Rhode Island General Assembly Completes 2025 Legislative Session

Rhode Island General Assembly Completes 2025 Legislative Session

The Rhode Island General Assembly concluded its 2025 legislative session by passing a comprehensive budget and enacting significant legislation aimed at addressing public health, housing, and gun control. The approved budget for the 2026 fiscal year totals $14.34 billion and includes measures to tackle critical issues such as primary care shortages and Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Key Budget Highlights

The 2026 fiscal budget is designed to address various pressing needs within the state. Among its key initiatives, $15 million has been allocated for increases in Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers, resulting in a total funding increase of $40 million when combined with federal sources. Additionally, the budget addresses a $32 million deficit faced by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). To help remedy this situation, a 2-cent increase in gas taxes is projected to generate around $15 million in funding, while lawmakers have urged RIPTA to find further efficiencies to close the budget gap.

Gun Control Legislation

Alongside the budget, lawmakers passed an amended version of the assault weapons ban, which prohibits the sale, purchase, and manufacture of specific assault-style firearms. However, the legislation allows current owners to maintain possession of their weapons. This move follows increasing concerns over gun violence and the need for stricter regulations in the state.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

The budget allocates $8.5 million for homelessness programs, which exceeds the governor’s original proposal by $4 million. Funding will be derived from hotel taxes and general revenue, focusing on facilitating support for those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the budget supports a federal loan forgiveness program for primary care providers serving underserved areas, further emphasizing the state’s commitment to improving healthcare access.

Additional Legislative Measures

In a move to bolster the state’s economy, legislation to legalize the sale, tax, and regulation of Kratom is under consideration. Furthermore, the Freedom to Read Act aims to protect teachers and librarians from lawsuits and prevent book bans, enhancing educational freedom in public schools.

Effective January 1, 2026, minimum wage workers in the state will see their hourly pay increase to $16, with a subsequent rise to $17 effective January 2027. This increase is part of ongoing efforts to improve the economic circumstances for low-income workers.

Public Health and Safety Reforms

In a significant public health reform, smoking will be banned in Rhode Island’s two casinos, except in designated smoking lounges, marking a victory for years of advocacy by health groups. This legislation aims to protect workers and patrons from secondhand smoke in public spaces.

Housing Initiatives and Tax Revisions

The budget also includes a new tax on high-value, non-owner-occupied homes. This tax is intended to fund future low-income housing tax credits, addressing the growing housing crisis within the state. Moreover, the assembly passed laws expanding tax breaks for developers involved in the Superman building project, while ensuring the program’s overall cap remains intact.

Next Steps

All legislative measures passed during this session are now set to be sent to Governor Dan McKee’s desk for approval. The decisions made in this legislative session reflect a coordinated effort to address pressing issues in Rhode Island, aimed at enhancing quality of life for its residents.