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HR 7597

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

The bill proposes a $200,000 state appropriation to the Rhode Island Black Business Association to support its programs aiding Black-owned businesses.

05/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 7597

Summary of HR 7597 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation of $200,000 to the Rhode Island Black Business Association

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes an appropriation of $200,000 to the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA).
  • The intended purpose is to support the activities, programs, or operations of RIBBA, a nonprofit entity focused on fostering Black-owned businesses in Rhode Island.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation Amount: $200,000.
  • Recipient: Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA).
  • Allocation Type: The bill designates a one-time or specified-purpose grant (as a state appropriation) to RIBBA. The exact use within RIBBA’s programs would be determined by the association and any implementing state agency rules or grant terms adopted in the bill or by related administrative procedures.
  • Administration: The bill is a joint resolution, indicating it passes the House and Senate together and typically may be presented to the governor for signature to become law. (Specific administrative or reporting requirements would likely be detailed in the implementing language or accompanying appropriations language, though not provided in the summary text.)

Affected Parties

  • Directly: Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), which would receive the $200,000 appropriation.
  • Indirectly: Black-owned businesses and the broader Rhode Island business community that may benefit from RIBBA’s programs (e.g., access to resources, mentorship, networking, advocacy).
  • State government: Involves the budget and appropriation process, including potential reporting or accountability requirements tied to the grant.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 6, 2026, and referred to House Finance.
  • Hearing/Consideration: Scheduled for May 1, 2026, with a hearing/consideration date set for May 7, 2026.
  • Legislative Path: As a Joint Resolution, it would require approval by both the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Senate, and typically signature by the governor to become law or an alternative path if the joint resolution is used in a specific appropriations context.

Context and Considerations

  • The bill reflects a targeted state investment intended to support a nonprofit organization that serves minority-owned businesses.
  • Key questions for readers may include: What specific programs or activities will RIBBA fund with the $200,000? Are there matching requirements, reporting metrics, or sunset provisions? How will the impact be measured (e.g., number of businesses supported, job creation, access to capital)?

Bottom Line

HR 7597 proposes a $200,000 appropriation to the Rhode Island Black Business Association via a joint resolution, aimed at supporting the association’s work to assist Black-owned businesses in Rhode Island. The bill is moving through the legislative process with a scheduled hearing in May 2026.

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

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