Adds a representative of an aging adult organization and a member of a statewide disability advocacy organization who is sixty (60) years of age or older to the state planning council.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would expand the membership of Rhode Island's State Planning Council by adding two new seats. The first new seat would go to a representative from an organization that works on behalf of older adults. The second seat would go to a member of a statewide disability advocacy organization, with the requirement that this person must be 60 years of age or older. The State Planning Council is an official government body that helps guide long-term planning decisions for the state.

The people most directly affected by this bill are older Rhode Islanders and people with disabilities. By adding these two voices to the council, the bill aims to ensure that the perspectives and needs of these communities are represented when the state makes planning decisions — such as those related to housing, transportation, and community development. Currently, these groups may not have a guaranteed seat at the table.

The bill has moved through the legislative process with notable support — it passed the full House of Representatives and a substitute version (a slightly revised draft) was recommended by committee. It has now been referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee for further consideration. If it becomes law, it would simply change who sits on the council, without creating new programs or spending public money.