Rhode Island State Senate

General Information
Party control: |  Democrat
Session start: |  January 7, 2025
Session end: |  June 30, 2025
Term length: |  2 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Legislature-dominant
Salary: |  $19,037/year
Members
Total: | 38
Democrats: | 34
Republicans: | 4
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
President: |  Dominick Ruggerio (D)
Maj. Leader: |  Valarie Lawson (D)
Min. Leader: |  Jessica de la Cruz (R)
Elections
Last election: | November 5, 2024
Next election: | November 3, 2026

The Rhode Island State Senate is the upper chamber of the Rhode Island General Assembly. Alongside the Rhode Island House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Rhode Island state government and works alongside the governor of Rhode Island to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Rhode Island State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Rhode Island State Senate meets in the State House in Providence, Rhode Island.

* All 38 seats in the Rhode Island State Senate were up for election in 2024. The chamber's Democratic supermajority increased from 33-5 to 34-4.

* All 38 seats in the Rhode Island State Senate were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Democratic supermajority remained 33-5.
* Rhode Island has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Rhode Island State Senate.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Contents

* 1 Party control
* 1.1 Current partisan control
* 2 Members
* 2.1 Leadership
* 2.2 Leadership and members
* 2.3 Salaries
* 2.4 Swearing in dates
* 2.5 Membership qualifications
* 3 Historical party control
* 3.1 Trifecta history
* 4 Elections
* 4.1 Elections by year
* 4.2 2026
* 4.3 2024
* 4.4 2022
* 4.5 2020
* 4.6 2018
* 4.7 2016
* 4.8 2014
* 4.9 2012
* 4.10 2010
* 4.11 2008
* 4.12 2006
* 4.13 2004
* 4.14 2002
* 4.15 2000
* 4.16 Vacancies
* 5 District map
* 6 Redistricting
* 6.1 2020
* 6.2 2010
* 7 Sessions
* 7.1 Legislation
* 7.2 Dates of legislative sessions in Rhode Island by year
* 7.3 2025
* 7.4 2024
* 7.5 2023
* 7.6 2022
* 7.7 2021
* 7.8 2020
* 7.8.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 7.9 2019
* 7.10 2018
* 7.11 2017
* 7.11.1 Background information
* 7.12 2016
* 7.12.1 Major issues in 2016
* 7.13 2015
* 7.13.1 Major issues in 2015
* 7.14 2014
* 7.14.1 Major issues in 2014
* 7.15 2013
* 7.15.1 Major issues in 2013
* 7.16 2012
* 7.16.1 Major issues in 2012
* 7.17 2011
* 7.18 2010
* 7.19 About legislative sessions in Rhode Island
* 8 Legislative roles and procedures
* 8.1 Veto overrides
* 8.2 Role in state budget
* 9 Committees
* 10 Constitutional amendments
* 10.1 Legislature
* 10.2 Convention
* 11 See also
* 12 External links
* 13 Footnotes

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Rhode Island State Senate as of February 2025:

Party  | As of February 2025

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| Democratic Party | 34
| Republican Party | 4
| Other  | 0
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  38

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The president of the Senate serves as the presiding officer of the body. The president is elected to a two-year term by the entire Senate. Duties of the president include calling the Senate to order, deciding all questions of order, and appointing all standing committees. The majority and minority caucuses choose their party leaders. The majority and minority leaders serve as ex-officio members of all standing committees.[1]

