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

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Governance

268 articles · page 5 of 23
JudiciaryGovernanceFree press

Superior Court Judge Appoints Special Master in Washington Bridge Lawsuit Discovery Dispute

RI Superior Court Judge Brian Stern appointed retired Associate Justice Netti Vogel as special master to resolve discovery disputes in the state's lawsuit against Washington Bridge contractors. The appointment addresses ongoing battles over document production, including contractors' requests for communications involving Gov. McKee and Deputy Chief of Staff T. Joseph Almond related to the bridge failure. Stern cited the litigation's complexity and the need to meet the September 17 discovery deadline.

turnto10.comJUN 13, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

RI House Approves Clergy Abuse Statute of Limitations Revival Bill 68-4

The Rhode Island House voted 68-4 to approve legislation opening a two-year 'revival window' for previously expired civil claims against institutions responsible for childhood sexual abuse. House Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Carol Hagan McEntee, who has sponsored versions since 2018, delivered an emotional speech declaring 'your right to seek justice does not have an expiration date.' The Senate unanimously approved an amended version June 4 after years of killing similar bills.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
bostonglobe.comJUN 13, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

McKee signs $15B+ state budget with millionaire's tax, child tax credit

Gov. Dan McKee signed Rhode Island's fiscal 2027 budget totaling more than $15 billion, including the state's first-ever child tax credit and a phased-in millionaire's tax spread over three years. Lawmakers scaled back some of McKee's original proposals, modifying his plan to phase out the Social Security tax and declining to fully adopt his energy bill reduction measures.

turnto10.comJUN 13, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Governor McKee signs $15.2B fiscal 2027 budget after smoother negotiations with legislature

Gov. Dan McKee signed the fiscal 2027 budget at a Providence childcare center on June 12, praising lawmakers for improved collaboration compared to last year, when he refused to sign the budget. The $15.2 billion plan preserves McKee's affordability priorities, including a child tax credit, Social Security tax relief, and the Hope Scholarship. The ceremonial signing marks a sharp contrast to the tension between executive and legislative branches a year ago.

rhodeislandcurrent.comJUN 13, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island wraps 2026 legislative session with charter school moratorium, ICE restrictions

The General Assembly concluded its session June 11 after passing hundreds of bills, including a three-year moratorium on new charter schools, restrictions on ICE activities at courthouses and polling places, and measures to move the presidential primary to Super Tuesday. At least eight House members are not seeking reelection, including two competing for attorney general and former Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who stepped down to pursue a state Supreme Court appointment.

providencejournal.comJUN 13, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Senate passes $15.2B budget with millionaires tax, inspector general, and Rhode Island Energy paving rules

The Rhode Island Senate approved the $15.2 billion fiscal 2027 budget on June 9 in a 32-6 vote, four days after House passage. The budget includes a new millionaires tax, an inspector general position, and controversial changes to how Rhode Island Energy repaves streets after utility work. Four Republicans and two Democrats voted against the measure, citing rapid passage and a 6% spending increase. The budget now awaits the governor's signature.

newportri.comJUN 13, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryFree press

McKee signs clergy sex abuse bill allowing victims to sue Catholic Church and institutions

Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation June 11 creating a two-year revival window for victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue institutions and individuals for damages. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. Mark McKenney, extends the statute of limitations retroactively up to 35 years. The General Assembly passed an amended version addressing constitutionality concerns, preserving prior court judgments while establishing a process for calculating prejudgment interest in revived claims.

wpri.comJUN 13, 2026
GovernanceFree press

House passes three-year charter school moratorium, reducing statewide cap from 35 to 28

The Rhode Island House approved legislation June 11 on a 60-12 vote to impose a three-year moratorium on new charter schools and reduce the statewide cap from 35 to 28. The bill needs one final concurrence vote in the Senate before heading to Gov. Dan McKee's desk. McKee, facing a tough reelection campaign, told reporters he supports a moratorium but wants to review the cap reduction. Charter school proponents are hoping for a veto.

rhodeislandcurrent.comJUN 13, 2026
GovernanceFree press

McKee plans to sign legislation allowing abuse victims to break rental leases early

Legislation passed by the General Assembly enabling abuse survivors to terminate rental leases without financial penalties awaits Gov. Dan McKee's signature. The Rhode Island Survivor Early Lease Termination Act (S2291/H7199) removes barriers for tenants fleeing domestic or sexual violence and establishes a process for requesting lock changes. Rhode Island will join 41 other states providing early lease termination protections for abuse victims.

rhodeislandcurrent.comJUN 13, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Gambling platforms push for expanded sports betting market, smaller state revenue cut

FanDuel and DraftKings representatives testified at the State House in favor of allowing four to six sports betting platforms to operate in Rhode Island, arguing the state's current single-platform structure (SportsBook RI operated by IGT) leaves millions in revenue on the table. The companies want the state to take a smaller revenue share. State regulators oppose the plan.

turnto10.comJUN 12, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Governor McKee signs clergy abuse bills allowing revival of civil claims

Governor Dan McKee signed legislation on June 11 allowing victims of sexual abuse to file previously expired civil claims against institutions such as the Roman Catholic Church. The bills open a revival window from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Survivors who testified for years praised the outcome, noting the Diocese's powerful influence was overcome by their determination.

bostonglobe.comJUN 12, 2026
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