Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8178: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT AND DEBT REDUCTION ACT OF 2011

Effective July 1, 2026, annually allocates twenty percent (20%) of available proceeds in the Rhode Island highway maintenance account to RIPTA for operating expenses.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Karen Alzate (D) Stephen Casey (D) Joseph Solomon (D) Terri Cortvriend (D) Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8181: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, RECONSTRUCTION, AND MAINTENANCE FUND -- EXEMPTIONS FROM TOLLING FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT VEHICLES

HB 8181 exempts waste management collection vehicles operating at Rhode Island's central landfill from tolls charged by the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority. This directly affects waste management companies that transport trash to the central landfill, removing a toll cost for their vehicles. The bill creates a specific exemption for these vehicles on turnpike and bridge tolls, streamlining their operations. It does not change general toll policies for other vehicles or alter the authority's toll collection system. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee following its introduction on February 27, 2026.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8179: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

HB 8179 increases the oil spill responsible fee from 5 cents to 10 cents per barrel. This fee applies to entities responsible for oil spills, directly affecting oil companies and transporters. The additional revenue funds state climate change initiatives, such as renewable energy projects or coastal protection programs. The bill was introduced to the House Finance committee on February 27, 2026, and remains in early legislative review.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8151: AN ACT RELATING TO THE BLUE WAVE BOND FOR COASTAL PREPAREDNESS -- 2026 BOND REFERENDUM

Proposes a bond measure authorizing the State of Rhode Island to issue up to $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to fund coastal preparedness and resilience projects.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7056: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

Adds to those persons exempt from payment of parking fees at any recreational facility owned and operated by the state those individuals determined by the executive office of HHS, or its designee, to be disabled for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7076: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CERTIFIED SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANTS ACT

Allows for the licensing of certified surgical first assistants to assist in surgeries through the department of health and a 7 member board of licensure.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7113: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2155: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

SB 2155 would allow Rhode Island residents aged 21 or older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state-issued permit. Currently, Rhode Island law requires a permit for concealed carry, so this bill would eliminate that requirement. The key provision removes the permit mandate for eligible adults, directly affecting residents who wish to carry concealed handguns in public. This is a substantive policy change to the state's weapons regulations.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2163: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2153: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Allows attorney general to enter into agreements with other states to recognize a concealed handgun permit as valid and authorizes RI to recognize and honor a concealed weapon permit from out of state with certain requirements.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2112: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2164: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

Bill results