Rhode IslandS33342026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIFE SCIENCE HUB ACT .

Sponsored By: Louis P. DiPalma (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.

Life sciences tax credits sunset

The life sciences jobs incentives program ended on December 31, 2021. A company that participated by that date and kept its certification keeps any credits for 10 years from its qualification date.

Faster, centralized permitting in I-195

The I-195 commission is the sole permitting authority inside the district. The state fire marshal and building code commissioner still issue fire and building permits and must work with the commission to speed approvals. The commission can fast‑track reviews and allow work to start before all final permits or full designs are done. It must set design rules with the State Historic Preservation Officer. Court appeals on permits get priority and move faster on the Superior Court calendar.

I-195 district sunset and handoff

The district’s special rules end when all properties are developed and sold or on December 31, 2039, whichever comes first. When it ends, the commission’s powers dissolve and control returns to the proper state or city authority. Any parcels still owned by the commission transfer to the Commerce Corporation, and leases go with them. District parks may move to a nonprofit chosen by the commission.

I-195 board makeup and appointments

The I-195 commission adds the Life Science Hub chair as a third ex officio, non‑voting member. The other two ex officio seats remain the Providence planning director and the Commerce Corporation CEO. The mayor must send the governor at least six names in 30 days, and the House speaker sends three names in 30 days. The governor appoints seven voting members and submits the initial list to the Senate within 40 days.

Funding help for certified life science companies

Certified life science companies can compete for hub grants, loans, and investments. The hub also helps them find federal, state, and nonprofit money and run clinical trials. Awards need a majority vote of the hub board. The board cannot vote to certify a company or award funds unless the chair is present and votes.

New rules for life science hub board

The hub board now has 17 directors. Fifteen are appointed by the governor. The hub’s president/CEO and the I-195 commission chair sit as ex officio directors. All directors, including ex officio, can vote, except the hub’s president/CEO. Another section states the I-195 commission chair serves on the hub board as a non‑voting ex officio member. Board members may join open meetings by video and count for quorum and votes if rules are met. The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation must provide office space for the hub’s first year.

New land-use limits and reach

The commission can cover abutting property under the same ownership when a plan includes both district land and the abutting parcel, but only if the Providence City Council approves by ordinance. Abutting means sharing a property line, not across a street. The commission may not allow casinos or other gambling; it must record a deed restriction that benefits Providence and the state, and only the General Assembly can remove it. The commission may create or empower a nonprofit to own or run district parks, with a conflict‑of‑interest policy and assets reverting if it dissolves.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Louis P. DiPalma
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

LIFE SCIENCE HUB ACT PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

HEALTH AND SAFETY--RHODE ISLAND LIFE SCIENCE HUB ACT Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0