Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7998

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

Impact

The impact of H7998 on state laws is significant, as it formalizes the role of climate considerations in budget proposals presented to the General Assembly. By making climate change a core component of fiscal planning, state agencies are obligated to not only prioritize but also report on their endeavors to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates. This integration of climate goals into the budgeting process reinforces the principles established in the 2021 Act on Climate, thereby enhancing the transparency and accountability of state operations related to climate action.

Summary

House Bill H7998 aims to refine the existing legislation under the 2021 Act on Climate by mandating that the governor must highlight climate considerations when presenting proposed budget articles for each fiscal year. This requirement serves to ensure that state departments and agencies integrate climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience into their operational frameworks and responsibilities. The bill represents a proactive step towards aligning budgetary decisions with environmental goals, reflecting an ongoing commitment to addressing climate change at a state level.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a positive stride towards climate action, there may be contention regarding the practical implications of its implementation. Some lawmakers may express concerns about the potential additional administrative burden imposed on state agencies tasked with tracking and reporting climate considerations. Furthermore, discussions could arise around the adequacy of existing resources to effectively meet these new requirements, raising questions about the state's overall commitment to funding and supporting such initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0400

Repeals the 2021 Act on Climate which established a statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate in its entirety.

RI H5610

Requires the executive climate change coordinating council to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of carbon emissions removal technology as an alternative to reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals.

RI S0399

Requires the executive climate change coordinating council to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of carbon emissions removal technology as an alternative to reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals.

RI S0089

Incorporates ethical energy standards to the 2021 Act on Climate.

RI S0862

Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

RI H5573

Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

RI S0402

Makes several amendments relative to the affordable clean energy security act establishing the act's priority over chapter 6.2 of title 42 (2021 act on climate).

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 H6095

Imposes a hospital licensing fee for fiscal year 2026 against net patient-services revenue of every non-government owned hospital for the hospital’s first fiscal year ending on or after January 1, 2024.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.