Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2025

HR 6190: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $118,422 FOR RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK, INC.

This bill appropriates $118,422 in state general revenue to fund the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) for its Dual Ombudsman program. The program directly assists approximately 24,500 dual-eligible Rhode Islanders (those enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid), helping them navigate complex healthcare enrollment, coverage transitions, and benefit claims. The funding ensures the program can continue operating at full capacity through fiscal year 2026, matching federal Medicaid funds and preventing a service gap as Rhode Island transitions away from its current Medicare-Medicaid managed care model. This maintains a critical resource that saved clients $343,189 in healthcare costs during FY2024 while supporting 4,456 annual client interactions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2025

HB 5197: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 956: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

SB 956 establishes a "bureau of public protection" within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office, creating four dedicated units focused on consumer protection, health care regulation, environmental protection, and civil rights. The bureau will consolidate existing advocacy roles (like health care and insurance advocates) and empower the Attorney General to investigate and seek court orders against businesses or entities engaging in "persistent illegality" (repeated or ongoing illegal acts affecting multiple people). It authorizes the Attorney General to pursue injunctions, restitution, and penalties in court, and requires annual reports to the legislature detailing enforcement actions and outcomes. The bill directly affects businesses, service providers, and government entities operating in Rhode Island subject to these enforcement powers.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2025

HR 6017: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $450,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK

HR 6017 would allocate $450,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Food Bank for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This funding aims to address Rhode Island's food insecurity crisis, where 38% of households face difficulty accessing food and a $400 million funding gap is projected. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation. This is a direct funding measure to support existing food bank operations, not a new program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2025

HR 6015: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO THE REFUGEE DREAM CENTER

RDC), $250,000 TO HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL, AND $250,000 TO DORCAS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RHODE ISLAND (Authorizes $250,000 to REFUGEE DREAM CENTER (RDC), $250,000 to HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL, and $250,000 to DORCAS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RHODE ISLAND

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Immigration

died · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2025

HR 5536: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO BE USED FOR INCENTIVES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SOLD AT PARTICIPATING BONUS BUCKS OUTLETS IN RHODE ISLAND

HR 5536 appropriates $200,000 to fund the Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program in Rhode Island. This program directly benefits low-income SNAP recipients who shop at participating farmers markets by doubling the value of their SNAP benefits when spent on locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The funding supports Farm Fresh RI’s existing network of 27 sites across the state, helping families afford fresh produce while supporting local farms. The bill authorizes the state controller to pay the funds to Farm Fresh RI upon receipt of proper vouchers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House May 22, 2025

HB 5995: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 620: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- REGULATION OF SALES

Prohibits the holding of multiple drivers licenses or identification cards and would change the term "re-constructed salvage" to "rebuilt salvage" for purposes of the Rhode Island salvage law.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 1051: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND

Allows the applicant for a land development project to utilize the administrative subdivision process established under 45-23-37 to request approval of a proposed subdivision of an oversized lot.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 909: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 537: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT --THE PROTECTED SPACES ACT

Limits the ability for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend or arrest any individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws without a judicial warrant within certain protected locations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 22, 2025

SB 951: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- STATE CRIME LABORATORY COMMISSION

SB 951 establishes the Rhode Island state crime laboratory within the Attorney General's Department, replacing the previous State Crime Laboratory Commission. The bill creates a new commission with the Attorney General as chair, including the State Police Superintendent, a police chiefs' representative, and two public members appointed by the governor. This commission will set laboratory standards, manage budgets, oversee operations, and submit annual reports to state leaders. The change directly affects how the state's crime lab is governed and administered, streamlining oversight under the Attorney General's office.

Bill results