PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The new legislative session started earlier this week in Rhode Island, and lawmakers have a host of issues ahead they'll be working on until the budget is passed in June. Whether it's the expected budget deficit, unfinished business or future work on legislation approved last year, there are multiple things to watch closely on Smith Hill. Here are six things to keep an eye on during this year's session. 1. The state's budget amid an estimated deficit It's the biggest bill each year that lawmakers craft throughout the whole session, being the last item voted on and coinciding with the start of their summer break. This session will see tightening of belts as there's no more federal money from the pandemic available and lawmakers have an estimated $250 million to $300 million deficit to work around. RELATED: RI’s $300M budget deficit top of mind this legislative session Acknowledging the tough decisions ahead, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi told 12 News the state "must live within our means," adding that, "all options are on the table." Senate President Dominick Ruggerio told his colleagues in a November caucus that they "are expecting a tighter budget cycle than we have experienced in years." "We have been through difficult budgets before … and these goals are possible," Ruggerio added. "Rhode Island residents and businesses depend upon the relief we have provided in recent years … from elimination of the car tax to the new tangible tax exemption championed by Senator Melissa Murray." "At the same time, we need to continue investing in job training and improving our career pathways, such as through Senator Hanna Gallo’s CTE Pipeline legislation," he continued. Gov. Dan McKee's budget proposal will soon be released, which is typically the first step in the process. That's expected to be unveiled shortly after his State of the State address on Tuesday. 2. More movement to address the housing crisis Last session saw a package of 15 bills put forth by Shekarchi aimed at fixing the state's housing crisis. Shekarchi said during his remarks on the first day that this session will focus on "ensuring that the significant investments" they've made in recent years "are executed in a way that delivers maximum benefit in the least amount of time." "We will be closely watching progress made by our state Housing Department, which has yet to become the driver of consistent housing policy," Shekarchi explained. "In particular, many of us are deeply concerned that resources directed to address homelessness have not been deployed as quickly or effectively as we had intended." ALSO READ: Providence councilors urge McKee to declare homelessness a public health emergency A new housing secretary, Deborah Goddard, was recently selected by Gov. Dan McKee. Goddard appeared before the Housing Affordability Commission, and Shekarchi said he's hopeful she'll "make the needed adjustments to achieve the department's mission." Senate spokesperson Greg Pare pointed to a proposal highlighted by the new Senate Majority Leader Valerie Lawson in the November caucus. The idea is to make a tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers. Pare said it's similar to a 529 college savings plan that is currently done in 14 states. "The program is designed to provide prospective buyers with a means to save for a home purchase and receive a tax incentive on those contributions," Pare explained. "Buyers can be first-time home buyers or someone purchasing a home after a divorce." According to Pare, the funds could only be used for down payment and closing costs. Newsmakers 1/10/2025: Reps. Shekarchi & Blazejewski 3. Is it the year for an assault weapons ban? Legislation for an assault weapons ban has backing from McKee, but stalled in previous sessions because Ruggerio doesn't support it at the state level, previously saying it should be done federally. However, Ruggerio, who has received high ratings from the National Rifle Association, signaled in a December interview with the Boston Globe he may have a change of heart. MORE: Could RI ban assault-style firearms next year? The fate of an assault weapons ban this year is to be determined, but Pare said Ruggerio "does not plan to sponsor or co-sponsor" that bill. "He will review how the language is crafted once it is introduced, and it will go through the usual public hearing and review process," Pare added. 4. Does Providence regain control of its school district? During a briefing with reporters Monday, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said he wants the city to regain control of the school district by July 1. This goal is one of Smiley's priorities for this legislative session. BACKGROUND: Smiley’s legislative priorities include tax hike, ending school takeover, new parking tax In August, a state panel voted to extend the state takeover, which started in 2019, for three more years. Pare and House spokesperson Larry Berman said, "The Senate President and the Speaker will wait for the committee hearings and review the testimony on this anticipated proposal." City officials previously told 12 News a plan will be released by the spring. Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski, who represents a district in Providence, said Friday on Newsmakers, "We need to take a look at the bill. We need to figure out what the benefits are to having the schools go back early, whether the benefits are to having them go back later." "And at the end of they day, the decision's not going to be based on the adult. It's going to be what's in the best interest of the children," Blazejewski added. Infante-Green: State will ‘continue to follow our process’ with Providence schools 5. Oversight hearings on the Washington Bridge It's been a little over a year now since the closure of the Washington Bridge's westbound portion. The legislature held a joint meeting in February, with members of both chambers' oversight committees questioning R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti. READ MORE: Oversight committees hears testimony on Washington Bridge closure As for whether there will be additional oversight hearings, Pare said the Senate is "working to schedule" them. He also mentioned there will be hearings on the data breach that happened in December. Details of those hearings "have not been determined yet," Pare said. In his remarks on Tuesday, Shekarchi said they will continue to utilize "our power of oversight into the management of some immediate crises such as the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, which will require immense resources." "The effectiveness of the state's response to this crisis impacts so many Rhode Islanders," Shekarchi added. "In turn, our constituents deserve timely and accurate information, and we will be asking tough questions as we embark on funding and rebuilding this vital thoroughfare." 6. Ruggerio's health The senate president's health and political future has been an ongoing topic since last session. Ruggerio, 76, was absent for extended periods as he battled cancer and other health challenges. The concerns about his health led to an internal battle with then-Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland, who unsuccessfully challenged Ruggerio during Senate Democrats' leadership election in November. BACKGROUND: RI Senate Dems back Ruggerio, Lawson after leadership fight During the leadership election, Lawson was elevated to the number-two position, and Ruggerio announced state Sen. David Tikoian, D-Smithfield, is the new majority whip, succeeding Lawson. On Tuesday, Ruggerio won another term as senate president, but in a closer vote than past years. The margin this time around was 26-12. During that vote, he also mistakenly voted "present." As for Ruggerio's current prognosis, Pare said it's "very good." Ruggerio, who has been in the Senate since 1985 and its president since 2017, is eligible to seek another two-year term in 2026, and senate president again if reelected. NEXT: Infante-Green: State will ‘continue to follow our process’ with Providence schools Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW