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Rhode Island House Bill H7705
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7705

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $40,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) FOR THE NORTHEASTERN FOREST FIRE PROTECTION COMPACT (Appropriates the sum of $40,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.)

Impact

By providing this appropriation, H7705 seeks to ensure that Rhode Island remains an effective participant in the NFFPC. The state’s participation is essential for accessing specialized firefighting resources without the need for full-time maintenance, which can be financially burdensome. The bill contributes to the overall goal of enhancing regional cooperation in dealing with forest fires, promoting readiness and safety across New England and parts of Canada.

Summary

House Bill H7705 is a joint resolution that proposes an appropriation of $40,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). This funding is specifically aimed at supporting the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC), an established agreement among several states and provinces in the Northeast aimed at providing mutual aid for wildfire management efforts. The compact allows member states to share firefighting resources, technology, and training, enhancing collective capabilities during fire emergencies that exceed local resources.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support due to its focus on safety, there may be concerns regarding the use of state funds for compact support, especially in times of budget constraints where other local needs might compete for the same financial resources. Discussions around the bill may also delve into the efficiency and responsiveness of the NFFPC, particularly in how quickly assistance can mobilize during a crisis, and how funds are managed and allocated within the compact.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6326

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,300,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) TO TRANSPLANT QUAHOGS INTO NARRAGNSETT BAY AND ESTABLISH A SHELLFISH HATCHERY PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $2,300,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the transplantation of quahogs and the establishment of a shellfish hatchery program.)

RI S0421

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.)

RI H6017

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $450,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.)

RI S1049

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $100,000 FOR THE RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON PREJUDICE AND BIAS (This resolution would appropriate the sum of $100,000 to the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias.)

RI H6020

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $32,594,799 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY (Appropriates the sum of $32,594,799 to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.)

RI S0871

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)

RI H5234

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)

RI H6190

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $118,422 FOR RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. (RIPIN) (This resolution authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $118,422 for RIPIN to continue the operation of the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman.)

RI H6191

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $10,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to the Rhode Island Foundation, to generate funds to support public education.)

RI S0105

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF APPROXIMATELY $30,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $100,000 to each public school in Rhode Island for school safety and security improvements.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.