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

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Governance

268 articles · page 3 of 23
JudiciaryGovernanceFree press

Ethics Complaint Targets Senate President Lawson Over Dual Role Leading Teachers Union

Defending Education, a Virginia-based nonprofit, filed an ethics complaint on June 24, 2026, against Rhode Island Senate President Val Lawson, alleging she violated Ethics Commission guidance by voting on a charter-school moratorium and a card-check unionization bill while serving as president of the National Education Association Rhode Island. Lawson defended her votes, stating she consulted with legal staff and determined there was either no conflict or she was covered by the class exemption.

wpri.comJUN 26, 2026
GovernanceOther

Rhode Island Budget Enacts Millionaires' Tax, Child Tax Credit

Rhode Island's new $15.2 billion fiscal 2027 budget, signed by Governor McKee on June 12, includes a 3% surcharge on income over $1 million phasing in over three years starting in 2027, estimated to raise over $150 million annually when fully implemented. The budget also establishes the state's first permanent child tax credit of $330 per child, expands Social Security tax exemption eligibility, and strategically decouples from federal business tax provisions.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
itep.orgJUN 25, 2026
GovernanceOther

McKee Administration Awards $9.5 Million for Affordable Housing Development

Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing announced $9.5 million in awards on June 23 through the Housing 2030 Public Developer Program, a bond-funded initiative empowering Public Housing Authorities to develop affordable rental housing. The awards will create 102 affordable rental homes, including 50 for extremely low-income residents. The program supports the state's Housing 2030 goal of permitting 2,250 affordable rentals by 2030.

einpresswire.comJUN 25, 2026
JudiciaryGovernanceFree press

Ethics Commission Rejects Shekarchi's Motion to Dismiss Supreme Court Ethics Complaint

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 5-1 to reject former House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi's motion to dismiss an ethics complaint challenging his bid for a state Supreme Court seat. The complaint, filed by former Roger Williams Law Dean Michael Yelnosky, alleges Shekarchi violated the state's 'revolving door' law by applying to the court shortly after stepping down as Speaker in May 2026. Shekarchi's attorney announced plans to file in either Supreme or Superior Court within 48 hours, and the commission declined to halt its investigation pending court proceedings.

wpri.comJUN 24, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePrimary

Governor McKee Appoints Ralph Liguori to Judicial Nominating Commission

Governor Dan McKee appointed attorney Ralph Liguori to serve on the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission, the independent body responsible for recommending candidates for judicial appointments. Liguori, a partner at Jones Kelleher with 33 years of trial experience, previously served on the Rhode Island Supreme Court Disciplinary Board and the Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline. The JNC was created in 1994 and is composed of nine volunteer Rhode Island residents.

einpresswire.comJUN 24, 2026
GovernanceFree press

McKee Signs Law Allowing Abuse Survivors to Terminate Leases Early

Governor Dan McKee signed the Rhode Island Survivor Early Lease Termination Act into law on June 18, allowing survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to end rental leases without long-term penalties if they fear for their safety. Eligible tenants must provide documentation including restraining orders, police reports, or advocate letters, and receive one month to move with refunds of prepaid rent and security deposits. The legislation also establishes a process for emergency lock changes.

wpri.comJUN 23, 2026
GovernanceFree press

General Assembly Approves Record $15.2 Billion FY27 Budget With Multiple Funding Increases

The Rhode Island General Assembly approved a $15.2 billion fiscal 2027 budget on June 9, including an additional $15 million for hospital uncompensated care, $1.6 million for Newport Hospital Birthing Center, $5 million for URI medical school startup costs, and over $24 million to fully fund direct state education aid. The budget also authorizes a ballot question for $275 million in borrowing for capital improvements at state colleges.

turnto10.comJUN 23, 2026
GovernanceCommunity

New Law Requires Rhode Island Bars to Offer Drink Lids to Prevent 'Roofying'

Governor Dan McKee signed legislation on June 18 requiring bars and establishments serving alcohol to offer drink lids to customers upon request to prevent drink-spiking. The law, modeled after a California measure and taking effect January 1, 2027, requires venues to have removable lids fitting at least one type of container, with businesses allowed to charge wholesale cost. Sponsors said the bill addresses potentially devastating consequences of drink-spiking incidents.

thenewportbuzz.comJUN 23, 2026
GovernancePrimary

Governor McKee Signs Four Bills Into Law on June 18

Governor Dan McKee transmitted four bills with his signature on June 18, 2026: S2139, H7163, S2787, and H7415. The governor's office published transmittal messages for each measure. Details on specific bill contents were not provided in the announcement, which followed standard executive signing procedures.

governor.ri.govJUN 22, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

Rhode Island Supreme Court Issues Guidelines for Attorney Use of Generative AI

The Rhode Island Supreme Court amended state rules to address generative artificial intelligence use by attorneys and judicial officers, issuing interim guidelines. The administrative order establishes standards for AI-assisted legal work in Rhode Island courts.

law360.comJUN 21, 2026
GovernanceFree press

RI Senate confirms Michelle Reddish as Cannabis Control Commission chair

The Rhode Island Senate unanimously confirmed Michelle Reddish as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission on June 11, filling the seat vacant since October when former leader Kim Ahern resigned. Reddish transitions from leading the state's Cannabis Office to the $204,069 full-time policymaking role. The Senate also reappointed commissioner Robert Jacquard for a second term. Both will serve until May 17, 2031.

rhodeislandcurrent.comJUN 21, 2026
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