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1040.pdf Testimony can be submitted to [email protected]


House Labor Committee Vote At the Rise


H.5029, An Act Relating to Labor and Labor Relations – Minimum Wage is scheduled for a vote. The SubA posted version calls for two increases in the minimum wage - $16 starting January 1, 2026; and $17 starting January 1, 2027. This amended version does not include the business community’s request to phase out the Sunday premium pay requirements that only exist in this state and no other. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/H5029A.pdf
The following new bills have been filed:
House Bill No. 6365 Cotter, Carson, Speakman, Boylan, Spears, Potter, Cruz, Stewart, Giraldo, Casimiro, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RETAIL DELIVERY FEE (Imposes a fifty cent delivery fee (tax) per transaction for deliveries in the state.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6365.pdf
House Bill No. 6378 Morales, Shallcross Smith, Felix, Cruz, Potter, Stewart, Giraldo, AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT (Provides for the sealing of eviction records under certain circumstances.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6378.pdf

This Week At the State House
Tuesday, May 20th
The Senate Finance Committee has a full schedule in Room 212 At the Rise (approximately 4:30). There are five bills of interest to the business community:
Shift of Utility Costs to Businesses and Higher Income Earners
S.185, An Act Relating to Public Utility 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 and who are eligible for LIHEAP assistance or Medicaid. 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 including commercial and industrial customers. Rhode Island businesses currently pay the second highest electricity rates in the country according to the Energy Information Agency’s most recent data. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0185.pdf


