JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- ESTABLISHING A STATE SPENDING GROWTH LIMIT BASED ON INFLATION OR PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH (Proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a state spending growth limit based on inflation or personal income growth.)

Rhode Island Proposed Constitutional Amendment: State Spending Growth Limit

This bill proposes a change to Rhode Island's state constitution that would put a cap on how fast state government spending can grow each year. Specifically, it would limit the growth of the state budget to either the rate of inflation (how much prices are rising) or the rate of growth in Rhode Islanders' personal income — whichever measurement is used as the benchmark. Because this is a constitutional amendment rather than a regular law, it would require voter approval before taking effect. The Rhode Island General Assembly is essentially asking the public to weigh in on whether this limit should be permanently written into the state's constitution.

Since this is a proposed constitutional amendment, the process involves two steps. First, the state legislature must approve the resolution. Then, the question would be placed on the ballot for Rhode Island voters to decide. If voters approve it, the spending cap would become part of the state constitution, making it much harder for future legislatures to exceed the limit without going back to voters.

This proposal would affect Rhode Island taxpayers, state government agencies, and anyone who relies on state-funded services. Supporters of such limits typically argue they help keep government spending in check and protect taxpayers from rapid budget increases. Critics often raise concerns that rigid caps could make it harder to fund schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and other public services during times of high need. The bill is currently scheduled for a hearing before the House Finance Committee, where lawmakers will discuss it further before deciding whether to send it to voters.