S 2559Funding & Budget

Making an Appropriation of $3,000,000 to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.

Appropriates $3,000,000 to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. to provide legal representation for low-income residents, veterans, and abuse victims.

Introduced

Population
Affected

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Introduced Feb 13, 2026Committee Senate Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a $3,000,000 appropriation from the Rhode Island state treasury to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Rhode Island Legal Services is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides essential legal representation and assistance to low-income families, victims of domestic violence, veterans, and elderly residents who would otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel.

The funding is specifically intended to support the organization's ongoing efforts to help vulnerable Rhode Islanders navigate the civil justice system. This includes securing safe and affordable housing, maintaining income and food security, preserving family safety, and protecting workers' rights. The legislative text highlights the high demand for these services, noting that the organization opened over 5,800 cases in 2025 alone and has assisted over 200,000 residents since its founding.

If passed, the state controller will be directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer to disburse the $3,000,000 sum, or portions of it as required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. This appropriation represents a significant state investment in civil legal aid, ensuring that marginalized groups have equitable access to the justice system for critical life needs and emergencies.

For younger readers

This bill gives $3 million to a group called Rhode Island Legal Services. This group helps people who don't have a lot of money, like older people and veterans, get free legal help when they need a lawyer.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Low-income familiesVictims of domestic violenceVeteransElderly residentsRhode Island Legal Services, Inc.

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. The legislature has standard authority to appropriate funds from the treasury to non-profits serving a recognized public purpose.

Estimated cost

$3,000,000

Estimated revenue

Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Expands access to the justice system for low-income and vulnerable populations.
Supports victims of domestic violence in securing safety and legal protection.
Helps prevent evictions and secures affordable housing for marginalized groups.
Protects workers' rights and helps families maintain financial stability.
$3 million may still be insufficient to meet the total statewide demand for free civil legal aid.
Relies on a one-time or annual legislative appropriation rather than establishing a permanent, guaranteed funding stream for legal aid.

For Conservatives

Supports veterans and elderly residents who need legal assistance.
Helps individuals achieve self-sufficiency, potentially reducing long-term reliance on other state welfare programs.
Utilizes an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit rather than expanding a government agency to provide these services.
Increases state spending by $3,000,000.
Appropriates taxpayer dollars directly to a private non-profit organization.
Funds may be used for legal actions against private landlords or businesses (e.g., housing and workers' rights cases).

Votes

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Full Bill Text

WHEREAS, Each year, thousands of hardworking low-income Rhode Island families, victims of domestic violence, Veterans, and older residents depend on Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. for legal representation and assistance; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with statewide operations; and

WHEREAS, In 2025, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. opened 5,805 cases and closed 4,713; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. has prioritized helping Rhode Islanders obtain safe, affordable housing, income maintenance and food, a healthy community, family preservation and safety, financial stability, high-quality and appropriate education, and employment and workers’ rights; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. has helped over two hundred thousand Rhode Islanders lead safe, productive, and self-sufficient lives; now, therefore be it

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 three million dollars ($3,000,000) to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.; and the state controller is hereby 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 $3,000,0 TO RHODE ISLAND LEGAL SERVICES, INC. *** This resolution would appropriate the sum of $3,000,000 to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.