Rhode Island House Bill H7387

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/26
• Refer: 1/28/26

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

Impact

If passed, this amendment would significantly alter the balance of power within Rhode Island's government structure. By allowing a line-item veto, the governor could effectively manage state spending more proactively, which supporters argue will lead to greater efficiency in the utilization of public funds. However, this shift could also raise concerns about executive overreach, with potential implications for legislative authority and state budgetary transparency. The change could encourage more strategic budgeting and possibly reduce wasteful spending.

Summary

House Bill 7387 is a proposed amendment to the Rhode Island state constitution that seeks to grant the governor the authority to exercise a line-item veto on budget and other appropriation bills. This amendment aims to provide the governor with increased power in the budgetary process, allowing for the rejection of specific funding allocations without needing to veto an entire budget. The intention is to enhance fiscal responsibility and oversight within state budgeting, giving the executive more control over spending measures that may be deemed unnecessary or excessive.

Contention

The proposal has generated discussions surrounding its implications for the legislative process. While proponents argue that a line-item veto is a necessary tool for fiscal management, opponents caution against the concentration of budgetary power in the hands of the governor. There are concerns that this could undermine the collaborative nature of governance and diminish the legislature's role in budgetary decisions. Critics fear that it may lead to political maneuvering where the governor could selectively fund initiatives that align with personal or partisan interests.

Voting process

The proposed amendment will be submitted to the electors of Rhode Island for their approval during the next statewide general election. This direct approach allows citizens to have a say in significant changes to their state’s constitutional framework, ensuring that such a critical shift in government power reflects the will of the electorate. The process involves publication in state newspapers and public discussions through town meetings, emphasizing transparency and community engagement in the amendment process.