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AARP Rhode Island 2026 Legislative Wins

Fighting at the State House for Rhode Islanders 50+

AARP

Updated June 25, 2026

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AARP Rhode Island and its team of advocacy volunteers waged a months-long effort to secure wins in the General Assembly that will benefit older Rhode Islanders. Here are the highlights:

In the 2027 State Budget

Elimination of the State Tax on Social Security Payments

The General Assembly’s 2026 State Budget ends the state tax on Social Security payments immediately for early retirees who were not previously exempt, providing relief to roughly 9,200 Rhode Islanders. AARP Rhode Island remains committed to pushing for the future full elimination of the tax as Rhode Island remains one of only eight states that still taxes Social Security.

RIPTA

The 2027 budget includes full funding of the proposed Rhode Island Transportation Authority (RIPTA) budget, as well as added funds to restore some prior cuts. In addition, RIPTA will now receive 25% of the Highway Maintenance Fund (HMA), a significant increase from the 5% it received less than two years ago, and $15 million for bus shelters and improvements.

Utility Bill Relief

The budget delivers $500 million in energy relief over the next five years by eliminating bonus payments for utility shareholders, expanding access to lower-cost clean energy resources such as nuclear power and large-scale hydropower, addressing virtual net metering costs, and reducing near-term charges associated with utility paving projects.

Main Street Rhode Island

The 2027 Budget appropriates $150,000 to the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which strengthens communities through a coordinated statewide network supported by Main Street America. A vibrant main street is a cornerstone of a livable community, with walkable neighborhoods, affordable housing and transportation options, and access to essential goods and services that allow older adults to remain in their communities, should they choose to do so. Investments that strengthen Rhode Island’s main streets directly support independence, health, and quality of life for older residents.

AARP-Rhode Island Legislative Agenda

Most Popular

Deed Fraud Protection Act H7551Sub A/S2715

Makes it a crime to fraudulently claim ownership of someone else's property, commonly known as title or deed fraud, and allows local governments to reject suspicious property documents before they are officially recorded. Requires all municipalities to offer a Property Alert Notification System to residents by 2028.

Home-Based Foot Care H7029Sub A/S2116

Allows qualified and clinically competent nurses to provide home-based foot care services, including routine foot and nail care, and implements care plans that address foot hygiene and fingernail care.

Access to Dental Care H7837 / S2878

Allows dental hygienists to be paid directly by Medicare and other insurers for services they provide. Public Health Dental Hygienists, who provide care in non-traditional settings, such as in the home, give Rhode Islanders access to health-enhancing dental care regardless of transportation or mobility, will now receive reimbursement for their critical services.

Medigap Flexibility H8595 / S3282

Gives people more opportunities to buy or switch Medigap coverage without being denied or charged higher rates because of their health, even if they enroll after their initial signup period. Gives older adults the flexibility to adjust their coverage as their circumstances change. Ensures that no one is forced to remain in a plan that no longer fits their health needs or financial situation.

Rhode Island Secure Choice H7475/S3086

Makes technical updates to Rhode Island’s retirement savings program to help it continue operating smoothly and work more easily with similar programs in other states. Secure Choice, which offers employees of small businesses access to a portable Roth IRA-type retirement account through automatic payroll deduction, was a top priority of AARP Rhode Island in 2024.

Impersonation and Identity Fraud H8060/S3338

Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud, and individuals and businesses from digital forgery.

SAFE Unit Homeless Shelters H8001/S3301

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAFE Units on a temporary basis, and requires reports to the governor, the speaker of the house and the president of the senate regarding the nature of the emergency and the number of individuals served by SAFE Units.

Parking Reform in Multi-Family Developments H8005/S3303

Facilitates greater housing development by mandating that there shall be no municipal ordinance which mandates more than one off-street parking space per dwelling unit in a multi-family structure or development, where the property is located in a transit-oriented area within a one-quarter (¼) mile radius of an existing regional mobility hub or a one-eighth (⅛) mile radius of an existing frequent transit stop.