### Leadership and members[edit]

* Senate president: Dominick Ruggerio (D)
* Majority leader: Valarie Lawson (D)
* Minority leader: Jessica de la Cruz (R)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Rhode Island State Senate District 1 | Jake Bissaillon | Democratic  | December 8, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 2 | Ana Quezada | Democratic  | 2017
Rhode Island State Senate District 3 | Sam Zurier | Democratic  | November 16, 2021
Rhode Island State Senate District 4 | Dominick Ruggerio | Democratic  | January 1, 1985
Rhode Island State Senate District 5 | Sam Bell | Democratic  | January 1, 2019
Rhode Island State Senate District 6 | Tiara Mack | Democratic  | January 5, 2021
Rhode Island State Senate District 7 | Frank Ciccone | Democratic  | 2003
Rhode Island State Senate District 8 | Lori Urso | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Rhode Island State Senate District 9 | John Burke | Democratic  | January 5, 2021
Rhode Island State Senate District 10 | Walter Felag | Democratic  | 1999
Rhode Island State Senate District 11 | Linda Ujifusa | Democratic  | January 3, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 12 | Louis DiPalma | Democratic  | January 6, 2009
Rhode Island State Senate District 13 | Dawn Euer | Democratic  | 2017
Rhode Island State Senate District 14 | Valarie Lawson | Democratic  | January 1, 2019
Rhode Island State Senate District 15 | Meghan Kallman | Democratic  | January 5, 2021
Rhode Island State Senate District 16 | Jonathon Acosta | Democratic  | January 5, 2021
Rhode Island State Senate District 17 | Thomas Paolino | Republican  | 2017
Rhode Island State Senate District 18 | Robert Britto | Democratic  | January 3, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 19 | Ryan Pearson | Democratic  | 2013
Rhode Island State Senate District 20 | Brian Thompson | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Rhode Island State Senate District 21 | Gordon Rogers | Republican  | January 1, 2019
Rhode Island State Senate District 22 | David Tikoian | Democratic  | January 3, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 23 | Jessica de la Cruz | Republican  | January 1, 2019
Rhode Island State Senate District 24 | Melissa Murray | Democratic  | January 1, 2019
Rhode Island State Senate District 25 | Andrew Dimitri | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Rhode Island State Senate District 26 | Todd Patalano | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Rhode Island State Senate District 27 | Hanna Gallo | Democratic  | 1999
Rhode Island State Senate District 28 | Lammis Vargas | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Rhode Island State Senate District 29 | Peter Appollonio Jr. | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Rhode Island State Senate District 30 | Mark McKenney | Democratic  | January 3, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 31 | Matthew LaMountain | Democratic  | January 3, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 32 | Pamela Lauria | Democratic  | January 3, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 33 | Leonidas Raptakis | Democratic  | 2013
Rhode Island State Senate District 34 | Elaine Morgan | Republican  | January 6, 2015
Rhode Island State Senate District 35 | Bridget Valverde | Democratic  | January 1, 2019
Rhode Island State Senate District 36 | Alana DiMario | Democratic  | January 5, 2021
Rhode Island State Senate District 37 | V. Susan Sosnowski | Democratic  | 1997
Rhode Island State Senate District 38 | Victoria Gu | Democratic  | January 3, 2023

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[2]

Salary| Per diem
$19,037/year| No per diem is paid.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Rhode Island legislators assume office the first Tuesday in January.[3]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

A candidate for the Rhode Island General Assembly must:[4]

* Be a U.S. citizen
* Be a registered voter
* Be at least 18 years of age
* Be a state resident for at least 30 days preceding the election
* Be a resident of the district the candidate is running to represent

## Historical party control[edit]

Democrats won control of the Rhode Island State Senate in 1958. In 2024, they won a 34-4 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Rhode Island Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Rhode Island State Senate election results: 1992-2024

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20  | '22  | '24

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Democrats | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 44 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 34
Republicans | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Rhode Island was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: 1992-1994, 2013-2023
* Republican trifecta: None
* Divided government: 1995-2012

Rhode Island Party Control: 1992-2025
Sixteen years of Democratic trifectas • No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22  | 23  | 24  | 25

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Governor | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | I | I | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
House | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Rhode Island state senators serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Rhode Island holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2026[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for the Rhode Island State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.

### 2024[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for the Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was September 10, 2024. The filing deadline was June 26, 2024.

