Government
Public services and government action
RI Legislative Session Ends, Major BillBuddy Updates
With summer upon us, the 2025 legislative session has come to a close. A total of 828 new laws were passed, many of which will affect you and your family. As part of our BillBuddy service, we are offering several ways to discover what the new laws mean...
Housing Blitz, Minimum Wage Hike, and "Assault Weapon" Ban Dominate State House
It was a packed week at the State House as lawmakers introduced a massive package of bills aimed at overhauling local zoning to spur housing development. Meanwhile, major legislation to raise the minimum wage, ban certain firearms, and prohibit smoking in casinos all took significant steps toward becoming law.
Your Paycheck, Your Data, Your Kids' Phones: Big Bills Advance on Smith Hill
Last week at the State House, lawmakers introduced major proposals to ban most non-compete agreements and require students to lock up their phones during the school day. Meanwhile, bills to raise the minimum wage to $20/hr, mandate contraceptive coverage, and ban payday loans are all moving forward.
RI Bills to Watch: Major Moves on Housing, Paid Leave, and Assault Weapons Ban
The legislative session enters its final month with major proposals advancing. Key bills expanding paid family leave, creating a statewide housing land bank, and banning assault weapons have all cleared committee hurdles. Meanwhile, new plans to reshape energy policy and protect patient rights are on the table.
Legislative Recap: Health Equity, PURPLE Alerts, and Insurance Reforms
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a ban on health insurance discrimination, a new "PURPLE alert" for missing vulnerable adults, and changes to eviction record sealing. Several bills, including those on PFAS testing and veteran tax relief, are already advancing through committee.
Legislative Recap: Housing Blitz, Tax Shifts, and Key Bills Pass Committee
Rhode Island lawmakers are laser-focused on the housing crisis, introducing a slew of bills aimed at zoning reform and boosting supply. Tax policies, from property levy caps to new fees for colleges, are also hot topics. Meanwhile, several key bills on consumer protection and healthcare advanced through committee.
RI Legislative Update: Data Privacy, Drug Costs, Renewable Energy & Insurance Reforms Take Center Stage
This week at the Rhode Island State House: new bills tackle everything from identity theft protection and prescription drug pricing to renewable energy standards. Plus, key legislation on car insurance, medical debt, and more advances. Get the full breakdown inside!
RI Lawmakers Tackle Lead Pipes, Healthcare Red Tape, Environmental Justice & More
Rhode Island lawmakers were busy this week, introducing major legislation aimed at removing lead water pipes, slashing healthcare red tape around prior authorizations, and establishing new environmental justice protections. Several other key bills affecting housing, worker rights, and school safety also saw action, with some important measures clearing committee hurdles.
Exclusive: How Media Bias Enables Presidential Power Grab Across Party Lines
Presidential overreach didn't begin with Donald Trump. From Obama's record deportations to Biden's social media censorship pressure, Democratic administrations established precedents that Trump later exploited. Yet media coverage shifts dramatically depending on who occupies the White House, obscuring a troubling bipartisan expansion of executive power...
How the Tariff War With China Will Affect You
American consumers face higher prices and fewer choices as 145% tariffs on Chinese goods devastate supply chains. Small businesses warn of closures while retailers scramble for alternatives. "There will be big shortages – probably worse than anything we've seen in our lifetimes," one expert cautions. But who will blink first?