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Rhode IslandS28222026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES .

Sponsored By: John P. Burke (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger labor rules on public-private partnerships

Contractors and subcontractors on partnership construction must pay prevailing wages. For any partnership worth more than $25,000,000, the awarding authority must do a written, objective study on whether to use a project labor agreement. Before awarding a partnership that may displace unionized state or quasi-public employees, agencies must follow state privatization laws and any collective bargaining agreements. Private partners must provide a labor harmony plan for the full term, including construction and maintenance, with remedies if labor peace breaks down.

New public-private partnership rules for state projects

The state can use public-private partnership contracts for state projects. Agencies keep oversight and must award these contracts through competitive bidding. By July 1, 2027, the chief purchasing officer issues rules, with input from contractors, designers, and labor groups, to guide how agencies use partnerships. Every partnership RFP must state duties, oversight, scoring weights, an expert value-for-money review, financing and operating plans, and proposer qualifications. Any partnership that uses state funds must follow the same rules that apply to other state-funded construction. Private partners must prove they can do the work.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John P. Burke

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Walter S. Felag Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Todd M. Patalano

    Democratic • Senate

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 101 • No: 7

House vote • 6/10/2026

PROPERTY-- STATE PURCHASES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 7

Senate vote • 6/9/2026

PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 085

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/10/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/9/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/09/2026)

    6/4/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/3/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/2/2026

  9. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/03/2026)

    6/1/2026

  10. Meeting postponed (06/02/2026)

    6/1/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration

    5/29/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Finance

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

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