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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

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 7811: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO ONWARD WE LEARN IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND GEAR UP

HR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 7795: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2595: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

Prohibits the distribution, transfer, or possession of any material that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2603: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2597: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2596: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- ADOPTION OF CHILDREN

SB 2596 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights for siblings separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. It directly affects children in these situations and their separated siblings, ensuring they can maintain contact unless it harms a child's well-being. The bill mandates courts to approve visitation if it serves the child's best interests, there's a strong emotional bond, and parents/guardians negotiate in good faith. It also requires children aged 12+ to be heard in court and prohibits monetary damages in related disputes. The law takes effect upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2536: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

SB 2536 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax code to exclude up to $25,000 of social security income from taxable income for residents. This change applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, directly affecting Rhode Island residents receiving social security benefits. The bill amends Section 44-30-12 to add this exclusion as a modification reducing federal adjusted gross income. It does not change other tax provisions but specifically lowers taxable income for qualifying social security recipients. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee after introduction on February 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2539: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

Gradually phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a four (4) year period for social security income, from twenty-five percent (25%) up to one hundred percent (100%), beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2672: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

SB 2672 would gradually reduce the state's personal income tax rates over time. This bill directly affects individuals who pay state income tax by lowering their tax burden through phased cuts. The key mechanism involves decreasing tax rates in scheduled steps rather than all at once, as outlined in the bill's abstract. The bill was introduced to the Senate Finance Committee on February 27, 2026, and remains in early legislative review.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 7996: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Reorganizes the coastal resources management council under the department of environmental management and create the bureau of coastal resources management.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8120: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES -- ENFORCEMENT AND COLLECTION

Allows the personal representative of a decedent’s estate to discharge the estate tax lien by recording with decedent’s municipality, a statement stating decedent’s gross estate does not require a state or federal estate tax filing pursuant to §44-22-1.1.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8167: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL FUNDS AND PROPERTY

HB 8167 requires the Department of Education to create and implement regulations for "energy capable" school buildings. This bill directly affects public school districts and state-funded schools by mandating new building standards. The key provision is the development of specific regulations governing energy efficiency or capabilities in school construction and renovations. The bill focuses on establishing these regulatory requirements, without specifying exact energy targets or timelines. (3 sentences)

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment