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SR 1049

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $100,000 FOR THE RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON PREJUDICE AND BIAS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiara Mack and 1 co-sponsor

Provides a one-time $100,000 appropriation for FY 2025-2026 to support the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias’s operations, training, and policy guidance.

06/03/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SR 1049

SR 1049 — Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation for the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias

Overview

SR 1049 is a Rhode Island Joint Resolution introduced on May 9, 2025 that would appropriate $100,000 for the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias (the Commission) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funds would be distributed through the Commission’s fiscal agent, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The measure is currently in the Senate Finance Committee and, as of June 3, 2025, has been recommended to be held for further study.

Purpose and Intent

  • Address funding shortfalls that have hindered the Commission’s ability to carry out its mission to study all forms of prejudice, bias, and hatred in Rhode Island and to revise and codify related laws where possible.
  • Ensure continued operations, trainings, reporting, and guidance that the Commission provides to state leaders and agencies.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation: $100,000 to the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias for fiscal year 2025-2026.
  • Source and Distribution: Funds to be drawn from the state treasury not otherwise appropriated and distributed via the Commission’s fiscal agent, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
  • Payment Mechanism: The state controller is authorized to issue payments upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, drawing from the General Treasurer.

Funding and Fiscal Details

  • Amount: $100,000.
  • Fiscal Year: 2025-2026.
  • Funding Route: From the treasury to the Commission via its fiscal agent (RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
  • Administrative Authority: State controller to issue payments following voucher authentication.

Administrative/Procedural Status

  • Introduced: May 9, 2025 (S. Mack and S. Paolino as sponsors).
  • Referred to: Senate Finance.
  • Hearing/Consideration: Scheduled for consideration around May 30, 2025; as of June 3, 2025, the Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
  • Nature of Measure: This is a joint resolution (not a bill creating new law) that allocates funds for the Commission’s operations.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias: Receives essential funding to continue operations, training, reporting, and policy guidance.
  • Law Enforcement and Victim Support Networks: Benefit from ongoing hate crime training and collaboration facilitated by the Commission.
  • Rhode Island communities: Indirect beneficiaries through continued guidance to policymakers and enhanced prevention/response to prejudice and bias.
  • RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Serves as the fiscal agent for grant disbursement.

Context and Considerations

  • The Commission has faced funding reductions from federal and state sources, impacting its ability to fulfill its mission.
  • The resolution emphasizes the Commission’s statutory role and its value as a vehicle for communication among legislators, law enforcement, and communities.

Summary

SR 1049 proposes a one-time appropriation of $100,000 for FY 2025-2026 to support the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias, addressing funding gaps that limit its ability to study prejudice and bias, provide training, and guide policy. The measure is under consideration in the Senate Finance Committee and is currently set to be held for further study.

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

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