AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REGISTRATION OF NURSING ASSISTANTS -- QUALIFYING LANGUAGE
HB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2026
Last action Jun 9, 2026
Floor votes · House Jun 9, 2026
How they voted
69–0
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 74
Jun 9, 2026
D
Democratic63
93% Yea
I
Independent1
100% Yea
R
Republican10
90% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jun 9, 2026
Committee
06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
upper
Jun 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
06/09/2026 House read and passed
lower
Jun 8, 2026
Legislature · Passed
06/08/2026 Committee recommends passage
legislature
Apr 14, 2026
Committee
04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Feb 27, 2026
Introduced
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
lower
10 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 7938
Scope: RI
Hi! I can help you understand HB 7938. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline