Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · House Jan 9, 2025

HR 5000: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER

This is a symbolic resolution expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. It commemorates his life, presidency, humanitarian work (including the Nobel Peace Prize), and family, without creating any new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution formally transmits a certified copy to his family, as is standard practice for such commemorative gestures. It has no substantive policy impact or direct effect on constituents or government operations.

Joe Shekarchi (D) Mike Chippendale (R) Joseph Solomon (D) Scott Slater (D) Nathan Biah (D)

passed · Rhode Island · House Jan 9, 2025

HR 5003: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF TIMOTHY R. PHILLIPS

This is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed HR 5003 on January 9, 2025, to express condolences to the Phillips family following the death of Timothy R. Phillips. The resolution honors Timothy, who was the son of Representative Robert Phillips and a devoted father, employee, and community member, but does not create any new laws or policies. It serves solely as a formal expression of sympathy to his family.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jan 9, 2025

HR 5002: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY ANN EDWARDS

This House Resolution (HR 5002) expresses condolences to the Edwards family following the passing of Mary Ann Edwards, a former Portsmouth Town Council member and longtime resident of Aquidneck Island. It formally recognizes her 56-year marriage, public service on the Portsmouth Town Council, and contributions to her community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to two family members: John "Jay" Edwards IV and James Edwards. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jan 9, 2025

HR 5005: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE THOMAS R. DILUGLIO

This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5005) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the family of Thomas R. DiLuglio, a former Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor (1977-1984) and public servant. It commemorates his life, career as an attorney, businessman, and his service including founding the state Alzheimer's Association chapter and creating a nuclear evacuation plan. The resolution has no policy impact or affected constituents beyond formally honoring his legacy to his family. It was passed by the House on January 9, 2025.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jan 9, 2025

HR 5001: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING "NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY" ON JANUARY 9, 2025

This House Resolution (HR 5001) is a ceremonial gesture celebrating "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" on January 9, 2025, specifically within Rhode Island. It urges all citizens to show appreciation by wearing blue clothing, writing letters to officers, and participating in the annual Blue Blood Drive (January 1-14). The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. As a symbolic measure with no new laws or funding, it does not impose obligations but encourages public recognition of law enforcement service.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 14, 2024

HR 8368: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO UPDATE AND CLARIFY THE "RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT"

This resolution would create an 11 member commission to study and provide recommendations to update and clarify the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act", and would report back to the House by May 5, 2025, and would expire on June 5, 2025.

passed both · Rhode Island · House Jun 14, 2024

HR 7617: JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE COORDINATING COUNCIL

This bill asks the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council to create a detailed report on how to track energy use and improve performance in large Rhode Island buildings, which are defined as those with at least 25,000 square feet of floor space. The report must cover topics such as current energy sources, estimated costs for upgrades, and a timeline for implementing new standards, while also considering input from the public and relevant committees. The legislation directs the council to submit this document to state legislative leaders and make it available online by February 15, 2025. Ultimately, the bill seeks to gather specific data and recommendations to guide future policy decisions regarding building efficiency rather than establishing new rules immediately.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 14, 2024

SR 3164: SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING SENATOR FRANK S. LOMBARDI, ESQ. FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution honors Senator Frank S. Lombardi for his twelve years of public service in the Rhode Island Senate as he retires. The bill formally acknowledges his legislative work, which included advancing protections for children and workers, promoting government transparency, and supporting families and small businesses. It also recognizes his extensive background as a lawyer, soccer official, and community leader. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Senator Lombardi.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2024

SR 3146: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS

This resolution would create an eight (8) member special legislative study commission whose purpose it would be to study renewable energy programs, and who would report back to the Senate by February 14, 2025, and would expire on June 30, 2025.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2024

HB 7041: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG SALES REPRESENTATIVE DISCLOSURE ACT

Requires prescription drug manufacturers to file a detailed, updated list of each pharmaceutical sales representative engaged by the manufacturer and to pay an annual fee for each name on list.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2024

HB 7053: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

HB 7053 expands the ability of individuals with felony convictions to have certain misdemeanor offenses removed from their criminal records. Under this bill, a person convicted of one felony and one or more misdemeanors can apply to expunge the misdemeanor charges, provided they have not committed a crime of violence and have paid all related court fees. Additionally, the legislation allows for the expungement of up to six misdemeanor convictions for those who have not been convicted of a felony. Eligibility requires applicants to wait a specific number of years after completing their sentences, demonstrate good moral character, and show no new arrests or convictions during that waiting period. The court retains discretion to grant or deny the request based on whether the individual has been rehabilitated and if expungement serves the public interest.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2024

HB 7905: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES' HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY INCENTIVE GRANT

This bill updates the rules for Rhode Island's Higher Education Opportunity Incentive Grant, which provides financial aid to youth who have been in state foster care. The primary changes expand eligibility to include young people who entered care as young as 14 and extend the age limit for receiving funds until their 23rd birthday, provided they remain full-time students. To qualify, applicants must have spent at least six months in foster care after turning 14 and must graduate from high school or receive an equivalent diploma. The program covers tuition, fees, room, and board at the state's three public colleges and universities, with specific provisions also created for workforce development training.

Bill results