Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

Rhode Island Budget Climate Transparency Bill

This bill would require the Governor of Rhode Island to include a specific climate section whenever presenting the annual proposed state budget. In that section, the Governor would need to explain what steps and decisions were considered to help move Rhode Island toward the goals established by the 2021 Act on Climate — a previously passed law that set mandatory targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

Essentially, the bill is about transparency and accountability. Rather than making climate policy decisions behind closed doors, the Governor would have to publicly show how the budget reflects Rhode Island's legal commitments to addressing climate change. This would allow lawmakers and ordinary citizens to see whether the state's spending priorities are aligned with its climate goals each year.

This bill would primarily affect how state government operates internally — specifically the budgeting process. Rhode Island residents, environmental advocates, lawmakers, and journalists would all benefit from having easier access to this information, since it would be publicly presented alongside the budget. State agencies involved in energy, environment, and transportation could also see increased scrutiny regarding how their funding relates to climate goals.

The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. It has not yet been voted on or signed into law.