Prior to the 2024 elections, Democrats held a 31-5 majority in the Rhode Island State Senate, with two vacant seats. After the 2024 elections, Democrats held a 34-4 majority.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2024  | After November 6, 2024
| Democratic Party | 31 | 34
| Republican Party | 5  | 4
| Vacancy  | 2  | 0
Total |  38 |  38

### 2022[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for September 13, 2022. The filing deadline was July 15, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, Democrats maintained their majority of 33-5 in the Rhode Island State Senate.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 8, 2022  | After November 9, 2022
| Democratic Party | 33 | 33
| Republican Party | 5  | 5
Total |  38 |  38

### 2020[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for September 8, 2020. The filing deadline was June 24, 2020.

In the 2020 elections, Democrats maintained their majority of 33-5 in the Rhode Island State Senate.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 33 | 33
| Republican Party | 5  | 5
Total |  38 |  38

### 2018[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2018. A hybrid primary election took place on September 12, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018.[5] The candidate filing deadline was June 27, 2018.[6]

In the 2018 elections, Democrats maintained control of the Rhode Island State Senate.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 33 | 33
| Republican Party | 4  | 5
| Vacancy  | 1  | 0
Total |  38 |  38

### 2016[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on September 13, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 29, 2016. All 38 seats in the Rhode Island State Senate were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 32-5 majority with one Independent member. Democrats gained one seat in the election, giving them a 33-5 majority.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 32 | 33
| Republican Party | 5  | 5
| Independent  | 1  | 0
Total |  38 |  38
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on September 9, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 25, 2014.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 32-5 majority with one Independent member. No partisan change occurred in the election.

| Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 32 | 32
| Republican Party | 5  | 5
| Independent  | 1  | 1
Total |  38 |  38

### 2012[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on September 11, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 27, 2012. A total of 38 seats were up for election.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 29-8 majority with one Independent member. Democrats gained three seats in the election, giving them a 32-5 majority with one Independent member.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 29 | 32
| Republican Party | 8  | 5
| Independent  | 1  | 1
Total |  38 |  38

During the 2012 election, the total value of contributions to the 80 Senate candidates was $1,693,685. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

2012 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Lombardo III, Frank  | $18,100
Rhode Island Democratic Party  | $17,625
Rhode Island Laborers  | $16,650
Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers  | $15,500
Cullen, John J  | $14,730
Rhode Island Laborers Public Employees  | $13,325
Jabour, Paul V  | $12,700
Operating Engineers Local 57  | $12,000
Rhode Island Troopers Association  | $11,450
National Education Association Rhode Island  | $10,650

The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election.

2012 Margin of Victory, Rhode Island State Senate

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
District 21 |  Nicholas Kettle | 1.5% | 13,769 | Scott M. Pollard
District 34 |  Catherine Cool Rumsey | 10.3% | 12,973 | Francis Maher, Jr.
District 27 |  Hanna Gallo | 13.1% | 12,603 | Aram G. Garabedian
District 35 |  Dawson Hodgson | 16.8% | 13,534 | Winters B. Hames III
District 23 |  Paul Fogarty | 18.2% | 12,728 | Julian P. Forgue
District 22 |  Stephen R. Archambault | 18.2% | 12,518 | Richard A. Poirier
District 19 |  Ryan William Pearson | 19.2% | 12,540 | Bethany Moura
District 36 |  James Sheehan | 20.2% | 14,327 | Mariacristina C. Mckendall
District 17 |  Edward O'Neill | 21.3% | 13,232 | John J. Cullen
District 33 |  Leonidas Raptakis | 23.4% | 12,607 | Glenford Shibley

### 2010[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 14, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was May 28, 2010. A total of 38 seats were up for election.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 33-4 majority with one Independent member. Democrats lost four seats in the election, giving them a 29-8 majority with one Independent member.

