McKee taps former Senate president as next Superior Court presiding justice

By: Christopher Shea

Outlets: Rhode Island Current

Published: March 19, 2026

Words: 493

Last Updated: 1 day, 15 hours ago

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Gov. Dan McKee on Thursday nominated an associate justice for the trial and appellate court who served four years as Rhode Island Senate President as presiding justice of the Superior Court.

If confirmed by the Senate, Joseph Montalbano would succeed Alice B. Gibney, who retired last October after 44 years on the bench. Montalbano has served as an associate justice for the trial and appellate court since 2013.

Montalbano was one of three finalists — …

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