Rhode Island Bills

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 8229: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

This bill allows the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Parent-Teacher Organization to regain its legal status if it files overdue annual reports and pays associated fees by December 31, 2026. The organization, which was previously facing charter forfeiture due to failure to submit required filings from 1983 through 2026, would be restored to full legal privileges upon completing these requirements. The legislation extends the deadline for submitting these reports and requires payment of both filing fees and a penalty amount determined by the attorney general. Once these conditions are met, the organization will be treated as if the charter revocation never occurred.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 7704: AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION TO ISSUE BONDS FOR A MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Submits a proposition to be placed on the ballot at the next general election authorizing the issuance of bonds for a medical school on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston campus.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Rhode Island · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 8138: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PUBLIC HEALTH AND WORKPLACE SAFETY ACT

In effect repeals the provisions of the newly enacted law prohibiting smoking in pari mutual facilities with the exception for businesses operating as a pari mutual facility smoking lounge.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 2472: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

SB 2472 increases maximum fines for repeated violations of local dog ordinances in 11 Rhode Island towns, including Barrington. For example, Barrington raises first-offense fines from $25 to $50, second offenses from $50 to $100, and third+ offenses from $75 to $150. The bill establishes tiered penalties based on offense count (first, second, third+) for each town and permits mail payment of citations. It directly affects dog owners who violate local leash laws, licensing rules, or other animal control ordinances. The bill does not create new violations but adjusts existing penalty structures for enforcement.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 2470: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

SB 2470 permits the town of Barrington to charge an annual $7.00 fee for dog licenses. This bill directly affects dog owners in Barrington, who must pay this fee each year to legally keep their dogs. The bill amends existing law to specify Barrington's maximum fee at $7.00 per dog, aligning with how other towns set their own license fees under the same statute. It does not change rabies vaccination requirements or other licensing rules, only establishing Barrington's specific fee amount.

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 7221: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

HB 7221 authorizes the town of Barrington to increase maximum fines for dog ordinance violations. It allows fines up to $50 for a first offense (up from $25), $100 for a second offense (up from $50), and $150 for third or subsequent offenses (up from $75). The bill also includes similar provisions for other towns, but the abstract and primary focus is on Barrington. It does not change existing enforcement methods, such as mail-in citation payments.

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 7220: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

HB 7220 permits the town of Barrington to set an annual dog licensing fee of $7.00 per dog. This bill specifically amends the town's existing licensing fee authority under Chapter 4-13 (Dogs) to allow a $7 fee, directly affecting dog owners in Barrington who must pay this annual license. The bill does not change fees for other towns, which maintain their own existing fee structures. It is a procedural amendment awaiting final approval.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2147: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Requires that the primary election date, statutorily the eighth Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections, shall be held on the Wednesday when Labor Day is the day before said Tuesday. No other filing deadlines would be affected.

signed · Rhode Island · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 7049: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Requires that the primary election date, statutorily the eighth Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections, shall be held on the Wednesday when Labor Day is the day before said Tuesday. No other filing deadlines would be affected.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 2757: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF ROBERTS AND ROCHA, INC.

This bill would allow Roberts and Rocha, Inc. (a corporation incorporated in 1988) to regain its business charter if it meets specific requirements by December 31, 2026. To qualify, the company must file all overdue tax returns, pay all outstanding taxes, and submit a certificate confirming payment to the Secretary of State, along with any required reports and fees. If these conditions are met, the revocation of its charter would be officially canceled, restoring the company's full legal rights and obligations as if the revocation never occurred. The bill directly affects only Roberts and Rocha, Inc., with no broader policy implications.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 2409: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' ARBITRATION

Recognizes that municipal employees have the opportunity to utilize binding arbitration and establishes new factors for the arbitrators to consider. These factors include comparisons of wages/hourly conditions of employment in similarly skilled jobs.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8456: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 78TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S DAY OF INDEPENDENCE ON APRIL 21ST THROUGH APRIL 22ND, 2026, AND REAFFIRMING THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN RHODE ISLAND, THE UNITED STATES, AND THE STATE OF ISRAEL

This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes the 78th anniversary of Israel's independence and reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island, the United States, and Israel. It does not change any laws or policies but instead serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging shared democratic values and the historical significance of Israel's establishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Jewish and Israeli leadership groups in Rhode Island and Boston.

Bill results