Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 8054: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EVIDENCE

Provides that evidence of life or work expectancy be based on statistical data using blended statistics and provides a chart with "completed age" and "expectation" which shall be used by courts as evidence and not be based on race, ethnicity or sex.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HR 7992: JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS

This resolution urges Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how wake boats - specialized vessels creating large waves - impact the state's freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It specifically requests DEM to analyze environmental effects (like sediment disturbance and algae blooms), shoreline erosion, public safety risks, and invasive species transport, while reviewing regulations from other states. If the study finds significant harm, DEM would then develop regulations to limit wake boat operations, such as setting minimum lake sizes, depth requirements, or shoreline setbacks. The resolution directly affects Rhode Island's 237+ freshwater bodies (covering 18,845 acres), which are vulnerable due to their small size and ecological sensitivity.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 8053: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EVIDENCE

Provides that for purposes of all civil actions, the fair and reasonable charge for certain medical and dental services is the amount billed by the licensed healthcare provider.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2711: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CLEAN SLATE ACT

Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HR 8131: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY RHODE ISLAND'S METHOD OF FUNDING CHARTER SCHOOLS

Creates a 13-member joint commission to study Rhode Island’s method of funding charter schools, and would report back to the Governor and the General Assembly by April 1, 2027, and would expire on July 1, 2027.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2731: AN ACT RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

Allows eligible individuals serving sentences of imprisonment to seek sentence reductions from the superior court, individuals serving life without parole or minimum mandatory sentences pursuant to law, would not be eligible for such relief.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7089: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7091: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2161: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION

Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2076: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- COUNCILS AND GOVERNING BODIES

SB 2076 allows Rhode Island cities, towns, school districts, and water/fire districts to jointly create nonprofit insurance corporations. These corporations would pool insurance risks (like property, casualty, and health coverage) for their member local governments, handle claims processing, and operate as public entities without being regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. The bill specifies that these corporations cannot be treated as standard insurance companies, their bonds won’t count as state debt, and they’ll maintain tax-exempt status for their assets and income. This directly affects local government units seeking cost-effective, shared risk management solutions for their insurance needs.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2162: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION

Requires the courts to consider the parental status of the defendant at the time of sentencing and allows the defendant to present a family impact statement, including testimony, videos and documents relative to their parental status.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7233: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

HB 7233 automatically registers Rhode Islanders to vote when they apply for or renew a hunting or fishing license, directly affecting license applicants. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to offer voter registration forms simultaneously with license applications, allowing applicants to opt in or decline while keeping registration decisions confidential. Completed forms must be transmitted electronically to the state voter system within 24 hours, with privacy protections for those who decline registration or provide license details. The law aligns with federal voter registration standards and mirrors existing automatic registration processes at motor vehicle offices.

Topics ✓ Technology

Bill results