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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 · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SR 3222: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 16, 2026, TO BE "COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" to recognize the institution's contributions to the state's education and economy. The measure directly affects the Community College of Rhode Island by honoring its role in workforce development and student success. It requires the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college's president as a formal acknowledgment. The text highlights the college's impact on job creation and economic growth but does not alter any laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SR 3223: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING SANDRA BERUBE ON HER RETIREMENT AFTER 33 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS A SENIOR STAFF MEMBER WITH THE RHODE ISLAND STATE SENATE

This Senate resolution formally congratulates Sandra Berube on her retirement after 33 years of service to the Rhode Island State Senate. The document recognizes her long career, which includes roles as a Secretary, Administrative Assistant, and Legislative Grants Coordinator, highlighting her work supporting various agencies and nonprofits. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Berube as a gesture of appreciation for her contributions to the state.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3199: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS

This bill allows individuals to sue nursing homes directly if those facilities violate patient rights laws, in addition to existing legal remedies. It establishes a specific legal cause of action that lets plaintiffs recover actual and punitive damages, along with court costs and attorney fees, for any such violations. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the state Department of Health to file lawsuits on behalf of the state to enforce these patient rights and related regulations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3194: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE -- MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISION

SB 3194 modifies the state's mandatory arbitration rules for motor vehicle liability claims by raising the minimum claim threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. This change directly affects individuals filing insurance claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death, requiring only those with damages between $50,000 and $100,000 to submit their cases to arbitration. The bill maintains existing procedures where selected arbitrators conduct informal hearings, share costs between parties, and issue binding decisions that can be challenged within 60 days by reserving the right to a jury trial. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance policyholders to agree in writing to these arbitration provisions when applying for or renewing driver's licenses or registering vehicles.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3190: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DECISIONS, SPECIAL FINDINGS AND ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES

This bill modifies state laws governing civil lawsuits involving personal injuries, death, or property damage. It updates the rules for determining fault by allowing injured parties to recover damages even if they knew about a specific risk or danger. However, the amount of money awarded will be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the injured person. The changes apply to all future cases filed under these statutes once the legislation is enacted.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3200: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3188: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3197: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSE OF ACTION

This bill allows individuals who have settled a legal claim to send their signed release documents electronically to the party responsible for payment or their attorney. It applies to insurance companies, adjusting firms, and other entities obligated to pay settlement amounts. If a payment is not made within 30 days of receiving the electronic release, the law creates a presumption of willful disregard and permits the claimant to seek punitive damages and 12% annual interest. Additionally, any lawsuit filed under this provision would receive priority scheduling on the court's trial calendar.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3195: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE

This bill mandates that auto insurance policies issued in the state must include uninsured motorist coverage, protecting drivers when they are hit by vehicles with no insurance or insufficient coverage. While bodily injury protection is required for all policies, property damage coverage remains optional unless the driver already has collision insurance. The legislation sets specific minimum limits for bodily injury, establishes a $200 deductible for property damage claims, and clarifies that the term "uninsured motorist" also includes underinsured drivers.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3192: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ABUSE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3198: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE

Requires that insurance policies for property damage, personal injuries, and indemnification other than payment of compensation for workers compensation, state policy limits and no amount of the policy may be used to pay costs to defend a claim.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3191: 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.