Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8388: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF RENTAL OF MOTORIZED BICYCLES, MOTOR SCOOTERS AND MOTORIZED TRICYCLES IN NEW SHOREHAM

Permits the town council of the town of New Shoreham to enact an ordinance that limits a license holder from renting or leasing more than thirty-four (34) motorized bicycles, motor scooters and/or motorized tricycles.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 3004: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- LICENSES GENERALLY

This bill authorizes the town of Scituate to issue a total of three Class A liquor licenses, regardless of its population size. It amends state law to create a specific exception for Scituate, allowing this fixed number of licenses instead of the standard population-based limit that applies to other towns. The change directly affects the town's ability to regulate alcohol sales by setting a clear cap on the number of licenses available. This provision takes effect immediately upon passage.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2877: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2876: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 8271: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

This bill appropriates $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the use of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funding is intended to support a feasibility study that will assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate in the state's maritime environment. The money will be used in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to evaluate potential benefits for transportation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This resolution directly affects 401 Tech Bridge and the organizations involved in the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative by authorizing the expenditure of state funds for this research project.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2926: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

This bill requires that all contracts for capital improvements at healthcare facilities comply with existing state laws ensuring contractors and subcontractors pay their employees. It directly affects construction companies, subcontractors, and healthcare facilities undertaking projects like construction, renovation, or demolition. The key provision mandates adherence to current wage and payment obligations without creating new rules, simply enforcing existing requirements for these specific projects. This measure ensures that workers on healthcare facility projects receive proper compensation as already required by law.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2785: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

Updates the description of the early intervention program and the agency responsible for the program under Part C of the federal Individuals with disabilities education act.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2792: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

Exempts certain cookware that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact for consumer goods from the provision of the consumer PFAS ban act of 2024.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8254: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC NICOTINE-DELIVERY SYSTEM PRODUCTS

This bill amends Rhode Island's tax and sales regulations on electronic nicotine-delivery systems by classifying menthol as a flavored product. It prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products to consumers within the state. The law defines characterizing flavors broadly to include menthol along with other tastes or aromas such as fruit, mint, chocolate, and vanilla, and requires consideration of product labeling and advertising claims when determining flavor status. Licensed compassion centers and cannabis cultivators remain exempt from this ban, except for products containing tobacco or nicotine. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2927: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

This bill expands temporary disability insurance coverage in Rhode Island to include state employees, effective January 1, 2027. The legislation amends existing state laws to define state workers as eligible employees under the temporary disability insurance program, allowing them to receive benefits when unable to work due to sickness. Key provisions update definitions for terms like "employee" and "employment" to explicitly include service performed for the State of Rhode Island across all departments and agencies. The bill also clarifies how benefit calculations are determined for various groups, including military service members who return to civilian state employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2433: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES -- QUALITY OF EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION AND SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE THROUGH VOLUNTARY QUALITY RATING SYSTEM

SB 2433 establishes a presumption that school-age child care programs operating within RIDE-certified school buildings (public, charter, or approved non-public K-12 schools) automatically meet facility-based quality rating requirements. This means physical space features like room layout, furnishings, and storage - typically assessed under tools like SACERS - will be treated as compliant or neutral in quality ratings, without lowering a program’s score. The bill does not alter existing licensing, health, safety, or enforcement standards; it only streamlines the rating process for programs in certified school buildings. This change applies to all school-age child care programs licensed under Title 42, Chapter 12.5.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2508: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

SB 2508 allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale businesses within Rhode Island, expanding their previous purchasing options. This directly affects licensed caterers (who pay a $500 annual fee) by giving them flexibility in where they source alcohol, though wholesalers may set minimum order requirements or refuse orders. The bill also clarifies that caterers may deliver and remove alcohol at events, or leave it at a host's residence only if the caterer maintains full control of the alcohol during the event. Key operational rules remain, including ID checks for under-30 guests, limits on drink servings, and a maximum 5-hour service period per event.

Bill results