Bill Sponsors
Senator V. Susan Sosnowski
Committee
Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
Summary
Select
This legislation provides a specific opportunity for a company named Roberts and Rocha, Inc. to regain its official corporate status. The company's charter had previously been revoked. To be reinstated, the company must file all required tax returns, pay all back taxes owed to the state, and submit necessary reports and fees to the Secretary of State by December 31, 2026. If the company meets these requirements, the revocation will be cancelled, and the company will be treated as if it had remained in good standing throughout the period.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Ensures the collection of unpaid taxes and fees from a private entity, thereby increasing revenue available for state public services and social programs.
- Provides a pathway for a business to become compliant and operational again, potentially preserving local jobs and supporting the economic stability of the community.
- Maintains regulatory accountability by mandating that all legal and financial obligations to the state are fully met before corporate privileges are restored.
Cons for Progressives
- Utilizes legislative time and resources to assist a single private corporation, which may be seen as prioritizing corporate interests over broader social reforms or the needs of individuals.
- Grants specific relief to a business that failed to meet its civic duties, potentially signaling that corporations can bypass standard consequences for non-compliance.
- Lacks transparency regarding why this specific entity merits a legislative intervention compared to other struggling small businesses that might not have political access.
Pros for Conservatives
- Facilitates the restoration of a private business, supporting free enterprise and allowing the owners to resume economic activity without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.
- Ensures the enforcement of financial responsibility by requiring the payment of all back taxes and fees, upholding the rule of law regarding contractual and state obligations.
- Reduces the permanent destruction of a corporate entity, preserving private sector assets and preventing unnecessary business closure due to administrative lapses.
Cons for Conservatives
- Wastes legislative time and taxpayer-funded resources on a private administrative matter that arguably should be handled through standard bureaucratic channels rather than special legislation.
- Could be viewed as the government picking winners and losers by granting special legislative exceptions to a specific entity that failed to follow the rules.
- Sets a precedent of leniency for tax delinquency, potentially undermining the strict enforcement of laws and encouraging other businesses to delay payments hoping for similar reprieves.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Roberts and Rocha Inc.
- Rhode Island Division of Taxation
- Secretary of State
- Creditors of the corporation
- Employees of the corporation
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
Amount unknown
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 02/27/2026 Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/03/2026)
• 03/03/2026 Senate read and passed
• 03/04/2026 Referred to House Corporations
• 03/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/02/2026)
• 04/02/2026 Committee recommends passage in concurrence
• 04/03/2026 Placed on House Calendar (04/09/2026)
• 04/09/2026 House passed in concurrence
• 04/09/2026 Transmitted to Governor
• 04/17/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
• 03/03/2026 Senate read and passed
• 03/04/2026 Referred to House Corporations
• 03/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/02/2026)
• 04/02/2026 Committee recommends passage in concurrence
• 04/03/2026 Placed on House Calendar (04/09/2026)
• 04/09/2026 House passed in concurrence
• 04/09/2026 Transmitted to Governor
• 04/17/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
Bill Text
SECTION 1. If, on or before December 31, 2026, Roberts and Rocha, Inc., incorporated on April 1, 1988, shall file any corporation tax returns as may be required, and shall pay all taxes which were due or should have been due to the state, and shall file with the secretary of state a certificate signed by the tax administrator that such tax returns and such taxes have been paid; and shall also file all reports and pay all fees which may be required by the secretary of state, then the revocation of the charter of said corporation shall thereupon to wit, upon the filing of said certificate, said reports and the payment of said fees, be vacated and said corporation shall thereupon be entitled to all privileges, benefits and powers and subject to all of the same duties and liabilities as though no revocation of its charter had taken place.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.