JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PAY CERTAIN CLAIMS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma

The bill provides a one-time appropriation to pay six identified individual claims for vehicle damages caused by roadway defects or debris.

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature

Summary of Bill: SR 3353 (2026) – Rhode Island Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation to Pay Certain Claims

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a Joint Resolution that proposes an appropriation of funds to pay specific, identified individual claims.

Introduced by Senator Louis P. DiPalma and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

The appropriation is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Key Provisions

Outlays: The resolution authorizes the appropriation of money from the treasury, “not otherwise appropriated,” specifically to pay a set list of claims.

Total and individual claims:

Ruth K. Douglas (Cumberland): $1,177.26 for damages to a vehicle from roadway debris on Route 146 North near Sayles Hill Road, North Smithfield, around November 7, 2024.
Mike Arena (Cranston): $446.91 for damages to a vehicle from a roadway defect on George Waterman Road, Johnston, around April 9, 2026.
Barbara Mansour (Woonsocket): $535.82 for damages to a vehicle from a roadway defect on Route 146 near Manville, Lincoln, around March 13, 2024.
Rachel Boiteau (North Smithfield): $500.00 for damages to a vehicle from roadway debris on Route 146 in Providence, around January 15, 2026.
John Sidney Baxter, Jr. (Pawtucket): $280.38 for damages to a vehicle from a roadway defect on Route 1A, Pawtucket, around March 1, 2026.
Daniel Chasse (Providence): $2,211.49 for damages to a vehicle from a roadway defect on Route 37 near Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, around February 22, 2026.

Administrative mechanism: The State Controller would draw upon their orders to the General Treasurer for payment of these funds.

Affected Parties

Individual claimants identified in the resolution (residents of Rhode Island) who sustained vehicle damages due to roadway defects or debris.

State agencies:

State Controller (to issue orders for payment)
General Treasurer (to disburse funds upon Controller’s orders)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced on June 4, 2026; referred to the Senate Finance committee.

Fiscal impact: A one-time appropriation within the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, sourced from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

No broader policy changes or administrative reforms are included; the bill provides targeted payments to specific individuals for specific incidents.

Practical Implications

Provides a formal, legislative confirmation of payments previously or imminently due to the named claimants.

Establishes a clear line-item appropriation, ensuring funds are available for these specific claims within the indicated fiscal year.

Limits applicability to the listed six claims; does not create ongoing or mandate-based funding beyond these amounts.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to typical claims payment processes in Rhode Island or outline any potential contingent considerations (e.g., funding source status or oversight).