Rhode Island’s 2026 legislative session is shaping up to be a busy one. Keeping up with the onslaught of new bills and policy proposals can feel like shoveling your driveway while the snow is still coming down. 

At PLDO Strategies, we’re your neighbor with a snowblower. We’ll be closely monitoring developments at the State House, and are ready to help our clients stay informed, engaged and prepared. 

Rhode Island’s General Assembly kicked off the 2026 Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 6th. In opening remarks to their respective chambers, Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson began with a moment of recognition for the first responders and frontline workers who answered the call after the tragic mass shooting at Brown University in December. 

Both Speaker Shekarchi and Senate President Lawson acknowledged the challenges Rhode Island faces in the year ahead, including federal budget cuts, a $100 million budget deficit looming over FY 2027, and the potential closure of Fatima and Roger Williams Medical Center. Despite these challenges, state lawmakers also have their eyes on a packed policy agenda. Headline issues on the docket for Speaker Shekarchi and President Lawson include:

Governor Dan McKee delivered his State of the State Address the following week and released his FY 2027 budget bill (H 7127) on Thursday, January 15. Among the Governor’s priorities are:

Should you have any questions about legislative activity, please contact Brian Jordan, Executive Director, Government & Legislative Strategies, at bjordan@pldolaw.com, or at (401) 824-5120. 

PLDO attorney Brian J. Lamoureux was featured on WPRO’s The Matt Allen Show  to discuss the high-profile lawsuits against major social media platforms and what they signal for businesses, policymakers and technology companies.

Brian provided perspective on emerging legal theories targeting platform design and corporate practices, as well as the potential for new legislation and regulatory frameworks governing digital platforms.

With extensive experience advising organizations on cybersecurity, data privacy and digital governance, Brian helps organizations navigate legal risks, regulatory compliance and incident response in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment.

Listen to the full episode here.

PLDO’s Fundraising Committee is bringing some much-needed warmth to our office and our community during this especially cold winter. 

Throughout the year, the team organizes food-focused fundraisers, from office chili cook-offs to ice cream socials, to support the firm’s charitable initiatives. Those efforts help fund donations of everything from school supplies and everyday necessities to warm winter clothing, prom dresses, and Christmas presents.

Recently, the committee raised funds and collected donations for a winter coat drive supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island. Committee member Kate Silva hand-made dozens of knit hats for the drive; a yearly contribution that is equal parts impressive and heartwarming.

Over the holidays, the Fundraising Committee also sponsored two children for Christmas in partnership with Moms of Marieville. Members thoughtfully selected gifts for a 9-year-old and a 15-year-old, bringing extra holiday cheer to two Rhode Island families. 

Thank you to the past and present members of our Fundraising Committee. Whether you’re delivering piles of winter coats to a local charity or bringing your colleagues together for an ice cream lunch, your hard work reflects a spirit of community, generosity, and compassion that uplifts us all.

PLDO Fundraising Committee Past and Present Members: Michelle Bond, Barbara Carreira, Regina Costa, Andrea Gruttaduaria, Christine Hebert, Cristina Irizarry, Barbara Lewis, Paige Macnie, Ellen Menna, Ivy Mota, Ann Marie Phillips, Javellys Polanco, Alex Richard, Kate Silva, Geri Riccio, Alex Simard, Geri Souvalian, Zee Tavares and Bonnie Wasserman

How are those New Year’s resolutions going? If the gym already feels like a distant memory, the start of the year is still a great time to check in on your estate plan, fiduciary duties, and long-term goals (no treadmill required). 

Read this month’s Legacy, Briefly newsletter to learn how you can flex your financial muscles in 2026 without breaking a sweat!

To read the newsletter, click here. 

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the information provided does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and PLDO. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult one of our qualified attorneys.