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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 25,118 Active 7,678 In committee 7,673 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972

passed · Rhode Island · House May 17, 2024

HB 7645: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- QUALIFIED ABANDONMENT OF TOWN ROADS

Allows for a qualified abandonment of town highways/driftways and grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to a walking/hiking/biking trail as well as for access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 17, 2024

SB 2442: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES -- HIV/AIDS

Repeals the required HIV testing for an individual convicted under chapter 34.1 of title 11 and allows the option for HIV testing for any person convicted under this chapter.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 17, 2024

SB 2146: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

This bill requires every high school in Rhode Island to designate a licensed athletic trainer who must be available for all athletic practices and games. It also mandates that coaches, school nurses, and volunteers complete annual training on concussions and traumatic brain injuries, while encouraging teachers to do the same. Additionally, the legislation maintains existing rules that require athletes to be removed from play if a concussion is suspected and to receive written clearance from a physician before returning. These measures aim to improve the identification and management of head injuries in youth sports by ensuring professional oversight and education.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 17, 2024

SB 2819: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF NURSING SERVICE AGENCIES

This bill removes a current exemption that allows certain nursing service agencies accredited by the Joint Commission to operate without state licensure. Under the new rules, these agencies, which currently provide temporary staff to hospitals, will be required to obtain a state license like other nursing services. The change applies specifically to organizations that were previously able to bypass state regulation by maintaining accreditation from the Joint Commission or another entity approved by the state director.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 17, 2024

SB 2148: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE TWO

2) MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE ACT (Mandates 20 students per classroom for kindergarten through second grade. Exceptions for emergencies and temporary situations, not to exceed 3 days and mid-year enrollments.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 17, 2024

SB 2843: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PREKINDERGARTEN EDUCATION ACT

This bill expands Rhode Island's public prekindergarten program to ensure free, high-quality education for all children ages three and four, with a goal of enrolling at least 70% of eligible children statewide. It creates a mixed-delivery system that combines state funding with existing federal Head Start programs and contracts with various providers, including local schools and licensed child care centers. A key provision requires that teachers and assistants in these programs receive wages comparable to public kindergarten staff to help recruit and retain qualified educators. The legislation also mandates regular reporting to state officials on progress toward universal access and outlines specific quality standards for curriculum, class sizes, and support for diverse student needs.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 17, 2024

SB 2519: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PREKINDERGARTEN EDUCATION ACT

Allows municipalities participating in the state prekindergarten program to accept students from outside the municipality under certain conditions and establishes a lottery for enrollment in the program.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 16, 2024

SR 3078: SENATE RESOLUTION WELCOMING THE NARRAGANSETT COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, TO THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE AND JOYFULLY CELEBRATING SCOUTING MONTH IN FEBRUARY

This Senate resolution formally welcomes the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill highlights the organization's contributions to youth development, community service, and outdoor education across the state, noting specific statistics on campers, service hours, and new members. It also acknowledges the council's plans to build a new Leadership and Program Center at Camp Champlin to expand its facilities and offerings. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute to the Scouts and their volunteer leaders rather than establishing new laws or funding.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 16, 2024

SR 3077: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE ELEANOR SLATER HOSPITAL-ZAMBARANO CAMPUS ON THE RECOGNITION OF "ZAMBARANO DAY" ON MAY 16, 2024

This Senate resolution formally recognizes May 16, 2024, as "Zambarano Day" to honor the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the facility's long history of providing critical long-term acute care services to patients with severe injuries and illnesses, as well as its role in planning a new state-of-the-art building. By passing this resolution, the Senate expresses its appreciation for the hospital staff and declares its ongoing support for the campus as an exemplary healthcare provider. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the hospital staff.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 16, 2024

SR 3076: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MAY OF 2024, AS "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Older Americans Month" in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of seniors. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Director of the Office of Healthy Living. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 15, 2024

SB 2694: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION FEES

This bill allows disabled veterans who meet specific injury or disability criteria to receive special "Disabled Veteran" license plates for their vehicles. It also permits these plates to be transferred to the veteran's spouse if the veteran can no longer drive, or issued directly to the spouse if the veteran is deceased. The law requires official certification from the Veterans' Administration to ensure eligibility before issuing or transferring the plates.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 15, 2024

HR 8277: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING AND CELEBRATING "ARMED FORCES DAY" ON MAY 18TH, 2024, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors and celebrates Armed Forces Day on May 18, 2024, in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the service and sacrifices of all members of the U.S. military, including active and reserve personnel across various branches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Adjutant General to formally recognize the occasion.