HB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.
HB 8195 creates a tax credit for Rhode Island taxpayers who invest in certain local businesses. It directly affects individual and business taxpayers who make qualifying investments in designated Rhode Island companies. The bill provides a credit equal to a percentage of the investment amount, reducing the taxpayer's state tax liability. The credit applies only to investments meeting specific criteria set by the law, such as supporting businesses in targeted economic zones. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after its introduction on February 27, 2026.
Provides proper authority for the division of taxation to provide HSRI with contact information for Rhode Islanders who report they were uninsured on their RI state income tax return.
Names the India Point Park Overpass pedestrian bridge as the "Joseph M. Lima Overpass" to honor the former Deputy Majority Leader's legislative achievements and his lifelong dedication to the Portuguese-American community.
Increases reimbursement caps promulgated in 2018 and applies to eligible costs for library projects incurred from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2031, or ending earlier if the Office of Library Information Services amends the regulations.
HB 8187 makes tax credits for pass-through entities refundable, meaning businesses structured as pass-through entities (like S-corps or LLCs) can receive cash refunds if their credits exceed their tax liability. This directly affects qualifying businesses that currently can only use credits to reduce their tax bill, not receive payments. The bill changes the mechanism under Section 44-11-2.3 by allowing unused credits to be paid as cash refunds instead of being carried forward. It does not alter tax rates or create new obligations, only modifying how existing credits are applied.
HR 8207 is a joint resolution that would allocate $100,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice & Bias. This resolution directly provides financial support to the Commission, which is tasked with addressing issues related to prejudice and bias in the state. The key provision is the specific appropriation of $100,000 for the Commission's operations or initiatives. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but provides resources for an existing state body. The resolution was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.
HB 8153 requires the state to reimburse Exeter Fire and Rescue for 75% of the costs incurred during fire calls made to state property. This bill directly affects Exeter Fire and Rescue by covering a portion of their expenses for emergency responses on state-owned land. The key provision establishes a fixed 75% reimbursement rate for all such calls, shifting a portion of the financial burden from the fire department to the state. The policy change specifically targets costs associated with state property responses, not general firefighting operations.
Prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that limit the agency's ability to install or run the software of the agency's choosing on their hardware.
HB 7035 prohibits individuals from purchasing or taking possession of more than one firearm (defined as pistol, rifle, or shotgun) within any 30-day period. This directly affects most private firearm buyers, excluding specific exemptions like law enforcement officers, licensed dealers, government transfers, inheritance through probate, temporary gun range rentals, firearm safety courses, and curio collector transfers. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties for first offenses (up to 1 year in jail or $500 fine) and felony penalties for repeat offenses (up to 3 years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
HB 7099 gives Rhode Island residents priority access to state campsite and recreational facility reservations over nonresidents by creating a two-hour online reservation window exclusively for residents. It also provides a 50% fee reduction for 100% disabled veterans on certain state recreational fees, including licensing, camping, and picnic table fees. The bill amends existing law to prioritize local residents for facility access while expanding fee exemptions for veterans with full disability ratings. This policy directly affects Rhode Island residents, nonresidents seeking reservations, and eligible veterans using state recreational facilities. The law would take effect upon passage.
This bill eliminates the $20 service charge and $5 transfer fee for Rhode Island National Guard vehicle registration plates. It directly affects active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard who use these special plates. The policy change removes these fees while maintaining the existing plate design, eligibility rules, and emergency travel provisions for National Guard members. The bill takes effect upon passage.
