H 8206Funding & Budget

Making an Appropriation of $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for New Forestry Hoses

Appropriates $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the purchase of new forestry hoses in FY 2026-2027.

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Introduced Feb 27, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a specific legislative appropriation of $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are explicitly designated for the procurement of new forestry hoses, which are critical tools used by environmental and forestry personnel for forest management and wildland fire suppression.

The legislation directs the state controller to draw orders upon the general treasurer to disburse the $50,000 sum. These payments will be made as required over time, contingent upon the receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. This ensures oversight and accountability in how the appropriated funds are spent by the DEM.

By providing targeted funding for forestry equipment, the bill supports the state's ongoing efforts to maintain its natural resources and protect public lands from the threat of forest fires. The appropriation represents a direct investment in the operational readiness of Rhode Island's environmental management infrastructure.

For younger readers

This bill gives $50,000 to the state department that takes care of nature. The money will be used to buy new hoses to help manage forests and fight forest fires.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Department of Environmental Management (DEM) employeesRhode Island taxpayersForestry and firefighting personnel

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. This is a standard legislative appropriation of funds for a state agency, which is well within the General Assembly's constitutional authority.

Estimated cost

$50,000

Estimated revenue

Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Supports the protection and maintenance of state forests and natural habitats.
Equips public sector workers with the necessary tools to perform their duties safely.
Helps mitigate the environmental damage caused by uncontrolled forest fires.
The $50,000 appropriation may be insufficient to address broader environmental and forestry needs.
Focuses on reactive equipment rather than proactive climate change mitigation strategies.
Could be seen as a piecemeal approach to funding the Department of Environmental Management.

For Conservatives

Represents a highly targeted, specific use of taxpayer dollars rather than a broad, undefined program.
Protects valuable state assets (forests and public lands) from fire damage.
Supports basic, essential government functions like emergency management and public safety.
Increases overall state spending by $50,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.
Requires drawing from unappropriated treasury funds, reducing the state's financial reserves.
Equipment purchases could potentially be absorbed into the department's existing operational budget rather than requiring a special appropriation.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for new forestry hoses; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $50,0 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) FOR NEW FORESTRY HOSES *** This resolution would appropriate the sum of $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).