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HR 6078

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 6 co-sponsors

Allocates $1,000,000 to study seagliders in Rhode Island, aiming to boost blue economy tech, reduce emissions, create jobs, and improve coastal transport.

05/06/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 6078

RI Joint Resolution HR 6078 – Summary

Overview

  • Type: Joint Resolution (appropriation)
  • Bill Number: HR 6078
  • Title: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND
  • Purpose: To appropriate $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore seagliders in Rhode Island, in coordination with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI).
  • Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study (as of 05/06/2025)
  • Introduced: March 12, 2025 (introduced in House; Schedule and subsequent actions noted)
  • Classification: Resolution (not a standing act; a targeted appropriation via a joint resolution)

Purpose and Intent

  • Position Rhode Island as a leader in the Blue Economy by advancing dual-use, innovative technologies.
  • Support 401 Tech Bridge’s mission to accelerate development and commercialization of technology through cross-sector collaboration among industry, government, and academia.
  • Explore seagliders—an all-electric, passenger-carrying wing-in-ground-effect vehicle intended to service coastal routes—as a potential component of Rhode Island’s transportation, economic development, and environmental goals.
  • Align with Rhode Island’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, creating jobs, expanding workforce training, and enhancing regional connectivity.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation: Directs the sum of $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge.
  • Purpose of Funds: To study and explore seagliders in Rhode Island, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI).
  • Activities: Includes conducting a seaglider feasibility study to understand, assess, and verify the use and operation of seagliders in Rhode Island.
  • Outcomes Sought: Position Rhode Island to realize benefits such as carbon and greenhouse gas emission reductions, economic growth, job training opportunities, and improved travel access.
  • Collaboration: 401 Tech Bridge will work with RISI and local stakeholders to ensure inclusive engagement and alignment with Rhode Island’s interests.
  • Fiscal Mechanics: State controller is authorized to draw orders on the general treasurer for payment of the appropriation, upon properly authenticated vouchers.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

  • Beneficiary: 401 Tech Bridge (recipient organization).
  • Collaborator/Partner: Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI) and related government, industry, and academic stakeholders.
  • Wider Impacts: Rhode Island residents, coastal communities, blue economy sectors (manufacturing, research, transportation, and related jobs).

Fiscal and Procedural Timeline

  • Proposed appropriation contingent on passage of the resolution.
  • Payment triggers: Payments made by the state controller on vouchers authenticated for the appropriation.
  • Legislative steps observed: Introduction, committee referral, scheduled hearings, and committee recommendation for further study (as of the latest update).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Environmental: Potential reduction in carbon emissions and greenhouse gases through electric seagliders.
  • Economic: Possible job creation, new training opportunities, and strengthened maritime and tech sectors.
  • Transportation: Enhanced coastal mobility and emergency response capabilities, with benefits to tourism and regional connectivity.
  • Caution: As a resolution and not a general appropriation bill, final adoption depends on legislative approval and may face refinements through committee review.

This summary captures the bill’s stated aims, funded activity, responsible entities, and anticipated impacts based on the text and legislative actions provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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