Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7087: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

HB 7087 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 of the service fee covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would replace standard registration plates and display "Governor Roger Williams" along with the state seal, available to any registered vehicle owner who chooses to purchase it. This is a commemorative plate with no substantive policy changes beyond the fee structure.

Terri Cortvriend (D) Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D) Jennifer Boylan (D) Deb Fellela (D) Kathleen Fogarty (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7086: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE EMBLEMS

HB 7086 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state music. This ceremonial bill does not impose any new regulations, taxes, or obligations on residents or businesses - it solely establishes a symbolic recognition of the genre. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, adding this designation to the state's official emblems. It affects no individuals or entities directly, as it is purely a cultural and symbolic measure.

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7109: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PATIENT BROKERING ACT

HB 7109 bans healthcare providers and facilities from paying or receiving money (like commissions, kickbacks, or bonuses) to refer patients to other providers or facilities. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, and brokers involved in patient referrals, prohibiting financial incentives that steer patients. The bill establishes penalties: fines of $50,000 for fewer than 10 patients, $100,000 for 10-19 patients, and $500,000 for 20+ patients, enforced by the Rhode Island Attorney General. Certain exceptions apply, such as standard insurance agent fees or payments within group practices. The law aims to prevent unethical financial arrangements in healthcare referrals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7048: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Raises the gross weight of a vehicle eligible for reserve forces plates from 8,500 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. with US flag on the plates. Proof of honorable discharge to be provided to DMV.

Topics ✓ Veterans

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7021: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS-VEHICLE SAFETY BARRIERS

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishments when new construction or renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7065: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- TRUTH IN FOOD DISCLOSURE LAW

HB 7065 requires all liquid beverages sold in Rhode Island to reduce their added sugars content by 50% by January 1, 2030, compared to the sugar levels measured on July 1, 2026. The law applies directly to beverage manufacturers and retailers operating within Rhode Island, mandating reformulation to meet the new standard. "Added sugars" is defined using existing FDA labeling rules (21 CFR Part 101), ensuring consistency with federal guidelines. The bill establishes a clear timeline for implementation without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 20, 2026

HB 7085: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Repeals the authorization for issuance of special registration plate for Mr. Potato Head. Currently issued plates, as long as continuously registered to the current vehicle would remain valid.

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 16, 2026

HB 7073: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PROHIBITED RELEASE OF BALLOONS

Authorizes the DEM, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement, to enforce the prohibition on the intentional simultaneous release of ten or more balloons.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SB 2014: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT ACT

SB 2014 requires Rhode Island internet service providers (ISPs) to regularly submit detailed data about broadband speeds, technology types, and coverage areas to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. This data will be used to create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map identifying underserved or unserved communities. The map aims to guide infrastructure investments, support policy decisions, and help providers expand services in areas with limited access. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on January 13, 2026, at the sponsor’s request.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 6378: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

HB 6378 allows tenants to have eviction court records sealed under specific conditions, directly affecting individuals involved in dismissed or resolved eviction cases. It permits sealing if a case was dismissed due to a defective complaint, lack of court jurisdiction, resolved by settlement with full payment, or dismissed for inactivity after five years. The bill also requires sealing records involving minors in eviction proceedings, and clarifies that such sealed records do not count toward a tenant's one-sealing-per-five-year limit. This policy change aims to provide relief for tenants with certain cleared eviction histories.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 925: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE

Requires at fault insurance companies to provide to any claimant whose vehicle is damaged in an accident, to provide a vehicle that is comparable to the claimant’s vehicle and that rental charges shall be based on local retail prices.

failed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 307: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY-- POLICE RELATIONSHIP ACT OF 2015

SB 307 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require state and municipal police departments to collect standardized data on traffic stops and searches, including officer-perceived race/ethnicity of drivers. The bill mandates that this data - covering stop reasons, searches, outcomes, and demographics - be submitted monthly to the Department of Transportation's Highway Safety office for annual analysis by an external agency. The resulting public reports must include quarterly summaries and annual statistical analyses to identify potential racial disparities in traffic enforcement. The bill was defeated in committee on June 20, 2025, after multiple committee hearings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Bill results