Vol. CXXXII · No. CCLXVIIIFRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026Ocean State Edition

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Governance

268 articles · page 10 of 23
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island Senate approves bills establishing AI safety guidelines for mental health

The R.I. Senate approved two bills on May 21 sponsored by Sen. Lori Urso, D-Pawtucket, establishing safety guidelines for artificial intelligence related to mental health treatment and suicidal ideation. One bill requires AI developers to implement safety protocols for users expressing suicidal thoughts and mandates that chatbots refer users to crisis services. Developers must submit annual reports to the Attorney General detailing safety protocol activations.

pbn.comMAY 30, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Gov. McKee issues statewide drought advisory, urges voluntary water conservation

Gov. Dan McKee issued a statewide drought advisory at the recommendation of the Rhode Island Water Resources Board's Drought Steering Committee. While an advisory is the lowest of four drought declarations, the state's Water 2030 plan requires two consecutive months of normal groundwater levels before it can be lifted. No statewide water-use restrictions are in place, but residents are encouraged to check with local suppliers for conservation guidance.

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wpri.com
MAY 30, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island House passes legislation requiring bars to offer anti-spiking drink lids

Legislation requiring Rhode Island bars and nightclubs to provide tamper-proof drink lids to prevent spiking overwhelmingly passed in both the House and Senate. The bills mandate that licensed establishments offer lids with a seal upon customer request starting Jan. 1, 2027. Establishments may charge a reasonable fee based on wholesale cost. Despite hospitality industry objections, lawmakers passed the measure modeled after California legislation.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 30, 2026
CommerceGovernancePaywall

Governor McKee Nominates Michelle Reddish to Chair Cannabis Control Commission

Governor Dan McKee has nominated Michelle Reddish, Rhode Island's cannabis administrator since 2024, to chair the Cannabis Control Commission. The $204,069-per-year position has been vacant since October 2025 when Kim Ahern resigned to run for attorney general. The nomination now heads to the Rhode Island Senate for consideration.

bostonglobe.comMAY 29, 2026
GovernanceFree press

K-12 Council votes unanimously to return Providence schools to local control

The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education officially voted to return the Providence Public School District from state to local control by July 1, ending seven years of state intervention that began in 2019. Superintendent Javier Montañez confirmed district leadership will work to ensure stability during the transition. A community forum is scheduled for June 3 to discuss implementation details.

browndailyherald.comMAY 27, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Speaker Blazejewski proposes inspector general office in first major legislative move

New House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski introduced legislation to create an independent Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in state agencies. The bill exempts the legislative and judicial branches from investigation, citing separation of powers concerns. Blazejewski cited infrastructure failures like the Washington Bridge collapse and payroll system errors as justification for increased oversight amid tighter federal scrutiny.

wpri.comMAY 27, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Blazejewski's inspector general proposal draws criticism for excluding legislature

House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski faced bipartisan criticism over his inspector general bill (H 8562) which would exclude the legislative and judicial branches from investigation. Critics including GOP lieutenant governor candidate John Loughlin said the exclusion amounts to 'self-protection.' Blazejewski defended the exemption by citing the state's 2004 separation of powers amendment, arguing an executive agency cannot oversee other branches.

providencejournal.comMAY 27, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Providence City Council veto override fails on rent stabilization ordinance

The Providence City Council failed to override Mayor Brett Smiley's veto of a rent stabilization ordinance that would have capped annual rent increases at 4% for select apartments. The override attempt received 9 votes, falling short of the 10-vote supermajority needed. Council President Rachel Miller indicated the effort would continue despite the May 15 defeat, with all City Council seats and the mayor's office up for election in the fall.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 27, 2026
GovernanceCommerceFree press

Rhode Island Lottery awards Bally's tentative license for second online sportsbook

The Rhode Island Lottery on May 8 tentatively awarded Bally's Corp. a five-year license to operate the state's second online sportsbook, ending the single-operator market in place since 2019. Bally's, which already operates Rhode Island's in-person sportsbook, was selected over competitor Rush Street Interactive. The digital platform could launch as soon as late November pending final approval.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 27, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Monsanto to pay Rhode Island minimum $25M, up to $62.5M for PCB pollution

Monsanto Company and its affiliates will pay Rhode Island at least $25 million under a settlement resolving state claims of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in waterways and natural resources. The total payout could reach $62.5 million depending on indemnity litigation outcomes, with funds directed to cleanup and resource preservation.

ecori.orgMAY 26, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island to return Providence schools to local control July 1, ending state takeover

Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green announced plans to recommend ending nearly seven years of state control over Providence Public Schools, with local authority returning July 1, 2026. The surprise decision, revealed in a draft order for the K-12 council's May 26 meeting, comes a year earlier than the previously planned 2027 gradual transition. Infante-Green said protracted disagreements with municipal officials over superintendent oversight made continuing state control untenable.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 26, 2026
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