Rhode Island State Senate

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

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
	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)

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
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
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 Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit 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

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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:

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 State legislative elections, 2023 State legislative elections, 2022 State legislative elections, 2021 State legislative elections, 2020 State legislative elections, 2019 State legislative elections, 2018	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links[edit]

• Rhode Island State Senate

Footnotes[edit]

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