2026 Legislative Updates
Updates from previous years can be found in the Legislative Updates Archive.
2026
Creates the Save Rhode Island School Libraries Act.
- Representative Rebecca M. Kislak
- Representative Earl A. Read, III
- Representative Jenni A. Furtado
- Representative Megan L. Cotter
- Representative Terri Cortvriend
- Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith
- Representative Thomas E. Noret
- Representative Joseph M. McNamara
- Representative Cherie L. Cruz
- Representative Julie A. Casimiro
Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.
- Representative Lauren H. Carson
- Representative David Morales
- Representative Terri Cortvriend
- Representative Kathleen A. Fogarty
- Representative Megan L. Cotter
- Representative Susan R. Donovan
- Representative Tina L. Spears
- 02-19-2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- 03-03-2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2027.
- Representative Jennifer A. Stewart
- Representative David Morales
- Representative Julie A. Casimiro
- Representative Joshua J. Giraldo
- Representative Karen Alzate
- Representative Joseph M. McNamara
- Representative Teresa Ann Tanzi
- Representative Jennifer Smith Boylan
- Representative Katherine S. Kazarian
- Representative Mary Duffy Messier
Increases reimbursement caps and applies to eligible costs for library projects incurred from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2031, or ending earlier if 2018 regulations are amended.
- Representative Terri Cortvriend
- Representative Alex Finkelman
- Representative Rebecca M. Kislak
- Representative John G. Edwards
- Representative Michelle E. McGaw
- Representative David Morales
Creates the School Libraries Act.
- Senator Hanna M. Gallo
- Senator David P. Tikoian
- Senator Frank A. Ciccone, III
- Senator Victoria Gu
- Senator Louis P. DiPalma
- Senator John P. Burke
- Senator Matthew L. LaMountain
- Senator Melissa A. Murray
Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.
- Senator Mark P. McKenney
- Senator Melissa A. Murray
- Senator Matthew L. LaMountain
- Senator Hanna M. Gallo
- Senator Lori Urso
- Senator Samuel D. Zurier
Requires that the state’s share to support public library services in fiscal year 2027 be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town in the second preceding fiscal year.
- Senator Mark P. McKenney
- Senator Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.
- Senator John P. Burke
- Senator Matthew L. LaMountain
- Senator Melissa A. Murray
- Senator Hanna M. Gallo
- Senator Andrew R. Dimitri
- Senator Alana M. DiMario