Legislative Update - May 1, 2026 (late edition)

[Jeanine Silversmith]

Sorry for the delay! I usually send this out on Friday, but I was at an all-day meeting.

We are still 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 since two weeks ago:

🏫 H-8167 School Funds and Property, which would require all school buildings to meet the standard of zero energy capable, had a hearing in the House Finance Committee. RIEEA is in support of this bill.

🌱 S-2327/H-7230 Native Plant Month, designating the month of May as "Rhode Island Native Plant Month" with activities to recognize and educate people about Rhode Island's native plants, has now had hearings in both chambers. The Senate Special Legislation Committee has recommended passage; the House Legislation Committee is "holding for further study."

🪱 S-2441 Composting and Organic Waste Diversion had a hearing in the Senate Finance 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.

**Unrelated, but for those of you who are RIEEA members, I hope you will join us for our Annual Business Meeting tomorrow! 🦙 🐐 Look for an email this afternoon (or in Friday's newsletter) for details. 🐑 🌸

Jeanine

---

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