Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 7449: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FAIRNESS IN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES-ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENTS

Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.

Dick Fascia (R) Mike Chippendale (R) Brian Newberry (R) Chris Paplauskas (R) George Nardone (R)

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 2411: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS

Authorizes a blanket permit and fee to allow the movement of self-propelled cranes which are in excess of size and weight load requirements, to move on state highways.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8293: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8246: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2883: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES, CHILD CARING AGENCIES, FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES, AND CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

This bill would allow the Department of Children, Youth and Families to issue licenses for mobile response and stabilization services, which are programs designed to provide immediate support to children and families in crisis situations. The legislation directly affects child welfare agencies and organizations that operate these mobile services by bringing them under the same regulatory framework as other licensed child care and foster care facilities. Key provisions would require these mobile programs to meet specific licensing standards and undergo regular monitoring to ensure they provide safe and effective care. The bill aims to expand oversight of crisis intervention services while maintaining consistent standards across different types of child welfare programs.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8231: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- LICENSES GENERALLY

This bill authorizes the town of Scituate to issue a total of three Class A liquor licenses, regardless of the town's population. It amends state law by adding a specific provision that overrides the standard licensing limits for Scituate, allowing the town to grant these licenses even if its population would normally restrict the number. The bill directly affects the town of Scituate and the state's Department of Business Regulation, which oversees liquor licensing. It does not change how other towns or cities issue licenses, but only creates an exception for Scituate. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2773: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- CONSUMER-PROVIDED TAKEOUT CONTAINERS

This bill would allow restaurants and other food service establishments in Rhode Island to accept reusable containers brought by customers for filling or refilling with takeout food and drinks. The legislation defines consumer-provided containers as durable, cleanable receptacles that are structurally sound and free from contamination, and it requires the Department of Health to update food safety rules by July 2027 to permit this practice. The bill also mandates that the department create and publish guidance materials for businesses on inspecting containers, preventing cross-contamination, and following safe operational procedures. Importantly, the law does not require establishments to accept or fill customer-provided containers, leaving that decision to individual businesses.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7486: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PRIMARY CARE TRAINING SITES PROGRAM

Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2428: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

SB 2428 prohibits retailers in Rhode Island from using dynamic or surveillance pricing practices - where prices change based on consumer data or behavior - to sell goods or services to individual consumers. It directly affects retailers (including online sellers) operating within the state, requiring them to set fixed prices rather than algorithmically adjusted ones. The bill defines "price" broadly to include all costs and fees, and aligns with existing deceptive trade practices laws by banning tactics that mislead consumers about pricing. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and expires on March 31, 2026, pending further legislative action.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7556: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS

HB 7556 requires all campus police officers at Rhode Island state colleges and universities to wear ballistic body armor meeting the same standard as state police. This mandate directly affects campus law enforcement officers who patrol college properties and enforce campus rules. The bill amends existing law to specify that officers must be equipped with this protective gear while performing their duties, without changing their arrest powers or other responsibilities. The requirement would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2467: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SB 2467 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. This directly affects patients seeking these specific treatments through in-network providers, removing a common administrative barrier. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and aligns with existing requirements ensuring mental health coverage is treated equally to physical health coverage under insurance plans. It does not apply to out-of-network services or change other coverage rules like cost-sharing parity.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7546: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.

Bill results