Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2238: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

SB 2238 creates a new 3% tax rate on Rhode Island taxable income exceeding $640,000 (in 2026 dollars) for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This additional tax applies only to high-income earners - specifically, individuals with taxable income above this threshold - and does not affect prior tax years. The bill does not change existing tax rates for lower income levels, targeting only the highest earners in the state. It is a concrete policy change that increases tax liability for a specific income bracket starting in 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2297: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS

SB 2297 extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting second-degree sexual assault from the standard 3 years to 10 years. This change directly affects victims and prosecutors in second-degree sexual assault cases, allowing charges to be filed up to a decade after the alleged incident. The bill amends existing law to explicitly list second-degree sexual assault under offenses with a 10-year prosecution window, alongside other serious crimes like homicide and rape. It does not change the definition of the crime but adjusts the time limit for legal action. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2251: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

SB 2251 eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing Chapter 44-22 of the General Laws, which previously imposed taxes on decedents' estates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents whose estates would have been subject to state estate tax upon death, removing their obligation to pay this tax. The key mechanism is the complete repeal of the existing estate tax code, including all tax rate brackets (ranging from 2% to 9%) and specific deductions outlined in the repealed chapter. As a result, estates passing through Rhode Island will no longer face state-level taxation on transfers following a death.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2228: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

SB 2228 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax code to adjust how social security income is treated for tax purposes. Starting with tax years beginning January 1, 2027, the bill allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income specifically for all social security benefits received by residents. This change directly affects Rhode Island residents who receive Social Security payments, as it alters how those benefits are counted toward their state taxable income. The bill does not change the federal tax treatment of social security benefits but adjusts the state-level calculation. The provision is part of broader tax code amendments but focuses specifically on social security income for state tax computation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 7458: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- POSTSECONDARY TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR SHORTAGE TEACHING FIELDS

HB 7458 would create a state-funded program to help cover college tuition costs for students pursuing degrees in teaching fields that are currently in short supply, such as math, science, or special education. This program directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs at public or participating private colleges. The key provision is providing financial assistance to reduce tuition barriers for these future educators, aiming to increase the number of qualified teachers in high-need subject areas. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced on January 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2399: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 7457: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2361: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- WEALTH TAX

SB 2361 proposes a 1% annual tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects individuals and entities (like corporations) domiciled in Rhode Island, taxing their total assets including cash, investments, and most intangible property (like patents or brand value), minus specific exemptions. The tax is calculated based on the fair market value of assets owned or controlled as of December 31 each year, with adjustments for deaths during the tax year. This bill, currently introduced in the Senate Finance Committee, would create a new tax category under Rhode Island’s tax code without altering existing income or property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8486: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS

HB 8486 authorizes the committees of the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely during meetings. Under this bill, individuals can participate via electronic communication, such as telephone conferencing or videoconferencing, provided that remote participants are audible and visible to those present in the room. The legislation also includes specific requirements for public notice when videoconferencing is used and ensures that a quorum of the committee members must be participating for the meeting to proceed. This change aims to increase accessibility for the public without altering the existing rules regarding closed sessions or disruptive conduct.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8391: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Provides motor vehicles under 8,500 pounds would not require a further inspection after the first inspection, until the vehicle reached twenty (20) years of age.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8408: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS 2013

Increases historic tax credit to 30%, and up to 35%, depending on the amount of rental area available for multi-family housing, affordable rental units and units sold as affordable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8467: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION

Requires renovation projects of pre-1978 buildings to comply with provisions of chapter 24.6 of title 23 and chapter 21 of title 28, and requires presence of lead inspector and supervisor and requires lead training. DLT ensures compliance.

Bill results