H 7086Arts & Culture

State Affairs and Government - State Emblems

This bill designates rhythm and blues as the official state music of Rhode Island.

Held for study

Population
Affected

Introduced Jan 14, 2026Committee House Special Legislation

Plain-English Summary

This legislation officially designates "rhythm and blues" as the state music of Rhode Island. The bill amends the General Laws related to "State Emblems" to include this new designation. It specifically defines rhythm and blues for the purpose of this statute as a music genre that incorporates elements of pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic music.

For younger readers

You know how states have their own special bird or flower? This bill is making a rule to give Rhode Island its own special music, too. It says that "rhythm and blues" is now the official state music. The bill explains that this type of music mixes different fun styles like pop, soul, and hip-hop together. It is a way for the state to celebrate this specific kind of music.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Residents of Rhode IslandMusiciansMusic EducatorsHistoriansTourism Industry

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Recognizes and honors a musical genre deeply rooted in African American history and culture, promoting inclusivity and cultural representation within state symbols.
Serves as a symbolic gesture that validates the artistic contributions of diverse communities, potentially fostering a sense of belonging for marginalized groups.
Encourages the celebration of arts and culture without imposing financial burdens on the poor or working class.
Represents a purely symbolic act that does not address material conditions such as poverty, housing instability, or systemic racism faced by the communities that created the music.
Diverts legislative time and attention away from critical social justice reforms and urgent public service needs.
The definition of the genre provided in the bill is broad and commercialized, potentially commodifying a cultural art form rather than authentically honoring its roots.

For Conservatives

Involves no new government spending or tax increases, adhering to the principle of fiscal responsibility.
Imposes no new regulations, mandates, or restrictions on businesses or individuals, preserving personal and corporate freedom.
Celebrates a cultural aspect of the state without expanding the size or scope of the government bureaucracy.
Represents a frivolous use of legislative time and resources when the government should be focused on serious economic and public safety issues.
Sets a precedent for government involvement in cultural definitions, which arguably lies outside the proper scope of limited government.
The broad definition of the genre could be seen as an arbitrary legislative attempt to redefine established artistic categories.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 4 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 42-4 of the General Laws entitled "State Emblems" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 42-4-24. State music. The music genre of rhythm and blues is hereby designated as the state music. For purposes of this section, rhythm and blues is defined as music which contains elements of pop, soul, funk, hip-hop and electronic music.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.