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The Senate approved the fiscal 2027 budget 32-6 on June 9, sending the $15.2 billion spending plan to Gov. McKee for signature. The budget includes a phased millionaire's tax, creation of an inspector general position, and controversial changes to Rhode Island Energy street repaving requirements. Republicans and two Democrats opposed the measure, citing rapid passage and a 6% spending increase.
The Rhode Island House approved legislation on June 9 permitting individuals to expunge up to four felony convictions from public records. The bill increases waiting periods to 15 years for multiple felonies and expands the list of non-expungeable crimes. The measure passed 61-12 after failed amendments to shorten waiting times and remove certain crimes like child neglect from the ineligible list.
Rhode Island lawmakers approved legislation allowing victims of clergy sex abuse to file civil lawsuits against the Catholic Church for previously time-barred claims. The bill creates a two-year window for survivors to sue institutions that enabled or concealed abuse. The House passed the measure 68-4 on June 8, following unanimous Senate approval, and it now heads to Gov. McKee for signature.
An anti-hazing bill has passed both chambers and moves to Gov. Dan McKee's desk, who confirmed he will sign it into law. The measure directs RIDE to work with RIIL to establish statewide hazing definitions, zero-tolerance policies, and penalties ranging from individual suspensions to team-level sanctions. The legislation follows hazing incidents at Smithfield and Rogers high schools in 2025.
The General Assembly is finalizing legislation to eliminate the requirement that recreational cannabis license holders be majority owned by Rhode Island residents. Bills sponsored by Rep. Slater and Sen. Bissaillon aim to resolve three federal lawsuits that halted license awards and restart the Cannabis Control Commission application process within 60 days. Both chambers have approved companion versions of the measure.
The General Assembly passed joint resolutions establishing a special study commission to investigate hospital staffing adequacy, patient safety impacts, and recruitment practices. The commission, which does not require the governor's signature, has a Sept. 1, 2027 deadline for recommendations and expires Jan. 30, 2028. The measure passed both chambers on June 4.
Care New England Health System lost $35.4 million in operations during the first six months of fiscal 2026, a significant shift from the $4.6 million operating income reported in the same period a year earlier. Women & Infants Hospital accounted for $10.9 million of the loss. The disclosure coincided with CNE's May 26 announcement that it was cutting more than 30 leadership and nonclinical positions.
Raytheon, an RTX business, announced a $100 million investment to expand its Portsmouth, Rhode Island facility to increase testing capacity for the U.S. Army's LTAMDS radar program and boost production of Patriot GEM-T interceptor components. The expansion aims to accelerate deliveries amid growing global demand for air and missile defense systems.
Atlantic Capital Partners arranged the $20.5 million sale of Midland Commons, a 160,448-square-foot power center in Warwick anchored by Dick's Sporting Goods, Burlington, and Planet Fitness. Montreal-based Brasswater acquired the property with a $15 million non-recourse loan, with proceeds funding acquisition and stabilization through lease-up of two vacant suites.
Citizens Financial Group announced a $1.65 million investment in Rhode Island workforce development and financial education programs on May 27. The investment includes $1.5 million supporting organizations such as College Visions, the Genesis Center, Skills for Rhode Island's Future, and Crossroads Rhode Island, as part of a $20 million national initiative.
Providence topped Zillow's list of hottest rental markets for summer 2026, fueled by 5% year-over-year rent growth and a 5.1% vacancy rate forecast. Only 12.9% of Providence property managers offer concessions, giving renters little negotiating room. The city's typical rent stands at $2,154 monthly, according to Zillow's Observed Rent Index.
