Rhode Island Bills | MyRepTracker

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2128: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION

Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 3 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.

Sam Zurier (D) Matt LaMountain (D) Mark McKenney (D) David Tikoian (D) John Burke (D)

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2109: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- BENEFIT DETERMINATION AND UTILIZATION REVIEW ACT

SB 2109 prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from requiring or conducting insurance reviews for prescriptions used to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. Specifically, it blocks reviews for medications containing methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, or for any FDA-approved medication managing opioid withdrawal. The bill directly affects patients seeking addiction treatment and insurers/pharmacy managers handling these prescriptions. It also requires Medicaid managed care organizations to use state-set medical necessity criteria for reviews. The law takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 7302: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

HB 7302 authorizes Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates for the Lime Rock Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit supporting the Ida Lewis Lighthouse. Vehicle owners who choose these plates pay a $40 one-time surcharge (split $20 to the general fund, $20 to the foundation) and a $10 annual renewal fee, all going to the foundation. The plates must display a lighthouse design approved by the state police and replace standard registration plates. The foundation must use all funds for Rhode Island charities and submit annual financial reports. This bill affects drivers who opt for the special plates, with no refunds for early cancellation.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2397: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $250 or no more than $1,000 and up to 11 months imprisonment for violating the law on the care of dogs.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SR 3343: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES IN LEGISLATION/OVERSIGHT OF THE ACT ON CLIMATE

Extends reporting and expiration dates of special legislative commission to study and provides recommendations for potential changes in legislation/oversight of Act on Climate from May 1, 2026, to May 1, 2027, and said commission expires on June 1, 2027.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 8612: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING REV. DR. BERNARD LAFAYETTE JR. FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a House Resolution that formally honors the life and work of Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and educator. It recognizes his significant contributions to Rhode Island, including his role in founding the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies and his service on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. The resolution expresses gratitude for his impact on the state and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to his family.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SR 2753: SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO CONDUCT A VETERANS HOME WORKFORCE ANALYSIS TO GUIDE POLICY AND BUDGET DECISIONS

This Senate resolution asks the Rhode Island Governor to order an analysis of why the state's Veterans Home in Bristol cannot hire enough staff to operate at full capacity. The requested study will examine specific issues such as wages, shift pay, housing, and career opportunities to understand the root causes of the staffing shortage. Based on the findings, the Governor must create a plan to reach full occupancy and include those recommendations in the upcoming state budget. This measure directly affects the Veterans Home, the state's Department of Administration, and the budget process for the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 2280: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

Requires all schools and educational institutions to develop and implement a school safety plan that would provide for immediate access to school facilities by first responders in an emergency.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 2, 2026

HR 8606: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE 241ST BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND RECOGNIZING THE 2026 HONOREES

This bill is a House resolution that honors the 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, which marks the oldest continuous Independence Day event in the United States. It specifically recognizes seven individuals for their leadership and service in organizing the 2026 festivities, including the General Chairwoman, Chief Marshal, speakers, and representatives for the Miss Fourth of July pageant. The resolution also acknowledges the participation of Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the event. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the named honorees.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 2, 2026

HR 8607: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026 AS "MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men. It encourages residents, organizations, and state agencies to promote open conversations, reduce stigma, and support access to care during this month. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to relevant health departments and advocacy groups to help coordinate these efforts.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SR 3340: SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING THE 241ST BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND RECOGNIZING THE 2026 HONOREES

This Senate resolution honors the 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, noting that Bristol hosts the oldest continuous Independence Day event in the United States. The bill specifically recognizes several 2026 honorees, including the event's general chairwoman, chief marshal, speakers, and representatives, for their leadership and service to the community. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to these individuals as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SR 3342: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING RHODE ISLAND NATIVE JOSEPH MAZZULLA, HEAD COACH OF THE BOSTON CELTICS, ON BEING NAMED THE 2025-2026 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION COACH OF THE YEAR

This Senate resolution congratulates Joseph Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics and a native of Rhode Island, on receiving the 2025-2026 NBA Coach of the Year award. The document highlights his achievements, including leading the team to a strong record and playoff success despite the absence of star player Jayson Tatum due to injury. It also notes his history of developing players and his previous success in college basketball. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Coach Mazzulla.