Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2437: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL

Authorizes the department of environmental management to issue and enforce rules and regulations to implement and enforce the provisions of the food waste ban.

Topics ✓ Environment

Meghan Kallman (D) Mark McKenney (D) Lou DiPalma (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Sam Bell (D)

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2505: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

Includes the governor's commission on disabilities in the decision making process for the disability parking enforcement enhancement program and requires an annual report be submitted to the governor's commission.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 7767: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USE AND FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

Creates a comprehensive statutory framework to address and regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, considering the interests of employers and employees.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 7768: 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 15, 2026

SB 2529: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NEXT GENERATION PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACT

Prohibits the use of heating systems utilizing fossil fuels as well as air or water heating systems in any state or municipal building open to the public constructed, altered or renovated on or after January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2626: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2628: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES -- MINIMUM PARKING REQUIREMENTS

SB 2628 establishes statewide limits on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing and commercial developments. It prohibits municipalities from requiring more than one parking space per single-family home, half a space per multi-family unit, or two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill exempts certain projects from parking mandates, including small homes under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet, affordable housing, historic district buildings, and child daycare centers. Municipalities must update their zoning codes by December 31, 2026, to comply, while retaining authority over bicycle parking, loading zones, and traffic studies.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SR 2535: SENATE RESOLUTION FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF A SEASONAL HEAT PUMP RATE AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

This Senate resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider creating a seasonal heat pump rate within Docket 25-45-GE. The proposed rate would lower electricity costs for heat pump users during winter months by reducing grid usage fees, similar to Massachusetts' existing approach. It aligns with Rhode Island's climate goals to increase electric heating adoption by 2030, as noted in the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy. The resolution does not create the rate but formally asks the PUC to evaluate it as part of an ongoing rate adjustment process.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2658: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICE

SB 2658 creates a new regulatory category for small portable solar generation devices used in residential settings. It directly affects homeowners who install these portable solar systems, clarifying how they interact with public utility regulations. The bill establishes specific rules for these devices under utility law, ensuring they are treated separately from larger residential or commercial solar installations. This provides a clear framework for utilities to manage connections and billing for portable systems without requiring major infrastructure changes. The bill focuses on defining the scope of these devices within existing utility frameworks.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8034: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Authorizes the town of Johnston, if an aggregate of two hundred fifty (250) or more units should be proposed in comprehensive permit project(s), to enact an emergency moratorium until the permit requirement of § 45-53-4 are amended.

Topics ✗ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 7958: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

HB 7958 requires that all contracts for capital improvements (such as new construction or major renovations) at healthcare facilities must comply with the fair employment practices standards outlined in chapter 13 of title 37. This directly affects healthcare facilities and their construction contractors by mandating adherence to existing non-discrimination and equal opportunity rules in hiring and employment. The key mechanism is applying these established labor standards to capital improvement contracts, ensuring they include protections against employment discrimination. The bill does not create new requirements but extends current fair employment practices to this specific contracting context. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Labor committee.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8041: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 8041 allows the town of Johnston to set density bonuses - incentives for higher-density development - based on its existing zoning ordinances. This bill directly affects Johnston's local planning decisions by giving the town authority to determine these bonuses according to its current zoning framework. The key provision removes a previous restriction, enabling Johnston to align density incentives with its specific zoning classifications. This change streamlines the town's ability to manage development patterns within its designated zones. The bill is currently under review by the House Municipal Government & Housing committee.

Topics ✓ Housing

Bill results