Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 8134: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Karen Alzate (D) Susan Donovan (D) Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D) Tina Spears (D) Brandon Potter (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 8212: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTERCHANGE FEE RESTRICTION ACT

Creates the interchange fee restriction act prohibiting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2144: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7206: 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.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7180: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DIGITAL ELECTRONICS RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2027, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2276: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNREASONABLE NOISE LEVELS

SB 2276 repeals the state's current law on unreasonable noise levels, which set specific limits (such as sound audible 100 feet away or penetrating a vehicle from 20 feet) and replaces it with a provision allowing cities and towns to establish their own local noise control ordinances. Municipalities will be able to set their own maximum sound levels for different activities, considering factors like time of day, proximity to homes, and whether noise comes from residential or commercial sources. The bill removes state-level noise restrictions but does not impose new state regulations, shifting responsibility for noise control to local governments. This change takes effect upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2261: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- FIRE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES

Amends Rhode Island's standard fire insurance policy by codifying uniform, transparent appraisal procedures and payment obligations that reflect contemporary claim-handling practices while preserving long-standing consumer protections.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SR 2257: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SR 2257 is a Senate Resolution requesting Rhode Island's Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to adopt an electronic Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) system by January 1, 2027. This system is required by federal law to screen individuals with serious mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities before nursing home admission, directly affecting Medicaid-certified nursing facilities and vulnerable residents. The resolution asks EOHHS to investigate cost savings, potential partnerships with neighboring states, and federal funding to implement the digital system, which aims to reduce unnecessary institutionalization and support community-based care options. (Note: As a procedural resolution, this is a request to the executive branch, not a law requiring immediate action.)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7410: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT

Amends sections of the Rhode Island cannabis act relating to the residency requirements for applicants for issuance of a license or certificate to own a cannabis establishment.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2425: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE ROADS

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2791: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

This bill requires Rhode Island schools to create and implement plans providing academic accommodations for students diagnosed with concussions or other brain injuries. It mandates that coaches and school staff complete annual concussion training, requires immediate removal of athletes suspected of concussions from play, and establishes a process for developing temporary academic and physical activity limitations to support student recovery. The legislation also directs the Department of Education to create a form outlining optional, nonmedical accommodations and ensures that affected students receive support within ten school days of notification.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 3001: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- BURIAL OF VETERANS

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Bill results