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Rhode Island Senate Bill S3021
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3021

Introduced
3/5/26  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

Impact

The primary impact of S3021 would be to amend Article VI, Sections 16 and 17 of the Rhode Island Constitution, reinforcing a framework that requires consent from the populace before any major financial commitments are made by the state or its entities. This amendment would likely curb the financial autonomy of certain state departments and agencies, aligning more closely with democratic oversight principles and ensuring that significant fiscal decisions are made transparently and with public input.

Summary

Bill S3021 is a joint resolution introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that proposes a significant amendment to the state's Constitution regarding the legislative power related to debt incurrence. Specifically, it seeks to ensure that no department, authority, or entity created by the state can incur debts exceeding $50,000 without express consent from both the legislature and the electorate. This proposed change aims to enhance accountability in state financial matters and limit the power of state-created entities to incur substantial debts without broader voter approval.

Contention

Notably, the proposed amendment may bring about contention among lawmakers regarding the balance between efficient state governance and necessary oversight. Proponents argue that it will prevent mismanagement and ensure transparency regarding state debt, protecting taxpayer interests. However, opponents may raise concerns about potential governmental inefficiencies, arguing that requiring voter consent for relatively minor debts could slow down critical initiatives and impair the government's ability to respond promptly to urgent financial needs.

Provisions

If adopted, the amendment would fundamentally reshape how state debt is managed by necessitating public engagement and voting on state financial obligations. This reflects a broader trend within governance that emphasizes accountability to citizens while also posing challenges in terms of logistics and responsiveness from the state government to emerging fiscal needs.

Latest RI S3021 Activity

View All Events: RI 2026 Regular Session S3021

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0725

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

RI S0820

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H5515

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H5734

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.)

RI S0308

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI S0327

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI H5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI H5386

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)

RI S0208

APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

RI H5086

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.