Rhode Island State Senate

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 33 | 29
| Republican Party | 4  | 8
| Independent  | 1  | 1
Total |  38 |  38

During the 2010 election, the total value of contributions to the 98 Senate candidates was $2,009,724. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

2010 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Tassoni Jr, John J  | $50,000
ONeil, Kevin R  | $49,166
Assalone, John R  | $42,617
ONeil, Edward J  | $35,100
Pinga, Michael J  | $22,715
Butera Noble, Linda  | $20,500
Rhode Island Senate Democratic Leadership  | $18,000
Colaluca, Anthony J  | $17,903
Ruggerio, Dominik J  | $17,825
Lanzi, Beatrice A  | $17,700

### 2008[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate consisted of a primary election date on September 9, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. A total of 38 seats were up for election.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to the 74 Senate candidates was $1,785,520. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

2008 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Mckenna, Keven A  | $47,945
Oneill, Edward J  | $25,327
Rhode Island Laborers  | $21,700
Pagliarini Jr, John A  | $19,250
Rhode Island Troopers Association  | $17,900
Rhode Island Carpenters  | $16,250
Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers  | $16,250
Rhode Island Laborers Public Employees  | $16,195
Rhode Island Education Association  | $13,475
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 51  | $13,100

### 2006[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate consisted of a primary election date on September 12, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. A total of 38 seats were up for election.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to the 70 Senate candidates was $1,987,554. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2006 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Jabour, Paul V  | $35,314
Maselli, Christopher B  | $31,500
Rhode Island Laborers  | $25,000
Senate Democratic Leadership of Rhode Island  | $24,075
Spillane, Eileen Rice  | $20,000
Schoos, Geoffrey A  | $17,907
Rhode Island Laborers Public Employees  | $14,590
Rhode Island Carpenters  | $13,800
National Rifle Association  | $13,050
Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers  | $12,540

### 2004[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate consisted of a primary election date on September 14, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. A total of 38 seats were up for election.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to the 78 Senate candidates was $2,028,107. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2004 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Damiani, Michael J  | $50,000
Senate Democratic Leadership of Rhode Island  | $29,600
Rhode Island Republican Party  | $23,771
Cote, David A  | $21,000
Nocera, Christopher  | $20,500
Rhode Island Laborers  | $20,500
Electrical Workers Local 99  | $18,475
Sheeler, Carl L  | $17,692
Sheehan, James C  | $17,578
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 51  | $17,175

### 2002[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate consisted of a primary election date on September 10, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. A total of 38 seats were up for election.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to the 71 Senate candidates was $782,693. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

2002 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Sheehan, James C  | $28,893
Carlino, Mario G  | $21,302
Lanzi, Beatrice A  | $18,341
Blais, Leo R  | $17,763
Rhode Island Laborers  | $17,570
Levesque, Charles J  | $12,000
Gagnon, Paul N  | $11,388
Ciccone III, Frank A  | $10,077
Walsh, Donna M  | $9,261
Brien, Stella G  | $8,305

### 2000[edit]

See also: Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Rhode Island State Senate consisted of a primary election date on September 12, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. A total of 50 seats were up for election.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to the 74 Senate candidates was $499,599. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

2000 Donors, Rhode Island State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Sheehan, James C  | $20,825
Hunter, Brian  | $11,150
National Rifle Association  | $10,165
Garabedian, Aram G  | $10,000
Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers  | $9,200
Rhode Island Laborers  | $8,650
Kelly, Paul S  | $8,450
International Brotherhood of Teamsters  | $7,660
Montalbano, Joseph  | $7,545
Senate Democratic Cmte of Rhode Island  | $7,000

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Rhode Island General Assembly, a special election must be held to fill the vacant seat. The secretary of state must call for an election to be held anywhere from 70 to 90 days after the vacancy occurred. No election can be held if the vacancy happens after the first Monday in February during an election year. The person elected to fill the seat serves for the remainder of the unfilled term.[14]

See sources: Rhode Island Gen. Laws § 17-3-6

## District map[edit]

See also: Rhode Island state legislative districts

The state of Rhode Island has 38 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, both congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by the Rhode Island General Assembly. These lines are subject to veto by the governor.[15]

An 18-member advisory commission established in 2011 can recommend congressional and state legislative redistricting plans to the state legislature. The legislature may "adopt, modify, or ignore the commission's proposals." The composition of the commission is as follows:[15]

1. The majority leader of the Rhode Island State Senate chooses four commissioners who are state legislators and three who are not, for a total of seven commissioners.
2. The majority leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives chooses four commissioners who are state legislators and three who are not, for a total of seven commissioners.
3. The minority leader of the Rhode Island State Senate chooses two commissioners who are state legislators.
4. The minority leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives chooses two commissioners who are state legislators.

