Home › Rhode Island › Bills

Bills

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 14, 2024

HR 8273: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONGRATULATIONS

This House resolution formally congratulates several individuals and organizations in Rhode Island for their specific achievements and service. It honors a retired Air National Guard member, a centenarian, a retiring non-profit leader, and numerous high school students who participated in a civics program. The bill does not change any laws or policies; instead, it serves as a ceremonial gesture to publicly recognize these contributions to the state and community.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2024

HR 8269: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL'S DAY OF INDEPENDENCE ON MAY 13-14, 2024, 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 officially recognizes the 76th anniversary of Israel's independence and reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island, the United States, and Israel. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead serves as a formal statement of support and appreciation for Israel's democratic values and historical significance. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Israeli Consulate General in Boston.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2024

HR 7074: HOUSE RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE OF THE 118TH CONGRESS H.R.6121 -- THE FILIPINO VETERANS FAIRNESS ACT OF 2023

This House resolution expresses strong support for the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2023, a separate bill aimed at helping Filipino soldiers who fought alongside U.S. forces in World War II. The supported legislation would allow these veterans to use alternative documents to prove their service eligibility, addressing issues caused by lost records from a 1973 fire. Additionally, the act proposes providing need-based death pensions to the surviving families of these veterans. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the President and the Rhode Island congressional delegation to advocate for the bill's passage.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7629: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS

Includes the offense of second-degree sexual assault among the offenses to which there shall be no statute of limitations and provides for a ten (10) year statute of limitations for third-degree sexual assault.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7865: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

Provides that the "meetings" requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982 and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7739: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DISTRICT COURT PRACTICE

This bill updates the rules for appealing certain district court cases to the superior court in Utah. It changes the deadline for filing an appeal from two days to five days for landlord-tenant disputes, while keeping the two-day limit for other civil cases. The legislation also adjusts the specific fees that parties must pay when requesting an appeal, including changes to filing fees, service fees, and processing charges depending on whether the plaintiff or defendant is appealing. These changes directly affect individuals and businesses involved in civil litigation who seek to have their cases heard in a higher court.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7435: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PET INSURANCE ACT

HB 7435 creates a new legal framework to regulate pet insurance policies sold to residents of the state. The bill requires insurers to clearly define key terms like preexisting conditions and chronic illnesses within their policies and make these definitions easily accessible online. It mandates that companies disclose specific details about coverage limits, exclusions, and how premiums or benefits might change based on a pet's history or age. Additionally, the law grants consumers a fifteen-day "free look" period to review and return a policy for a full refund if they are not satisfied, provided no claims have been filed. This legislation applies to any pet insurance offered or delivered in the state, superseding general insurance laws with these specific consumer protections.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7742: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- SMALL CLAIMS AND CONSUMER CLAIMS

This bill modifies how appeals are handled in small claims and consumer cases by requiring both plaintiffs and defendants to sign a written waiver of their right to appeal before filing their initial claim or counterclaim. It adjusts the specific fees associated with filing these claims and pursuing appeals, directing a portion of the initial payment toward a dedicated fund for small claims mediation services. Additionally, the legislation establishes a rule where a consumer defendant who fails to respond to a lawsuit will lose the ability to appeal the resulting judgment or request a new trial in a higher court. These changes aim to streamline the legal process for minor disputes while creating a specific financial mechanism to support mediation efforts.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7371: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- FAMILY COURT

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7935: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- NEWPORT AND BRISTOL COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU

This bill amends the laws governing the Newport and Bristol County Convention and Visitors Bureau, officially rebranding it as "Discover Newport." The legislation establishes the bureau as a public corporation with a board of directors composed of eighteen to nineteen members appointed by local town councils and various hospitality industry representatives. Key provisions include a ban on state legislators from serving on the board, a requirement that directors serve without pay but receive expense reimbursements, and a mandate that the organization promote tourism across both counties.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7075: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Provides that the trapping and subsequent release of any unowned feral or free roaming cat for the purpose of spaying or neutering of the cat would not be considered abandonment.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 13, 2024

HB 7302: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.