Rhode Island Bills

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2024

SB 3120: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

This bill authorizes the town councils of Hopkinton and several other Rhode Island municipalities to enact ordinances that increase the fines for violating local dog laws. It allows these local governments to set higher penalties for repeat offenses and permits animal control officers to issue citations that can be paid by mail. The legislation also grants specific towns the power to charge owners for impoundment fees before a dog is released from the pound. By updating state regulations, the bill enables these communities to enforce stricter financial consequences for dog-related violations while streamlining the citation process.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2024

HB 7894: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- INTERLOCAL CONTRACTING AND JOINT ENTERPRISE

HB 7894 removes the requirement for the attorney general to review and approve interlocal agreements between public agencies in the state. This change allows local governments to enter into contracts for joint projects or shared services without prior state legal oversight, provided the agreements are properly drafted and approved by the participating agencies' governing bodies. The bill retains existing rules requiring these agreements to clearly define their purpose, duration, funding, and management structure, as well as provisions for ending the partnership. By eliminating the attorney general's approval step, the legislation aims to streamline the process for municipalities and other public entities to collaborate more efficiently.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2024

SB 3113: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE RHODE ISLAND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

This bill allows the Rhode Island Psychological Association to restore its legal charter after it was forfeited due to a failure to file required annual reports. To regain full status, the organization must submit all overdue reports from 1991 through 2024 and pay the associated filing fees and any penalties determined by the attorney general by December 31, 2024. Once these conditions are met, the association will be treated as if the forfeiture never occurred, regaining all its rights and privileges. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2024

SB 3069: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

This bill amends state laws to allow the issuance of new liquor licenses for specific properties in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol that were previously restricted by distance rules from schools and churches. It grants local licensing boards the authority to exempt proposed alcohol sales locations within designated zones in these cities from standard proximity restrictions, enabling licenses to be issued even if the site is close to educational or religious institutions. The legislation directly affects property owners and businesses seeking to operate retail alcohol sales at these specific locations by removing previous legal barriers to their licensing applications.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2024

HB 7464: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2024

SB 2996: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS -- FOSTER MUNICIPAL COURT

This bill establishes a new municipal court for the town of Foster, Rhode Island, to handle local legal matters. The court will have the authority to hear cases involving violations of town ordinances and a separate housing court division to address zoning and building code issues. It grants the court power to issue fines of up to $500, order repairs or demolitions, and manage court operations, while allowing defendants to appeal decisions to the superior court. The town council is responsible for appointing judges and clerks and setting the rules and fees for the court.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2024

HB 8028: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS -- FOSTER MUNICIPAL COURT

This bill establishes a new municipal court in the town of Foster to handle local legal matters. The court will have the authority to hear cases involving violations of town ordinances, such as zoning and housing code infractions, as well as traffic violations. It grants the court specific powers to order repairs, demolitions, or other corrective actions for housing violations and allows defendants to appeal decisions to the superior court. The town council is authorized to appoint judges and clerks, set court fees, and manage the court's operations, with fines for offenses capped at $500.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2024

HB 8313: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS, FURNISHING, AND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS AT THE SWITCH ROAD CAMPUS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF DEMOLITION, DESIGN, HEALTH AND SAFETY PROJECTS, ROOFING, PLAYGROUNDS, LANDSCAPING, PAVING AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENTAL THERETO BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $15,000,000 BONDS AND/OR NOTES THEREFOR, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 61% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE, WHICH RATE OR RATIO MAY INCREASE TO 65% AT PROJECT COMPLETION

This bill authorizes the Chariho Regional School District to issue up to $15 million in bonds to fund improvements and equipment replacements at its Switch Road Campus. The funds can be used for various projects including roofing, playgrounds, landscaping, paving, and necessary health and safety upgrades. The legislation includes specific financial conditions, such as requiring state housing aid to cover at least 61% of the costs, and outlines how the district can manage temporary financing and bond repayment.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2024

SB 2112: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- LIMITED GUARDIANSHIP AND GUARDIANSHIP OF ADULTS

Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2024

HB 8317: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE RHODE ISLAND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

This bill allows the Rhode Island Psychological Association to restore its corporate charter after it was forfeited due to missing annual reports. To regain its legal status, the organization must file all overdue reports from 1991 through 2024 and pay both the required filing fees and a penalty amount determined by the Attorney General by December 31, 2024. Once these conditions are met, the association will be treated as if the forfeiture never occurred and will resume all its normal privileges and powers. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2024

HB 7239: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- LIMITED GUARDIANSHIP AND GUARDIANSHIP OF ADULTS

Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2024

SB 2059: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.

Bill results