The Rhode Island Constitution requires that state legislative districts be compact.[15]

State statutes require that congressional and state legislative districts meet the following criteria:[15]

1. Districts should be contiguous.
2. Districts should "reflect natural, historical, geographical, and municipal and other political lines, 'as well as the right of all Rhode Islanders to fair representation and equal access to the political process.'"
3. "The lines of state House, state Senate and congressional districts [should] coincide–or at least, if they do not overlap completely, they should avoid creating voting precincts with distinct ballot options where the precinct has fewer than 100 people."

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Rhode Island after the 2020 census

Rhode Island enacted new legislative district boundaries on February 16, 2022, when Gov. Dan McKee (D) signed redistricting legislation approved by the General Assembly. The State House of Representatives passed the new maps by a vote of 57-6 and the State Senate approved them, 29-9, on February 15, 2022. In a press release issued after Gov. McKee signed the legislation, State Representative Robert Phillips (D), co-chair of the state's legislative Reapportionment Commission, said, "It was an honor and pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of individuals on this commission. I’m particularly proud of the fact that we obtained so much input from citizens around the state, holding our meetings in several cities and towns to make it more accessible to everyone. Reapportionment can be daunting and complex, but I’m glad we took everyone’s concerns into account and came up with a fair and equitable system of reapportionment.”[16][17][18][19]

The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson and Katherine Gregg wrote "Although some district boundaries changed a lot, the new maps did not put any incumbent General Assembly members in the same district, forcing them to run against each other. But the maps did draw some would-be challengers out of their current districts, potentially protecting incumbents from a tough reelection battle.[20] Edward Fitzpatrick of the Boston Globe wrote that "critics have said both Democratic and Republican incumbents were allowed to shape their districts during private meetings with the state’s long-time redistricting consultant."[21]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Rhode Island after the 2010 census

Rhode Island received its census data on March 23, 2011. The state had a growth rate of 0.4 percent, which was below the national average of 9.7 percent. The five counties ranged from -3.0 to 2.8 percent growth. The population change rate of its five most populous cities were as follows: Providence grew by 2.5 percent, Warwick decreased by 3.7 percent, Cranston grew by 1.4 percent, Pawtucket decreased by 2.5 percent, and East Providence decreased by 3.4 percent.[22]

On February 1, 2012, the Senate and House passed a proposal that the commission had released and approved in December 2011. Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) signed the maps into law on February 8, 2012.

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Rhode Island State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Rhode Island by year[edit]

### 2025[edit]

See also: 2025 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 7, 2025, and adjourn on June 30, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2024[edit]

See also: 2024 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 2, 2024, and adjourn on June 14, 2024.

### 2023[edit]

See also: 2023 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 3, 2023, and adjourn on June 16, 2023.

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 4, 2022, and adjourn on June 23, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 5, 2021, and adjourn on July 1, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 7, 2020, and adjourn on August 30, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 1, 2019, through June 30, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Rhode Island legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 2, 2018, through June 25, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 3, 2017, through June 30, 2017. Session reconvened September 19, 2017, over the budget and vetoes.

Click [show] to read about the 2017 budget conflict.

* A debate over motor vehicle taxes between Democratic leadership in the Rhode Island state Senate and House led Rhode Island to enter the 2018 fiscal year without a budget in place. Leading up to the deadline on June 30, 2017, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello (D) had advocated for a six-year-phase repeal of motor vehicle taxes in Rhode Island. The House approved the repeal in a budget plan—which also included a proposal backed by Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) for tuition-free community college—on June 23, 2017, in a 64-11 vote. When the Senate took up the budget on June 30, 2017, it voted 30-5 in favor of an amendment that would suspend the car-tax repeal if state revenues prove lower than projected or if the economy declined. Mattiello protested the amendment, calling it a last-minute change and dismissed the House for summer recess before a vote could take place. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D) stated that Mattiello was aware of concerns voiced in the Senate about the financial sustainability of repealing the motor vehicle tax. Mattiello later said he had no plans to call the House back from recess.
* In a press conference on July 5, Raimondo stated that she intended to find new revenue sources to cover the $2.75 million needed for the free community college plan that she supported throughout the regular session. She also criticized the Legislature over its standoff.
* On July 6, 2017, Ruggerio stated in an op-ed that the House proposal for the motor vehicle tax repeal did not do enough to protect the state’s rainy day fund, and he called on Mattiello to call the House back into session:[23]

