Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7615: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Permits local communities to adopt an all-charter public school model for public education upon an affirmative vote of the local municipality’s council and school committee, and an affirmative vote at a special or general election.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7759: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS

HB 7759 gives nursing home patients and their estates the right to sue nursing homes that violate their rights under existing state law. It allows them to seek actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees if they win a lawsuit. Nursing homes that fail to post required information or break the rules face criminal penalties, including fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail. The Department of Health can also enforce the law by taking legal action on behalf of the state. The bill applies to all nursing homes in the state and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7730: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for students of this state.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2518: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- STATE OF RHODE ISLAND INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE ACT

SB 2518 creates Rhode Island's first Interior Design Practice Act, establishing a registration system for interior designers. It directly affects interior designers practicing in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with a new state board and hold NCIDQ certification. The bill defines "practice" as nonstructural interior design work (like space planning and material selection) while explicitly excluding structural engineering or architectural services. It sets standards for education, experience, continuing education, and professional oversight to ensure public safety in interior design projects.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2523: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS-VEHICLE SAFETY BARRIERS

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishments when new construction or renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2618: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS

Administratively seals, upon request of the defendant following the conclusion of the matter in district court, individual counts of any criminal complaints dismissed pursuant to Rule 48(a) that were filed on or after October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7903: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

HB 7903 requires schools to create individualized academic plans for students diagnosed with a concussion or other brain injury. This directly affects students recovering from such injuries and their school staff. The key provision mandates that schools develop and implement specific accommodations to support these students' academic needs during recovery. The bill focuses on ensuring students receive necessary educational support following a brain injury diagnosis.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7901: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

HB 7901 requires every public school district to designate a certified athletic trainer at each high school within its boundaries. This directly affects high school athletes participating in sports programs and the schools themselves. The key provision mandates that each individual high school must have its own certified trainer on staff, not a district-wide arrangement. The bill aims to standardize concussion care protocols during athletic activities as specified in its title.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7906: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Topics ✗ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7902: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7980: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

Increases the role of the DMV in the voter registration and address verification process, by establishing very specific obligations and responsibilities that must be followed before offering an individual an application to register to vote.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 8044: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GIFT CARD FRAUD

HB 8044 would treat fraud involving gift cards as theft (larceny), applying the same penalties to offenders. This directly affects gift card holders who are victims of fraud, such as when cards are stolen, duplicated, or sold without authorization. The bill’s key mechanism is amending commercial law to align gift card fraud offenses with existing larceny penalties under state law. This change would make fraud against gift card users subject to the same legal consequences as stealing physical property.

Bill results