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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 25,118 Active 7,678 In committee 7,673 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972

passed · Rhode Island · House May 1, 2026

HB 7008: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

Includes the governor's commission on disabilities in the decision making process for the disability parking enforcement enhancement program and requires an annual report be submitted to the governor's commission.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Rhode Island · House May 1, 2026

HB 7378: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- LOCAL CANVASSING AUTHORITIES

HB 7378 requires local election boards to provide clearer voter information about ballot questions, early voting, and registration deadlines. It mandates posting local ballot questions (including bond costs and project details for financial measures) in public spaces, in local newspapers, or via mailed notices to households, and publishing all details on municipal websites for 25 days before elections. The bill also requires early voting locations and hours to be advertised in newspapers and posted online throughout the voting period, with accessibility compliance. These changes directly affect local election boards and voters by standardizing how election information is delivered.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8389: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8465: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES

This bill requires state-funded public works projects involving glass installation to hire certified workers, with the number of certified employees on each crew increasing from one to 50% over a four-year period starting in 2024. It defines "public works projects" broadly to include any construction or renovation undertaken by the state, municipalities, or schools that exceed specific spending thresholds, such as one million dollars for renovations or five million dollars for new construction. The Department of Labor and Training is tasked with enforcing these rules, which include holding hearings for violations and imposing fines or license revocations for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8433: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- WRITS, SUMMONS AND PROCESS

Restricts service of process of any writs, executions or summonses to the division of sheriff or a certified constable authorized pursuant to statutory law.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8432: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

This bill amends state assault laws to classify attacking a railroad worker as a felony if the assault causes physical injury. The change specifically targets individuals who knowingly and willfully strike or spray a railroad worker with a noxious chemical while the worker is performing their duties. Under this proposal, anyone convicted of this offense could face up to three years in prison, a fine of $1,500, or both. The legislation applies to railroad employees who are on the job and does not alter penalties for other types of assaults or attacks on other protected groups.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8434: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING ENHANCEMENT FOR FIREARM RELATED OFFENSES -- NYNY'S LAW

Provides for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8492: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY AS "RHODE ISLAND LABYRINTH DAY" AND RECOGNIZING MAY 2, 2026, AS "WORLD LABYRINTH DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. It encourages residents to visit existing labyrinths for walking meditation and mindfulness at 1:00 p.m. to promote well-being and community connection. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to local labyrinth organizations and a specific representative. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new funding but serves to acknowledge the tradition of labyrinth walking in Rhode Island.

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8493: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING APRIL 30, 2026, AS "NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 30, 2026, as "National Therapy Animal Day" within the State of Rhode Island to honor the role animals play in providing comfort and healing. It recognizes the therapeutic benefits of various animals, such as dogs, cats, fish, and horses, which help improve mental health and quality of life for individuals. The resolution urges state health officials and citizens to promote awareness of the human-animal bond and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the bill to relevant health and animal welfare organizations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8497: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING AND CONGRATULATING R.J. HEIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM WJAR-TV NBC 10

This bill is a House resolution that formally honors and congratulates R.J. Heim on his retirement from WJAR-TV NBC 10 in Providence. It recognizes his decades of service as a meteorologist and reporter, highlighting his Emmy awards and coverage of significant local events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Mr. Heim as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to Rhode Island journalism.

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 8494: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Rhode Island to encourage residents to improve their personal finance skills. The resolution urges citizens to participate in financial education programs during the month and throughout the year. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the RI JumpStart Coalition to support these efforts.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SR 3237: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 4, 2026, AS RHODE ISLAND INDEPENDENCE DAY AND THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S HISTORIC ACT OF RENUNCIATION

This Senate resolution officially designates May 4, 2026, as Rhode Island Independence Day to mark the 250th anniversary of the state's historic Act of Renunciation. The bill recognizes the General Assembly's 1776 decision to reject allegiance to the British Crown as a unique act of defiance that preceded the national Declaration of Independence. By passing this measure, the Senate directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor and the state's congressional delegation. The text serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of Rhode Island's role in the American Revolution rather than establishing new laws or changing government procedures.