Legislative Update - April 17, 2026

[Jeanine Silversmith]

We are currently tracking 43 bills in the Rhode Island state assembly. The full list of bills, updates, and links to testimony that I've submitted on behalf of RIEEA can be found on our 2026 Bill Tracker, but here are a few highlights:

✅ H-8144 Green Bond had a hearing in the House Finance Committee. RIEEA is in support of this bill because the original Green Bond put forth by the Governor has absolutely no funding for the State Open Space Program, Local Open Space Matching Grants, and Farmland Preservation, and only $1M for Outdoor Recreation Grants. The Green Bond is the only way to fund these programs!

⛔ S-2012 Transparency in Electric and Gas Bills Act had a hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee. RIEEA is opposed to this bill because it would require detailed disclosures about the sources and costs only about renewable energy sources, and not about fossil fuel-based energy (which is more expensive!).

⚡ H-7880 Income-tiered utility subsidies for low income homes had a hearing in the House Corporations Committee. This act would create a tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households. RIEEA supports this bill.

🪱 H-7675 Composting and Organic Waste Diversion had a hearing in the House State Government & Elections Committee. This bill would create a compost fund to award grants to help develop and implement composting and expand education relating to waste reduction. RIEEA is in support of this bill.

🗑️ S-2438 School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal had a hearing in the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee. A "Sub A" (basically a modified version) of its companion bill (H-7342A) was introduced, passed out of the House Education Committee, and passed on the House Floor. RIEEA is in support of both bills, which would t would amend the certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and would require reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors. It would also authorize the use of share tables in schools.

🐝 Enjoy the spring weather! 

Jeanine

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Jeanine Silversmith, Executive Director

(she, her, hers - why pronouns matter)

jsilve...@rieea.org, 401-569-8758 (cell)

50 Sims Avenue, Space 209, Providence, RI 02909

www.rieea.org