| “  | The budget adopted by the House of Representatives did not protect the state’s rainy day fund from Speaker Nicholas Mattiello’s car tax phaseout in the event of a future recession or cuts to federal aid. … No one, not even the speaker, wants to see this phaseout succeed more than I. … We encourage the speaker to reconvene the House to take up these matters. In the meantime, the Senate will thoroughly review all legislation that comes before us and pass that which we deem is in the best interest of all Rhode Islanders.[24] | ”

|
|

* On July 8, Mattiello released his own op-ed, in which he stated that Ruggerio had backed out of a deal and that the Senate amendment was neither needed nor appropriate:[25]

“  | It is unfortunate that Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and his leadership team reneged on a commitment to pass the state budget as negotiated, and did so at the eleventh hour, without warning. These last-minute shenanigans only increase public distrust and threaten our ability to serve citizens responsibly. … The Senate’s budget amendment would stop the car-tax phaseout if a very specific series of events occurred. This limit does not apply to any other budget measure, nor is it appropriate in this case. Future legislatures will consider the full array of state spending and revenues when facing any downturn. I do not favor language that, at the outset, would subordinate car-tax relief to other priorities.[24] | ”

|
|

* Mattiello and Ruggerio held a meeting on July 18, 2017. After the meeting, both released statements describing it as productive. Rhode Island Public Radio reported that Ruggerio was considering having the Senate take up the original House version of the budget without the Senate amendment. Mattiello, on the other hand, was reportedly considering holding a special session in the Fall to consider other legislative initiatives that the budget standoff held up.[26]
* The standoff concluded on August 3, 2017. After a series of meetings in late July and early August, Mattiello and Ruggerio reached an agreement in which the state Senate would pass the original budget without the amendment if the state House agreed to pass legislation requiring the state Department of Revenue to conduct an annual study of tax repeal beginning in 2021. The Senate vote was 30-5. Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed the budget shortly after receiving it.[27]

#### Background information[edit]

* In 2004, Rhode Island enacted a law allowing the state to continue operating at the previous year’s spending levels when a budget is not passed by the June 30 deadline.[28][29][30]
* In Rhode Island, the governor has the power to call the Legislature into a special session. In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 3 through June 30.
* An annual motor vehicle excise tax in Rhode Island fluctuates among municipalities in the state. It is highest in Providence—Rhode Island’s biggest city—where residents pay $60 for every $1000 that the vehicle is worth. Revenue generated from car taxes provides roughly $220 million per year for Rhode Island municipalities. That money accounts for as much as 14 percent of a town’s revenue, on the high end, and as low as 2.9 percent on the low end. Earlier in 2017, Raimondo proposed an alternative to the full repeal supported by Mattiello. She advocated for a 30 percent cut to the tax.[31]
* The budget standoff left several other pieces of legislation in limbo, including a proposal granting paid sick leave for private sector employees and a proposal to limit access to firearms for individuals with histories of domestic abuse. Groups such as the National Rifle Association campaigned against the latter measure.[32]

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 5 through June 18.

#### Major issues in 2016[edit]

Major issues during the 2016 legislative session included truck tolls to fix the state's bridges, drivers' licenses for undocumented immigrants, gun control, and gambling.[33][34]

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 6 through June 25.

