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

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489 articles · page 8 of 41
JudiciaryFree press

Federal Judge Strikes Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Exceeding Executive Authority

US District Court Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston ruled the Trump administration exceeded its authority in imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, siding with 20 states including Rhode Island. Sorokin found the policy violated the Administrative Procedure Act and that 'the executive branch exceeded its authority' by imposing a tax without congressional delegation. The ruling contradicts an earlier federal court decision upholding the fee, creating potential circuit splits.

wpri.comJUN 13, 2026
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.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
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.

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
CommerceFree press

SBA approves disaster loans for RI businesses hit by February snowstorm

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declarations for Rhode Island following the historic February 2026 snowstorm. Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises, and private nonprofits in Kent, Providence, Newport, and Washington counties to offset economic losses caused by the storm.

turnto10.comJUN 13, 2026
CommercePaywall

Rhode Island manufacturing sector faces ownership transition crisis, 80% lack succession plans

A wave of retiring business owners is set to reshape Rhode Island manufacturing, with 80% approaching exit without clear succession plans, according to Polaris MEP. The nonprofit adviser to many RI manufacturers warns this is a "huge economic development issue" as small manufacturers struggle to find buyers or successors, risking closures and job losses across the sector.

pbn.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
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