Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8382: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Susan Donovan (D) Cherie Cruz (D) Kathleen Fogarty (D) Doc Corvese (D) Brandon Potter (D)

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SR 3210: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 2026, AS "SCHOOL LIBRARY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as "School Library Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The bill aims to draw public attention to the vital role school librarians play in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship among students. It does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage citizens to recognize the value of school libraries. Upon passage, the Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the School Librarians of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Library Association.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3179: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES

Prohibits the use of genetic information for purposes of determining eligibility, setting premium rates, or imposing preexisting condition exclusions for life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8401: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNAUTHORIZED INSURANCE BUSINESS -- MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

HB 8401 strengthens the oversight of medical malpractice insurance for hospitals affiliated with accredited medical schools in Rhode Island. The bill requires these hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Department of Business Regulation before establishing or maintaining any self-insurance program for malpractice liability. To qualify, hospitals must demonstrate financial solvency, adequate reserves, and the ability to pay claims, with the department retaining the power to audit, examine, and revoke approval if standards are not met. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all forms of medical malpractice coverage, including self-insurance and captive arrangements, meet specific state-set limits and undergo annual renewal. Finally, the bill requires these entities to report claims, settlements, and judgments to relevant medical licensing boards within 30 days.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8445: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 19-25, 2026, TO BE "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill officially designates April 19-25, 2026, as "National Library Week" throughout Rhode Island. It aims to recognize the role of libraries in providing community resources, internet access, and inclusive services to residents. The resolution thanks library staff for their work and encourages the public to visit libraries during the designated week. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the state's Office of Library and Information Services and all local libraries.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2768: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES

Requires any business entity that makes automatic renewal offers or memberships or subscriptions that are available on-line, also make the canceling such agreements for goods, services, memberships or subscriptions equally accessible on-line.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3023: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8301: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to maintain and repair state-owned boat ramps and docks to ensure public access to waterways. It creates a special funding account financed by fees collected from users of these facilities to cover maintenance costs. The legislation also directs the department to establish rules clarifying how maintenance responsibilities are divided between the state and local municipalities.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8299: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS

$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2778: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF BUSINESS PRACTICES AMONG MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS

Extends certain protocols applicable to vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, updates definitions relative to common entities and sales.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3110: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

This bill prohibits individuals under 18 from possessing firearms in Rhode Island, with specific exceptions for supervised activities. The law allows minors to carry firearms only when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult to approved camps, rifle ranges, or during lawful hunting, ROTC programs, ceremonial parades, competitive shooting, state militia activities, and basic firearms education programs. A "qualified adult" is defined as someone 21 or older who is legally permitted to possess and use the firearm. The legislation creates a general ban on minor firearm possession while outlining narrow, supervised circumstances where possession remains legal.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2971: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT

Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.

Bill results