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HR 8476

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF STATE EDUCATION AID TO THE TOWN OF RICHMOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $331,064

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Megan Cotter

Funds Richmond $331,064 to offset Governor’s proposed reduction in state education aid for fiscal year ending 2027.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 8476

Summary of HR 8476 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

Joint Resolution: Making an appropriation of state education aid to the Town of Richmond in the amount of $331,064

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes a targeted appropriation from the Rhode Island state treasury to the Town of Richmond.
  • Specifically, it aims to “support and restore” state education aid to Richmond for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
  • The appropriation equals the amount by which Richmond’s total state education aid would be reduced by the Governor’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In effect, the measure seeks to compensate Richmond for the portion of state aid that the Governor’s budget would withhold or cut.

Key Provisions

  • Amount: $331,064.
  • Source: General treasury, funds not otherwise appropriated (i.e., discretionary state funds).
  • Purpose: To restore/offset the Governor’s proposed reduction in total state education aid to Richmond.
  • Authorized action: The State Controller is authorized and directed to issue payments on behalf of the General Treasurer, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.
  • Timeframe: The appropriation covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Town of Richmond, which participates in the Chariho Regional School District.
  • Indirectly, it reflects a legislative intent to maintain Richmond’s level of state education aid in line with the Governor’s proposed budget adjustments for the next fiscal year.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: April 17, 2026 by Representative Megan L. Cotter (co-sponsored by Megan Cotter).
  • Referral: House Finance Committee.
  • Action history:
    • April 17, 2026: Introduced and referred to House Finance.
    • April 24, 2026: Scheduled for hearing/consideration.
    • April 28, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
  • Current status: Committee recommended holding for further study; no further passage action documented in the provided text.

Contextual Notes

  • This is a financial appropriations tool rather than a general reform measure. It is highly targeted to a single municipality (Richmond) and ties to the Governor’s proposed budget reductions to ensure Richmond receives a specified amount of state education aid.
  • As a joint resolution, if enacted, it would not create a new permanent entitlement but would authorize a one-year appropriation aligned with the Governor’s budget adjustment for the upcoming fiscal year.

Potential Implications

  • Ensures Richmond’s state education aid levels are preserved at the targeted amount for the fiscal year ending 2027, mitigating potential impacts of aid reductions.
  • May influence local budgeting and school funding decisions within Richmond and the Chariho Regional School District.
  • Fiscal impact is limited to the stated $331,064 and would rely on continued availability of non-appropriated general funds as directed by the bill.

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

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