Rhode Island Bills

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 12, 2024

SB 2481: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES

This bill mandates the creation of a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" for drivers with autism spectrum disorder in Rhode Island. The Department of Motor Vehicles must develop this initiative in partnership with law enforcement leaders and disability advocates to improve communication between police officers and these drivers during traffic stops. Participation in the program is entirely optional, and the DMV will look at successful models from other states when designing the system. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Walter Felag (D) Jonathon Acosta (D) David Tikoian (D) Hanna Gallo (D) Bridget Valverde (D)

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 12, 2024

HB 8239: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF GLOCESTER TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION AND/OR EXPANSION AT THE EXISTING GLOCESTER POLICE STATION AND INCIDENTAL FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT AND TO ISSUE NOT MORE THAN $10,700,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR

Authorizes the Town of Glocester to finance the renovation and/or expansion of Glocester police station and to issue not more than $10,700,000 bonds and notes therefore.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 12, 2024

SB 2740: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- AIRPORTS AND LANDING FIELDS

Designates the appropriate authority on air space issues as the president and CEO of the Rhode Island airport corporation and aligns certain job titles with their proper responsibilities relative to aeronautics.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 12, 2024

HB 7757: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SCENIC HIGHWAYS

HB 7757 reduces the number of members on Rhode Island's scenic roadways board from eleven to nine. The bill adjusts the appointment process so that the governor, with Senate approval, selects four public members instead of six, while retaining one representative each from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Management, and the Historic Preservation Commission, along with two additional members appointed based on recommendations from Grow Smart Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Builders Association. This change also lowers the quorum requirement for board meetings from six to five members and clarifies that board members serve without compensation. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to future appointments, with existing members serving out their current terms.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 12, 2024

HB 7666: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM

Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 12, 2024

SB 2821: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM

Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 12, 2024

SB 2484: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

This bill modifies the existing special license plate program for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation by adding a $10 annual surcharge to renewal fees. While the initial cost to obtain these plates remains $40, the new recurring charge is directed entirely to the foundation to support its breast cancer awareness and health education missions. To receive these funds, the foundation must provide an annual audit prepared by a certified public accountant and ensure that any money raised from Rhode Island residents is spent within the state. The changes apply to all future renewals of the special plates and will become active six months after the law is signed.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 12, 2024

HB 7569: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- UNCLAIMED INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE PROPERTY

This bill establishes new rules for paid professionals who help locate unclaimed property reported to the state. It makes any agreements to find such property unenforceable if they are made within 24 months of the property being reported. For agreements entered into after that period, the law requires them to be in writing, limit fees to 10% of the property's value, and clearly inform the owner that they can claim the property for free from the general treasurer. The bill also allows owners to challenge any fee as excessive or unfair at any time. These changes directly affect individuals and companies hired to recover lost assets and aim to protect property owners from unfair charges.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 12, 2024

SB 3030: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF GLOCESTER TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION AND/OR EXPANSION AT THE EXISTING GLOCESTER POLICE STATION AND INCIDENTAL FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT AND TO ISSUE NOT MORE THAN $10,700,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR

Authorizes the Town of Glocester to finance the renovation and/or expansion of Glocester police station and to issue not more than $10,700,000 bonds and notes therefore.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 12, 2024

HB 7431: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING

Modifies the definition of "core forest" to refer to unfragmented forest blocks or single or multiple parcels totaling 250 acres or greater and at least 25 yards from mapped roads.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 12, 2024

SB 2822: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SCENIC HIGHWAYS

This bill reduces the number of members on Rhode Island's scenic roadways board from eleven to nine to streamline decision-making for designated scenic highways. The change adjusts the appointment process so that the governor, with Senate approval, selects four public members while retaining representatives from state agencies and specific organizations like the Historic Preservation Commission and Grow Smart Rhode Island. Additionally, the bill lowers the quorum requirement from six to five members and clarifies that board members serve without compensation. These adjustments aim to improve the efficiency and composition of the board responsible for overseeing scenic roadways in the state.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 12, 2024

HB 7612: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Requires school districts to provide the parent/guardian of a student with an individualized education program (IEP) with information concerning the achieving a better life experience (ABLE) account program benefits and the program application process.

Bill results