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

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Governance

147 articles · page 9 of 13
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.

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.

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

Providence Mayor Smiley unveils $636M budget without tax increases

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley proposed a $635.7 million budget for fiscal year 2027, representing a 4.2% increase but promising no new property tax or fee hikes. The budget dedicates 96.6% to fixed costs including salaries, benefits, and a settlement-mandated school appropriation increase. Smiley's plan includes new housing stability funding to address the city's affordability crisis, with $7 million added for salary increases and nearly $2 million cut from utility costs through efficiency measures.

providencejournal.comAPR 28, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Smiley Vetoes Providence Rent Control, Council Eyes Override Vote

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley vetoed an ordinance capping annual rent increases at 4%, calling rent control ineffective after the City Council passed it for the second time. The veto sets up an override attempt requiring 10 of 15 council votes, with supporters currently holding nine. Smiley argues rent control does not lower rents and could worsen housing shortages, urging proven solutions instead.

golocalprov.comAPR 26, 2026
GovernanceFree press

State Awards $9.8M Contract for Exeter Girls Treatment Center

Rhode Island has selected Family Service of Rhode Island to operate a new 16-bed residential behavioral treatment center for teen girls ages 13-18 in Exeter under a $9.8 million first-year contract. The South County Academy is expected to open by fall and will serve girls with complex behavioral health needs including trauma, self-injury, eating disorders, and substance abuse. The facility will employ 60 full-time staff, with Family Service renting the state-owned building for $1.

rhodeislandcurrent.comAPR 26, 2026
GovernanceFree press

State Panel Authorizes Arming Campus Police at RIC and CCRI

A state panel voted to authorize campus police at Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island to carry firearms. The decision represents a policy change for the two public higher education institutions, whose security officers previously operated unarmed. The authorization requires approval from institutional leadership and additional training protocols before implementation.

digital-stage.wpri.comAPR 26, 2026
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