AGP Executive Report
Last update: 2 hours agoProvidence Politics: Providence voters approved charter term limits for councilors and mayors, but the city’s legal department says councilors can still seek a non-consecutive “fourth” term after a one-term break—prompting pushback from former council president John Lombardi, who argues the intent was stricter limits. AI & Data Centers: Rhode Island lawmakers passed targeted AI rules requiring “companion” AI platforms to handle self-harm/suicide prompts with user protocols, while broader data-center policy stalled. Tax & Cost of Living: Gov. Dan McKee signed a budget raising Rhode Island’s top income tax rate on earnings over $1 million to 8.99% from 5.99%, a move critics say will drive high earners out. Cyber & Privacy: States reached an $18 million settlement with 23andMe after a major data breach, with payouts tied to each state’s impacted customers. Federal Funding for RI: URI chemistry professor Justin Pratt won a $1.49M NSF grant to modernize college chemistry lab instruction nationwide. Economy & Jobs: Providence College named four new trustees, including leaders from tech, finance, trade, and insurance. Local Governance: Westerly advanced three proposed charter changes that could land on the November ballot, including how vacancies are filled and reducing newspaper notice requirements.
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