Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2716

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Creates the joint committee of the repealer for a term of six (6) years to compile suggestions for repeal of certain statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

Impact

The impact of S2716 upon state laws could be significant, as it empowers this new committee to actively engage with citizens and businesses to identify and eliminate regulations deemed archaic or overly restrictive. This could lead to a more favorable business environment in Rhode Island by potentially reducing red tape and enhancing economic growth. Additionally, this process aims to simplify governmental operations, making it easier for both businesses and residents to navigate legal obligations.

Summary

S2716 aims to establish a 'Joint Committee of the Repealer' within the Rhode Island General Assembly. This committee will be composed of six members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, with a mandate to review and compile suggestions for the repeal of outdated or non-business-friendly statutes, regulations, and executive orders. The committee's formation is justified by the need to streamline governance and remove unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed on businesses and citizens.

Duration

The Joint Committee of the Repealer will be established for a term lasting until December 31, 2032, unless the General Assembly decides to extend its existence. This longevity allows for ongoing dialogues around regulatory efficiency, although some may dispute the committee's long-term relevance and effectiveness.

Contention

A potential point of contention regarding S2716 could arise from concerns over the breadth of its proposed powers. Critics might argue that while the intention is to enhance business-friendly practices, such a committee could inadvertently overlook essential regulations that protect public health, safety, and welfare. This balance between reducing bureaucracy and maintaining essential protections will be crucial in the discussions surrounding the legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5716

Eliminates provisions establishing a legislative regulation committee, and also repeals the provision that codes and standards adopted by the state building code standards committee would be subject to approval by the legislative regulation committee.

RI S0506

Eliminates provisions establishing a legislative regulation committee, and would also repeal the provision that codes and standards adopted by the state building code standards committee subject to approval by the legislative regulation committee.

RI S0068

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.

RI S0590

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.

RI H6187

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.

RI H5161

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC UTILITIES (Creates a special joint legislative study commission to study public ownership of certain public utilities, including electricity and natural gas.)

RI H5139

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would create four (4) year terms for general assembly members and impose term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2028 election.)

RI S0542

Reduces penalties for non-violent drug offenses and provide for terms of imprisonment of not more than 10 years for any drug offense and would repeal certain other offenses.

RI S0008

SENATE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE SENATE FOR THE YEARS 2023-2024 (This resolution would amend the rules of the Senate relative to committees and would create a new committee on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.)

RI H5970

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

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