Government
Public services and government action
Your Guide to New Laws: Housing, Voting, and Debt Protection
This summer, RI lawmakers overhauled how the state funds affordable housing, changed mail-in voting to protect your ballot, and updated debt laws to shield your car and cash from creditors. Here’s what you need to know about these significant new laws and how they will affect you.
Summer Guide to New Laws: Tax Hikes for Landlords and Narcan on the Beach
New RI laws are here. While lifeguards get equipped with life-saving Narcan, a major shift in property taxes hits Providence and Pawtucket. We break down the new rules for landlords in these cities and what it means for you and your wallet.
New RI Laws Target Health Care Hassles and Digital Decency
The RI legislature was busy this summer. We're breaking down new laws that could change your next doctor's visit and provide new protections against online harassment. From slashing insurance red tape to criminalizing "revenge porn," here's what you need to know about the latest from Smith Hill.
Your Guide to New Laws: Payday Loans, Pay Stubs, and Prescription Costs
This summer, Rhode Island lawmakers passed major changes affecting your finances. From the end of payday lending to new rules for your pay stub and protections for affordable drug programs, we break down what you need to know about the new laws that will directly impact your wallet.
Your Guide to New Laws: A Pay Bump and Big Breaks on Medical Debt
In this installment of our ongoing series, we're focusing on two key areas: your paycheck and the often-crushing weight of healthcare costs. These changes could mean more money in your pocket and powerful new protections when you're most vulnerable.
New RI Laws Target 'Forever Chemicals,' Predatory Home Contracts, and Overdose Prevention
Our all-new series breaks down all of the new laws you need to know about in the ocean state.
Red States Embrace Government-Run Healthcare, Crush Corporate Monopolies
Conservative states Ohio, Kentucky, and Mississippi ditched corporate healthcare middlemen for government-run prescription drug programs, saving $423 million while increasing pharmacy payments by 1200%. The stunning success exposes how "socialist" policies actually work when we focus on results over political labels.
RI Legislative Session Ends, Major BillBuddy Updates
With summer upon us, the 2025 legislative session has come to a close. A total of 828 new laws were passed, many of which will affect you and your family. As part of our BillBuddy service, we are offering several ways to discover what the new laws mean...
Housing Blitz, Minimum Wage Hike, and "Assault Weapon" Ban Dominate State House
It was a packed week at the State House as lawmakers introduced a massive package of bills aimed at overhauling local zoning to spur housing development. Meanwhile, major legislation to raise the minimum wage, ban certain firearms, and prohibit smoking in casinos all took significant steps toward becoming law.
Your Paycheck, Your Data, Your Kids' Phones: Big Bills Advance on Smith Hill
Last week at the State House, lawmakers introduced major proposals to ban most non-compete agreements and require students to lock up their phones during the school day. Meanwhile, bills to raise the minimum wage to $20/hr, mandate contraceptive coverage, and ban payday loans are all moving forward.