Municipal Waiver of Interest


S.330, An Act Relating to Taxation – Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes, allows municipalities to waive interest on overdue taxes on commercial properties. This is a simple bill that gives cities and towns the option to treat commercial property taxes in the same way they can treat residential property taxes today. S.330 is enabling legislation allowing municipalities to waive interest
on one quarter of overdue commercial property tax if:
1) The property has been owned for the five years immediately preceding the tax payment that is overdue
2) The taxpayer requests the waiver in writing
3) The taxpayer made timely payments of taxes for the five years immediately preceding the tax payment
4) The payment that is overdue was issued less than two years prior to the date of the request for the waiver
5) The waiver of interest is $500 or less https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0330.pdf
RI New Qualified Jobs Incentive Act
S.613, An Act Relating to Taxation – Rhode Island New Qualified Jobs Incentive Act 2015 provides more time to file documentation to prove the business has met the employment requirements under the act. Under current law, a business has three years following the date of approval to submit the paperwork. S.613 allows for the submission electing a waiver of tax credits for the first year of eligibility for a tax credit. Secondly, the bill also allows businesses awarded tax credits between October 1, 2018 and December 31, 2023, to submit documentation until December 31, 2025, provided the business can show evidence that withholding payments were made. Lastly, a business that was approved for tax credits under the program by the board of directors of the commerce corporation and was unable to meet its employment commitments and did not receive any tax credits under the program, may submit a new application for tax credits to the commerce corporation. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0613.pdf
Rebuild RI Tax Credit
S.1002, An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Rebuild RI Tax Credit, expands the maximum project credit allowed under the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit program to include sales and use tax exemptions for qualified development projects related to affordable and workforce housing. The current program aims to bridge the funding gap for real estate projects that are unable to secure sufficient financing through traditional means. The program provides redeemable tax credits to eligible projects. These tax credits can cover up to 20% of project costs, and in certain cases, up to 30%. Rebuild RI approved projects may also be exempt from sales tax on construction materials, furnishings, and equipment. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1002.pdf
Testimony on all these bills can be submitted to [email protected]
Wednesday, May 21st
Worldwide Wealth Tax
The House Finance Committee is meeting at 4:00 p.m. in room 35. H.6290, An Act Relating to Taxation – Wealth Tax is on agenda. This new bill places a 1% tax on “world-wide” wealth of Rhode Island individual residents and businesses domiciled in the state. Beginning January 1, 2026, for taxes due in 2027, a wealth tax is imposed equal to one percent (1%) multiplied by a resident's/business’s taxable worldwide wealth. "Worldwide wealth" is defined as “the fair market value of all intangible assets, or portion thereof, owned or controlled by a resident.” The first $25 million of assets is exempt from taxation; however married individuals and domestic partners must file together and each claim one-half of the exemption unless they seek a special exemption from the state. Nonfinancial assets are also not subject to tax which includes: worldwide wealth of artificial persons associated with the individual resident, debts of the United
States, trademarks, trade names, patents, financing agreements, private nongovernmental personal service contracts, nongovernmental athletic or sports franchises or agreement, nonfinancial intangible assets, stock of a federal reserve bank or national mortgage association, and property subject to ad valorem taxation (real property or personal property subject to tax already). The legislation includes a tax penalty of 50% of the underpayment if the taxpayer substantially underestimates the tax, and a 30% penalty in all other cases. This 1% worldwide wealth tax appears to be a tax in addition to any other tax owed. H.6290 does include a credit if the taxpayer is subject to a substantially similar tax from another state on the same assets. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6290.pdf
To submit testimony on H.6290, email it to [email protected]
Thursday, May 22nd
Junk Fee Bill to Be Amended as Requested by the Chamber
H.5247, An Act Relating to Commercial Law – Deceptive Trade Practices, is scheduled for a vote, but in a SubA form. The original bill attempted to address what is often referred to as “junk fees,” and the misleading of customers by stating one price for a good or service and then adding random fees after the order is complete. The legislation created a new section to the unfair deceptive practices act, declaring it is an unfair practice to offer goods or services to the public and fail to include a notification disclosing any fees including the “nature and purpose” of those fees. H.5247 SubA, is limited to the “Advertising, displaying, or offering a price for live-event tickets or short-term lodging in violation of federal law 16 C.F.R. Part 464.” This version of the bill resolves the concerns expressed by the Chamber. The SubA can be viewed at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/Proposed25/H5247A.pdf
The following new bills have been filed:
House Bill No. 6334 (Providence City Council) Kislak, Morales, Potter, Diaz, Slater, Ajello, Speakman, Hull, J. Lombardi, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (Authorizes municipalities to impose a ticket tax on ticket sales for venues large enough to hold at least eight hundred (800) patrons, seated, of two dollars ($2) per ticket. The tax shall be redistributed to the locality where the venue is located.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6334.pdf
House Bill No. 6344 Voas, Chippendale, AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT (Replaces the existing limited liability company act with a newer and updated model act.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6344.pdf House Bill No. 6346 Carson, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015 (Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6346.pdf

​Revenue Estimating Conference Adopts Final Numbers

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) completed its work Friday afternoon after six hours of debate. For FY25, the conferees adopted revenues of $5.6176 billion which is $61 million more than anticipated during the November 2024 REC. Personal Income Tax collection accounted for $37.1 million of the addition revenue, showing Rhode Island has not experienced the personal income decline that some other states have seen. Sales and Use Taxes collections were down $22 million. Business Corporations Taxes were up $3 million. Taxes on Public Utilities Gross came in $9.7 million higher than anticipated; Insurance Company taxes were up $8.5 million and Lottery revenues were up $7.1 million. Caseload total costs were also down $39 million.

While that is good news, the picture for the upcoming fiscal year is more challenging. Total estimated general revenues for FY2026 are $5.4863 billion ($131.3 million less than FY2025). Income Tax collections are estimated to increase another 2.5% to $1.999 billion. Business Corporate taxes and Financial Institution taxes are expected to go down while the Public Utilities Gross tax is estimated to bring in slightly higher revenue in FY2026. Once again, sales tax collections are expected to decline. Lottery revenues are expected to increase only by 1.9%. Caseload estimates for FY2026 are $260 million more than originally estimated; however, some of that increase - $197.8 million - is currently booked as qualifying for federal fundings. Whether that will change is a fair question. Governor McKee’s budget, as originally proposed, is a $5.7431 billion budget, $256.8 million more than revenues predicted to be available next year. The Governor’s budget also included a digital tax that is unlikely to bring in immediate revenue based on the experience of other states that adopted the tax. They are not collecting it as they wait for court challenges to play out.

