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On June 12, Governor Dan McKee signed Rhode Island's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, making key investments aimed at addressing the rising cost of living for Rhode Islanders. The budget shields vulnerable populations from federal cuts and continues support for job-creating economic projects, representing a major policy milestone for the state.
Governor Dan McKee, joined by bill sponsors and survivors, signed legislation expanding access to justice for child sex abuse victims. The law establishes a two-year window for victims to bring otherwise time-barred claims against institutions accused of enabling or covering up abuse, effective July 1, 2026.
The General Assembly unanimously rescinded Rhode Island's ratification of the 1861 Corwin Amendment, which would have constitutionally protected slavery permanently. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Solomon and Sen. Robert Britto, was signed by Gov. Dan McKee. Rhode Island was among five states that ratified the amendment before the Civil War rendered it moot.
Providence Public Schools will officially return to local control on Wednesday following a period of state management. Key decisions regarding district operations remain to be made before students return in September. The transition marks the end of state intervention in the district.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a permanent injunction blocking key provisions of a Trump executive order that attempted to compel state election officials to impose documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. Attorney General Peter Neronha joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general challenging the order, arguing it unconstitutionally restricted voting rights and invalidated votes legally cast by Rhode Island military members abroad. The court ruled the President does not have constitutional power to rewrite state election laws by decree.
Gov. Dan McKee exercised his first veto of 2026, rejecting legislation requiring large buildings to report energy use. The bills, passed 48–15 in the House and 33–5 in the Senate, aimed to establish a statewide benchmarking program to help meet mandatory decarbonization goals. McKee cited potential penalties for property owners and administrative burdens on state agencies as reasons for the veto, drawing sharp criticism from climate advocates.
Gov. Dan McKee signed H7163, making Rhode Island the first state to require both legislative and gubernatorial approval before opting into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. While McKee called the program effectively a voucher system in his signing statement, he left open the possibility of participation if future federal guidance limits use to tutoring, transportation, and technology — excluding private school tuition.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation selected Quarterhill to manage back-office operations for the dormant truck toll system, targeting a July 2027 relaunch. Following a federal court ruling against a local-trucker discount, DOT will reduce tolls at each location by 25%, maintaining roughly $45 million in annual gross revenue. The new back-office system will take up to 13 months to complete, with new toll equipment costing over $20 million.
Gov. Dan McKee issued the state's first drought watch since 2002 following a recommendation from the Drought Steering Committee. Rhode Island has received 13 inches less precipitation over the past 12 months than average, with significant impacts on groundwater aquifers. The watch, the second-lowest drought level, urges conservation measures and cannot be lifted until six months of normal precipitation and two months of normal groundwater levels.
The Rhode Island General Assembly approved $5 million in initial funding for a proposed public medical school at the University of Rhode Island, marking the first financial commitment toward the project. A 2024 commission recommended $20 million in initial state investment plus $150 million from private donors, with annual state commitments of $22.5 million starting in 2029. The school aims to strengthen the state's primary care physician pipeline.
Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation allowing veterinarians to offer telemedicine appointments and prescribe some medications virtually, effective June 23. The law permits vets to provide virtual services at their discretion but requires in-person visits for controlled substances. Virtual prescriptions are limited to 30 days with one renewal before another appointment is required. The measure addresses a nationwide veterinarian shortage.