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included a budget deficit estimated at $200 million, social security tax reform, a structural deficit expected to reach $400 million by 2019, education funding, and ending homelessness among the state's veterans.[35]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 7 through June 23.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included a budget deficit estimated at $100 million, pension reform, raising the minimum wage, reducing corporate income taxes, and raising bridge tolls.[36][37]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 1 to July 5.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included a budget deficit estimated at $69 million, legalization of same-sex marriage, gun control, and economic development.[38]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 through June 13.

#### Major issues in 2012[edit]

The legislature had to address a $120 million budget deficit. Legislators wanted to cut spending to close the gap while Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) pushed for a tax raise. Major issues also included reducing municipal pension costs and reducing regulations to spur economic growth.[39]

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 4 to July 1. The legislature held a special session in October 2011 over the pension crisis.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was  in session from January 5 to June 11.[40]

### About legislative sessions in Rhode Island[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[41] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article VI of the Rhode Island Constitution establishes when the Rhode Island General Assembly, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Section 3 of Article states that the General Assembly is to convene its regular session on the first Tuesday of January in each year.

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Rhode Island are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Three-fifths of members in both chambers.

Three-fifths of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 45 of the 75 members in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and 23 of the 38 members in the Rhode Island State Senate. Rhode Island is one of seven states that requires a three-fifths vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

Authority: Article IX, Section 14 of the Rhode Island Constitution.

"Every bill, resolution, or vote (except such as relate to adjournment, the organization or conduct of either or both houses of the general assembly, and resolutions proposing amendment to the Constitution) which shall have passed both houses of the general assembly shall be presented to the governor. If the governor approve it the governor shall sign it, and thereupon it shall become operative, but if the governor does not approve it the governor shall return it, accompanied by the governor's objections in writing to the house in which it originated, which shall enter the governor's objections in full upon its journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, three-fifths of the members present and voting in that house shall vote to pass the measure, it shall be sent with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise by reconsidered, and if approved by three-fifths of the members present and voting in that house, it shall become operative in the same manner as if the governor had approved it, but in such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by ayes and nays and the names of the members voting for and against the measure shall be entered upon the journal of each house, respectively."

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Rhode Island state budget and finances
Rhode Island on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[42]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
2. Agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by October 1.
3. Agency hearings are held in November and December.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature in January. A newly elected governor has until the first Thursday in February.
5. The legislature typically adopts a budget in June. The fiscal year begins July 1.

In Rhode Island, the governor has no veto authority over the budget.[42]

The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[42]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Rhode Island state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Rhode Island State Senate has 10 standing committees:

* Commerce Committee
* Environment and Agriculture Committee
* Health and Human Services Committee
* Housing and Municipal Government Committee
* Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight Committee
* Senate Education Committee
* Senate Finance Committee
* Senate Judiciary Committee
* Senate Labor Committee
* Special Legislation and Veterans' Affairs

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Rhode Island Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XIV of the Rhode Island Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Rhode Island

There are two paths by which the Rhode Island Constitution can be changed: the legislatively referred constitutional amendment and the constitutional convention. Rhode Island residents do not have the power of initiated constitutional amendments.

#### Legislature[edit]

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Rhode Island State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 20 votes in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and 38 votes in the Rhode Island State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

#### Convention[edit]

See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According to section 2 of Article XIV of the Rhode Island Constitution, a simple majority vote in one legislative session is required for the state legislature to place a constitutional convention question on the ballot. A simple majority vote of the electorate is required to call the convention. The state constitution also requires that a state constitutional convention question is provided to voters at least 10 years after the prior question. Rhode Island is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question.

The table below shows the last and next constitutional convention question election years:

State | Interval | Last question on the ballot | Next question on the ballot

|
|
|

Rhode Island | 10 years | 2014 | 2024

2026 measures:

See also: 2026 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures have been certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

Potential:

The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2026.

No measures to list

2025 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2025 ballot by the legislature or that have made it approximately halfway through the process in the legislature for referral to the ballot in 2025.

See also: 2025 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures have been certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

Potential:

The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2025.

