Sen. McKenney 2026 Legislative Agenda

The people of Rhode Island are concerned about affordability. The Rhode Island General Assembly is looking to ease the cost of living in our state. For that reason, I am a strong supporter of initiatives dealing with housing, health coverage, and taxes.

For healthcare, bills have been filed to reduce premiums for low- and moderate-income persons on the state’s healthcare exchange. The legislature is also seeking to lower out-of-pocket costs.

Measures are being considered that would encourage new housing development by easing zoning requirements and regulations. In addition, a wider range of housing options is being allowed, including ADUs - accessory dwelling units, often known as “in-law suites” or “granny flats“. 

The legislature has already passed bills to increase the minimum wage. It is also looking at a “millionaires tax“ - a slightly higher tax on persons with exceptionally high yearly earnings. This is in the context of historically low levels of taxation at the federal level.

I have once again filed the bill to eliminate state income taxes on Social Security benefits. In addition, I introduced a bill to reinstate the cost-of-living adjustment taken from teachers who have retired after 2012. The COLA was reinstated for teachers who retired prior to that date, and should be restored to the retirees thereafter. I have supported the effort to repeal the estate tax. Too many Rhode Islanders are finding that, with increased home values, they are now subject to that tax.

I have introduced a bill to close the statute of limitations loophole by which enablers of sexual abuse of children have avoided liability. My bill would extend the statute of limitations in a similar way as it was lengthened for the actual perpetrators. A claimant would still need to prove that there was a failure to properly supervise a person who abused a minor or prove conduct that caused or contributed to a child’s sexual abuse.

Surveys have repeatedly shown that the American people believe too much money is being spent on elections. The US Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United has only worsened the situation. I have filed a bill to address the issue of dark money and corporate spending in elections - at the state level. The bill would remove the power of artificial bodies – corporations - to engage in election activity or ballot question activity.

On safety, I’ve again filed a bill to prohibit purchase of firearms in bulk. In Rhode Island, one person bought 169 weapons over the course of only 5 months. There is no need for that.

Numerous other states have passed this common-sense measure. I have also introduced a bill to address the problem of hazing. It would increase penalties and incentivize authorities to act before any terrible incident occurs: to emphatically establish that hazing is  not acceptable. At present, a teacher or superintendent can be found liable. While the charge is only a misdemeanor, these officials do not want a crime on their record. This bill would add a principal, coach, athletic director or head of a student organization to the list of those who could be found responsible. 

In other states, strengthening of anti-hazing laws has generally been done after something horrific has taken place. This bill is an effort to prompt authorities to take action before any event occurs, to deter hazing by making clear that it is not acceptable and that hazing will not happen in their school.

I’ve again filed a bill to require that candidates for governor and other general offices be Rhode Island residents and registered voters for at least two (2) years before an election. Right now, we’re an outlier, allowing a person to seek office when they’ve only lived here for 30 days. The vast majority of states require residency for years - 5, 7 or even 10!  

Rhode Island is small enough (unlike larger states such as California, where it simply can’t be done) that a person with sufficient wealth could simply waltz in and, with no connection to the state, at all … spend enough money to essentially “buy” a Rhode Island office. That’s not right.

I’ve also continued to advocate for my bills seeking full funding of libraries and RIPTA, improved recycling, and reform of the CRMC. 

As a constituent, what do you believe my primary focus should be for this session?

• Healthcare
• Gun Safety
• Affordable Housing
• Election Reforms

See All Options