SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES IN LEGISLATION/OVERSIGHT OF THE ACT ON CLIMATE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Zurier

Extends the reporting deadline to May 1, 2027 and the commission expiration to June 1, 2027 for studying and recommending changes to Rhode Island's Act on Climate.

06/03/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of Bill

Bill and Purpose

Bill: SR 3343 (Rhode Island Senate Resolution)

Session: 2026

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island

Title: Senate Resolution Extending the Reporting and Expiration Dates of the Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide Recommendations for Potential Changes in Legislation/Oversight of The Act on Climate

Purpose: Extend the timeline for a special legislative commission tasked with studying and recommending potential changes to legislation/oversight related to the Act on Climate, and extend the commission’s expiration date accordingly.

Key Provisions

Extends the reporting deadline for the special legislative commission from May 1, 2026, to May 1, 2027.

Extends the commission’s expiration date from June 1, 2026, to June 1, 2027.

Explicitly rescinds the previously authorized reporting deadline established by Senate Resolution No. 313 (January session, 2025; approved May 15, 2025). In effect, the new resolution supersedes the earlier May 1, 2026 deadline.

States that the commission remains the body authorized to study and provide recommendations for potential changes in legislation/oversight of Rhode Island’s Act on Climate.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Origin: The resolution references and extends the authority of “Senate Resolution No. 313” from the January 2025 session.

New timeline:

Reporting to the Senate: on or before May 1, 2027.
Commission expiration: June 1, 2027.

Status: Introduced by Senator Samuel D. Zurier; placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (June 2026).

Who/What Is Affected

Affects the Special Legislative Commission established to study and make recommendations regarding potential changes in legislation/oversight of the Act on Climate.

Implications for stakeholders involved in climate legislation, oversight agencies, and any entities relying on or impacted by the Act on Climate, as the commission’s work and its recommendations can influence future regulatory or legislative changes.

Potential Impact

Allows additional time for comprehensive study, deliberation, and formulation of recommendations related to climate-related legislation and oversight.

Provides stability and clarity for policy review processes by extending the official reporting and expiration dates.

Could set the stage for forthcoming recommendations or amendments to the Act on Climate based on extended study.

Notes for Readers

This is a procedural resolution, not substantive policy itself; its primary effect is to extend the duration and reporting deadline of the existing special commission.

The effective outcome depends on the commission’s findings and any subsequent legislative actions following its extended report.