JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND LEGAL SERVICES, INC.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 6 co-sponsors

Allocates $3,000,000 for 2026-2027 to Rhode Island Legal Services to provide civil legal aid to low-income residents and vulnerable groups statewide.

05/12/2026 Committee heard

Bill Overview

Bill: SR 2559 (Joint Resolution)

Session: 2026

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island

Title: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND LEGAL SERVICES, INC.

Introduced: February 13, 2026

Referred To: Senate Finance

Sponsors: Senators Bissaillon, LaMountain, McKenney, Britto, Dimitri, Mack, DiPalma (with co-sponsors listed)

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of the resolution is to appropriate state funds to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. (RILS), a statewide 501(c)(3) organization that provides legal assistance to low-income Rhode Islanders.

The resolution emphasizes the agency’s role in serving vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence, veterans, and older residents, and notes the organization’s long-standing impact in helping residents achieve safe housing, income stability, food security, family preservation, safety, education, and workers’ rights.

Key Provisions

Appropriation: The resolution would allocate $3,000,000 from the general treasury (unencumbered funds) for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.

Administration of Funds: The State Controller is directed to issue payments to RILS upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, drawing from the general treasurer as needed to meet the appropriation.

Accountability: While the resolution is a straightforward appropriation, it relies on standard government processes for voucher submission and payment.

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary Beneficiary: Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. and the low-income Rhode Islanders who rely on its legal services.

Beneficiaries’ Outcomes: Improved access to legal representation in areas such as housing, income maintenance, family safety, and employment rights; potential enhancements in client outcomes for domestic violence survivors, veterans, and elderly residents.

Government Impact: Requires allocation of $3 million in state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and uses existing administrative procedures for disbursement.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and Referral: Introduced February 13, 2026; referred to Senate Finance.

Committee Action: Scheduled for hearing/consideration on May 12, 2026 (action history indicates potential committee review and floor consideration).

Fiscal Year Coverage: The appropriation is for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Disbursement Mechanism: Payments to RILS will be made through the general treasurer upon properly authenticated vouchers, following standard state accounting practices.

Summary

SR 2559 seeks a targeted $3 million appropriation to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support its statewide provision of civil legal aid to low-income residents and vulnerable groups. The bill outlines a straightforward funding mechanism and emphasizes RILS’s role in advancing housing stability, income security, safety, and access to critical services. If enacted, the funds would be disbursed by the State Controller from the general treasury upon submitted vouchers.