No measures to list

## See also[edit]

Elections |  Rhode Island State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

|
|
|

* Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2024
* Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2022
* Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2020
* Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2018

* Rhode Island General Assembly
* Rhode Island House of Representatives
* Governor of Rhode Island
* Rhode Island Supreme Court

* State legislative elections, 2024
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* State government trifectas
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## External links[edit]

* Rhode Island State Senate

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ The State of Rhode Island General Assembly, "Rhode Island Senate Leadership," accessed July 1, 2014
2. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
3. ↑ Rhode Island Constitution, "Article VI, Section 3," accessed February 3, 2023
4. ↑ Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Are You Eligible?" accessed February 10, 2023
5. ↑ Rhode Island Board of Elections, "Upcoming elections," accessed September 1, 2017
6. ↑ Rhode Island Department of State, "Candidates," accessed September 1, 2017
7. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2012 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
8. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
9. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2008 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2006 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2004 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
12. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2002 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
13. ↑ Follow the Money, "Rhode Island State Senate 2000 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 6, 2014
14. ↑ Rhode Island General Laws, "Title 17 Elections; Chapter 3 General Assembly Members; § 17-3-6. Vacancy in general assembly — Special elections," accessed February 3, 2023
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 All About Redistricting, "Rhode Island," accessed May 7, 2015
16. ↑ State of Rhode Island General Assembly, "Bill to reapportion House, Senate, congressional districts signed into law," accessed February 18, 2022
17. ↑ State of Rhode Island General Assembly, "2022 House Journals - February 15th," accessed February 18, 2022
18. ↑ State of Rhode Island General Assembly, "House Floor Votes for 2/15/2022," accessed February 18, 2022
19. ↑ State of Rhode Island General Assembly, "Legislative Status Report - Senate Bill No. 2162 SUB A as amended," accessed February 18, 2022
20. ↑ The Providence Journal, "Redistricting maps: General Assembly approves new Rhode Island political boundaries," February 15, 2022
21. ↑ Boston Globe, "Assembly votes for final House, Senate, congressional maps," February 15, 2022
22. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Rhode Island's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," March 23, 2011
23. ↑ The Westerly Sun, "Guest commentary: Senate budget will protect Rhode Island taxpayers," July 6, 2017
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
25. ↑ Providence Journal, "My Turn: Nicholas A. Mattiello: Senate’s last-minute shenanigans hurt R.I.," July 8, 2017
26. ↑ Rhode Island Public Radio, "RI Budget Impasse Could End With Senate Vote As Soon As Next Week," July 19, 2017
27. ↑ WPRI, "Governor signs RI budget after month-long standoff," August 3, 2017
28. ↑ Rhode Island Public Radio, "Analysis: Statehouse Frittata Leaves RI State Budget In Limbo," July 5, 2017
29. ↑ WPRI, "RI House approves $9.2B new state budget," June 22, 2017
30. ↑ U.S. News, "RI Governor to Lawmakers: 'Do Your Job' and Pass Budget," July 5, 2017
31. ↑ U.S. News, "Rhode Island Struggles to Eliminate Hated Car Tax," April 2, 2017
32. ↑ Providence Journal, "GOP, NRA gain unexpected ground when R.I. lawmakers end session in standoff," July 1, 2017
33. ↑ Providence Journal, "Tolls, drivers' licenses among issues greeting R.I. lawmakers as they reconvene," accessed January 7, 2016
34. ↑ Providence Journal, "On tap for R.I.'s General Assembly in 2016: Tolls, gambling, gun control," accessed January 7, 2016
35. ↑ Providence Journal, "Top R.I. lawmakers Mattiello, Paiva Weed pledge cooperation with new governor," accessed January 22, 2015
36. ↑ www.providencejournal.com/, "R.I. General Assembly fields more than 30 pieces of legislation, touching on minimum wage, corporate tax," accessed January 10, 2014
37. ↑ boston.com, "Pensions, budget, tolls on 2014 legislative agenda," accessed January 10, 2014(Archived)
38. ↑ Coventry Patch, "This week at the General assembly," January 6, 2013
39. ↑ Boston.com, "Issues to watch in 2012 RI session," January 2, 2012
40. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed June 19, 2014(Archived)
41. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023

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