EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With the new year comes new rules in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
While some laws take effect when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2026, others won’t be enacted until later in the year.
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Here’s a look at the new rules that will take effect sometime in 2026.
Rhode Island
Increasing minimum wage
Back in August 2025, Governor Dan McKee signed legislation that will increase Rhode Island’s minimum wage to $17 over the course of two years. On Jan. 1, 2026, the state’s minimum wage will go from $15 to $16. It will then go up to $17 on New Year’s Day 2027.
With this change, Rhode Island’s minimum wage will be higher than the minimum wage in Massachusetts, which will remain at $15 in the new year.
Short-term rental tax
A new 5% tax on short-term residential dwellings takes effect on Jan. 1. Rhode Island’s local hotel tax will also increase from 1% to 2%…