Budget meetings between the House and Senate are already underway. They hope to have a budget passed by the third week of June. The House Fiscal staff will be providing an overview of the REC and budget process Wednesday at 4:00. It can be livestreamed at https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/

Bullying Bill Passes in SubA Form

The Workplace Psychological Safety Act (often referred to as the bullying bill) was passed in a SubA form by the Senate Labor & Gaming Committee. Although amended, the changes were minimal. The bill exempts out businesses with fewer than fifteen employees. Covered businesses would still have to implement training programs, adopt complaint processes, maintain records of complaints, and are not permitted to use mediation or arbitration to deal with allegations unless agreed to by the individual submitting the complaint. Damages still include punitive damages, compensatory damages, injunctive relief, or up to $5,000 per complaint depending upon the circumstances. The SubA requires a regulatory review of the law five years after enactment. Workplace bullying includes the following activities: “Conduct may include false accusations, sabotage of work performance, consistent ignoring or ostracism, removal of major responsibilities, consistent unreasonable workloads, excessive monitoring, consistent micromanagement, persistent hypercriticism, impossible deadlines, pressure to engage in
unethical behavior or give up rights or benefits, retaliation for speaking up, or repeated verbal abuse.” https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0959A.pdf


This Week At the State House

Monday, May 12th
Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech

AI Regulations for “Sensitive” systems – Hiring, Education, Lending, Housing…

The Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech is meeting on Monday at 4:00 in room 313. S.627, An Act Relating to Commercial Law – Artificial Intelligence Act establishes regulations with the intent to ensure the ethical development, integration, and deployment of high-risk Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, particularly those influencing consequential decisions in areas like employment, education, lending, housing, healthcare, and legal services. It would require developers, integrators, and deployers to use reasonable care to prevent algorithmic discrimination, implement risk management policies, conduct regular impact assessments, and provide transparency regarding the use of AI systems. Starting October 1, 2025, developers would be required to disclose known risks to the attorney general and affected parties, while deployers are required to notify consumers when AI is used in decision-making and offer avenues to appeal adverse outcomes. The act would further mandate that synthetic digital content generated by AI be clearly marked, with exceptions for informational content. Additionally, this act would provide exemptions for AI systems governed by equivalent federal standards, used for internal business purposes, or developed for specific federal agencies. The attorney general would hold exclusive enforcement. If you have concerns about this legislation, please contact the Chamber. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0627.pdf

Proposed Revisions to the Identity Theft Act of 2015

S.1037, An Act Relating to Criminal Offenses – Identity Theft Act of 2015, was introduced in the Senate Friday, May 9th and is scheduled for hearing Monday, May 12th . The bill changes “personal information” to “personally identifiable” information. It requires businesses to implement controls and procedures to restrict and manage access to the data “in transit and at rest.” Companies that disclose data to third parties must now have a written contract stating the third party will maintain reasonable security measures. S.1037 adds subcontractors of the third party as well. Lastly, the bill increases the penalties for reckless violations of the Act from $100 per record to $1000 per record; and for knowing and willful violations, the penalty increases from $200 per record to $2000 per record. S.1037 gives the courts the ability to impose additional penalties as it deems warranted under the circumstances. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1037.pdf
Testimony for either bill may be submitted to [email protected]

Tuesday, May 13th

House Environment Committee Focuses on Packaging and Paper Recycling

H.6205, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Act https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6205.pdf will be heard in the House Committee on Environment & Natural Resources At the Rise in the House Lounge. This bill is one of three bills related to the debate over the adoption of a bottle redemption bill and is the companion to S.939 that was heard last week. For two years, a joint House and Senate commission has been meeting to debate the pros and cons of adopting a bottle deposit and redemption bill. The members of the commission did not reach consensus, so three bills were introduced last week – a bottle deposit bill with a ten-cent fee per can/bottle; a bottle deposit combined with an extended producer responsibility program for most types of packaging (EPR); and a bill focusing only on EPR. H.6205, which focuses only on EPR was put forward by the beverage industry.

H.6202, An Act Relating to Health and Safety – Beverage Container Recycling Act, calls for a ten-cent deposit on almost all beverage containers. The bill envisions the creation of recycling centers, not a requirement placed on retailers to redeem beverage containers, with penalties placed on a beverage producer organization if recycling target rates are not met. Deposits that are not redeemed by consumers are to be used for recycling education programs, the creation of additional recycling centers and other activities required as a result of the deposit and redemption program. The 27-page bill can be found at https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6206.pdf

H.6207, An Act Relating to Health and Safety combines both a ten-cent bottle deposit on most beverages (soda, water, juices, alcohol, etc.) and an EPR program. If your business produces and packages products, sells products under a brand, or imports products that are unbranded, please read H.6207. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H6207.pdf

Testimonies for any of these bills should be submitted to [email protected]

Senate Finance Hears Tax Penalty Waivers

Tuesday, At the Rise in Room 211, the Senate Finance Committee will take testimony on two bills addressing potential waivers to tax penalties.
S.656, An Act Relating to Taxation – Rhode Island Tax Amnesty Act of 2017, authorize the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one-week amnesty period each fiscal year. The bill would reinstate a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0656.pdf

S.657, An Act Relating to Taxation – Rhode Island Tax Amnesty Act of 2017, has the same waiver of interest and penalties, but does not include the reinstatement of a suspended driver’s license. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0657.pdf
Testimony may be submitted to [email protected]


Wednesday, May 14th

House Budget Update

The House Finance Committee will receive a budget update from the House Fiscal Staff at 4:00. Live streaming is available at https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/

Weapons Hearing Day

If you plan to be at the State House Wednesday, be aware that the Senate Judiciary Committee will be hearing bills related to weapons At the Rise. These issues often bring crowds of people, so plan accordingly.


Thursday, May 15th

Hearing on TDI Taxes and Benefits in the Senate Finance Committee

S.974, An Act Related to Labor and Labor Relations – Temporary Disability Insurance – Contributions, will be heard, At the Rise, in Room 211. This bill, sponsored by the new Senate President Val Lawson, increases the taxable wage base for TDI from $38,000 to $100,000. The bill also increases the TDI benefit rate from 4.62% to 5.38% for calendar year 2026 and to 5.77% starting January 1, 2027. S.974 also increases Temporary Caregiver Insurance benefits from the current eight weeks to ten weeks beginning January 1, 2027, and further to twelve weeks beginning January 1, 2028. Testimony may be submitted to [email protected]


The following new bills have been filed:
Senate Bill No. 1037 Gu, Zurier, Burke, Ciccone, Urso, DiPalma, Vargas, Paolino, Tikoian, Lawson, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015 (Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1037.pdf
Senate Bill No. 1038 Euer, Mack, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT (Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of
permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1038.pdf
Senate Bill No. 1040 Euer, Bell, Gu, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- TAX ON GAINS FROM THE SALE OR EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY (Creates new tax on gains from sale or exchange of real property held for short periods of time, 6 years or less, establishes a comprehensive framework to calculate and implement enforcement and provides imprisonment and/or fines for those who evade taxes.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1040.pdf
Senate Bill No. 1045 Tikoian, Ciccone, Felag, LaMountain, Sosnowski, Gallo, DiPalma, Patalano, Burke, Appollonio, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX (Exempts subchapter S corporations in the first year of existence from paying the minimum tax.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1045.pdf


Senate Bill No. 1058 Ciccone, Burke, Patalano, Tikoian, Raptakis, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WAREHOUSE WORKER PROTECTION ACT (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 adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S1058.pdf