Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7316

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

Require the director of any state agency with more than five million dollars ($5,000,000) in contracted services to conduct a review of said services and to provide a two percent (2%) reduction in said expenditures over five years.

Impact

The implications of HB 7316 are significant, as it seeks to impose a mandatory two percent reduction in contracted service spending over a five-year period for agencies exceeding the expenditure threshold. This legislative move could lead to substantial savings, incentivizing agencies to scrutinize their contracts more closely and eliminate inefficiencies. The bill underscores a commitment to budgetary discipline and aims at ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilized more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 7316 aims to enhance fiscal responsibility within state agencies by requiring a systematic review of contracted services. The bill mandates that any state agency with expenditures exceeding five million dollars on contracted services must conduct an annual review starting July 1, 2027. This review's purpose is to identify potential areas for reducing these expenditures, promoting a more efficient allocation of state resources.

Contention

While supporters of HB 7316 argue that it encourages better management of state finances, there may be concerns from various stakeholders, particularly those providing contracted services. Critics could argue that mandated cuts might affect the quality and availability of services offered by state agencies, potentially leading to shortfalls in critical areas. Additionally, the bill could be viewed as imposing undue pressure on agencies that are already striving to meet demands with limited resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6005

Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.

RI S0894

Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.

RI S0783

Increases the threshold limit for charitable organizations with an annual gross income of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more.

RI H6257

Provides for an additional real estate conveyance tax for commercial properties sold in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) at a rate of three dollars and thirteen cents ($3.13) for each five hundred dollars.

RI H5562

Provides that charitable organizations with a gross income of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or less can meet the required reporting and records requirements by providing either an IRS Form 900 or other approved financial statements.

RI H5752

Imposes a property tax on non-owner occupied residential properties assessed worth at one million dollars ($1,000,000) and less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and a higher tax on properties assessed at two million dollars ($2,000,000) or more.

RI H5356

Limits the application fees paid under the certificate of need program within the department of health to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

RI H5400

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.

RI S0453

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.

RI H6010

Allows the city of Providence to impose an additional conveyance tax of three quarters of one percent (0.75%) on sale of any real property in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.