Vol. CXXXII · No. CCLXXVIIIMONDAY, MAY 25, 2026Ocean State Edition

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278 articles · page 17 of 24
GovernanceFree press

General Assembly passes Jamestown senior property tax relief bill

The Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation expanding Jamestown's senior property tax relief program and sent it to Governor Dan McKee for consideration. The measure would extend the town's sliding-scale tax-relief program to a new income tier of seniors earning between 220% and 240% of the federal poverty guideline, offering exemptions equal to 10% of the assessment cap or property valuation, whichever is less. The bill was requested by the Jamestown Town Council.

whatsupnewp.comAPR 30, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island moves 2026 primary election day to Wednesday, September 9

Governor Dan McKee signed legislation officially moving Rhode Island's 2026 primary election to Wednesday, September 9, rather than the usual Tuesday. The change was made at the urging of state and local officials concerned that holding elections the day after Labor Day would not give municipalities enough time to set up polls. The primary will determine Democratic and Republican nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and other local offices.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
newspub.liveAPR 30, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryFree press

House Judiciary Committee advances bill expanding criminal record expungement

The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee voted 10-5 to advance legislation that would expand expungement eligibility to up to four nonviolent felonies, but only 15 years after completing a final sentence. The bill excludes violent crimes and offenses such as child endangerment, elder abuse, and DUI. Currently, first-time offenders can have a single felony expunged 10 years after sentence completion. The State Senate passed the bill in April.

patch.comAPR 30, 2026
GovernanceOther

Rhode Island proposes $2 million funding increase for Learn365RI STEM program

Governor Dan McKee has proposed an additional $2 million investment in the FY 2027 state budget to expand the Learn365RI out-of-school learning initiative. The funding aims to enhance STEM and STEAM educational programs, providing year-round learning opportunities through partnerships between community organizations and schools. The initiative seeks to improve student academic performance and close achievement gaps statewide.

app.govly.comAPR 30, 2026
GovernancePaywall

DHS proposes using AI chatbot for call center, sparks oversight concerns

Rhode Island's Department of Human Services is proposing to use artificial intelligence to improve its call center and assist workers. The proposal includes an AI chatbot for common questions and an internal tool for staff to review eligibility guidelines. DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito stated the technology will support staff and not lead to job reductions, but union leaders and critics have expressed skepticism about customer service quality and 'Orwellian' oversight.

providencejournal.comAPR 30, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island House considers charter school moratorium amid lobbying battle

Rhode Island House and Senate are considering union-backed bills to impose a three-year moratorium on new charter schools and lower the statewide cap from 35 to 25 charters. Rhode Island currently has 24 charters. A new poll commissioned by the Rhode Island League of Charter Schools found 60% of voters view charter schools favorably and 58% would oppose a moratorium, but teachers unions have fought against charter expansion, citing funding drains from public school districts.

bostonglobe.comAPR 30, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

Federal judge blocks DOJ immigration conditions on grants for domestic violence survivors

US District Judge Melissa DuBose issued a preliminary injunction preventing the DOJ from enforcing new funding restrictions that would bar organizations serving domestic violence survivors from helping noncitizens. The ruling in favor of 25 domestic violence coalitions from 21 states allows continued challenge to Trump administration efforts to withhold Violence Against Women Act grants. The case argues restrictions violate federal Administrative Procedure Act.

bostonglobe.comAPR 29, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

House Speaker Shekarchi has until May 7 to apply for RI Supreme Court vacancy

House Speaker Joe Shekarchi faces a May 7 deadline to apply for the vacant RI Supreme Court seat. Legal observers expect Shekarchi would step down as speaker if he applies, likely elevating Chris Blazejewski. The opening looms over General Assembly budget and legislative negotiations. Article notes 'the other question is what the Senate will get for agreeing to make Shekarchi a judge.'

bostonglobe.comAPR 29, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

RI interim US Attorney's 120-day term ends Tuesday; Trump could replace court's choice

Charles 'Chas' Calenda's interim US Attorney term expires April 29. US District Court for Rhode Island received six applications for the position and could appoint a new interim prosecutor. Legal observers note the Trump administration has promptly fired replacements for loyalists in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, suggesting Calenda could be reinstalled as first assistant if the court names a non-loyalist.

bostonglobe.comAPR 29, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

NJ man sues RI State Police and Coventry over 25-day wrongful detention in 2023

Freddie J. Spann filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging he was unlawfully arrested and held in Florida correctional facilities for over 25 days on RI warrants stemming from mistaken identity. Spann, a rental-car company owner, was detained after one of his vehicles was sought by police. The suit in US District Court seeks over $1 million for false arrest and malicious prosecution.

bostonglobe.comAPR 29, 2026
JudiciaryCommerceFree press

Federal judge temporarily halts RI cannabis retail license lottery over residency rules

US District Judge Melissa DuBose issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission from processing applications or holding a May lottery for up to 24 new dispensary licenses. Three out-of-state retailers challenged the 2022 Cannabis Act's residency requirement, arguing it violates the dormant commerce clause and equal protection clause. CCC filed an appeal last week.

browndailyherald.comAPR 29, 2026
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