Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 2179: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STANDARD AND DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Repeals daylight savings time in the state and follow the “United States Standard Eastern Time” as provided by an exemption from the advancement of time as provide by the federal Uniform Time Ac of 1966, 15 U.S.C. § 260(a).

Jessica de la Cruz (R) Thomas Paolino (R) David Tikoian (D) Gordon Rogers (R) Todd Patalano (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7461: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATE AID

Includes municipal detention facility corporations as exempt from taxation, and requires that an amount equal to 27% of all tax that would have been collected if the property was taxable be paid to the municipality annually.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SR 3205: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE VALIANT INTERVENTION EFFORTS OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JOSEPH J. MCBURNEY AND HEAD OF SECURITY, DANA SMITH ON BEHALF OF HIS COURT INTERN WHO WAS WRONGFULLY IDENTIFIED AND TARGETED BY IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT

This Senate resolution honors Superior Court Judge Joseph J. McBurney and Head of Security Dana Smith for their actions during an incident where ICE agents mistakenly targeted a high school intern working in the Rhode Island Superior Court. The document details how the judge and security staff protected the student by keeping him inside a car while agents surrounded them, eventually confirming the intern's identity was misidentified. The resolution formally commends these individuals for their intervention and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the commendation to both men. This legislative text serves as a formal recognition of their conduct rather than a change in laws or court procedures.

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 8413: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL OF 2026, AS "ORGAN DONATION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This resolution officially designates April 2026 as Organ Donation Month in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors. It encourages residents to register as donors through the state's driver's license system or online, aiming to increase the number of people willing to donate life-saving parts. The measure directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with relevant state and regional organizations to promote the observance.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 8410: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE THE "MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill officially designates April 2026 as the 'Month of the Military Child' within the State of Rhode Island to honor the sacrifices of military families. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by military children, such as frequent school transitions, and specifically acknowledges the Middletown School District for serving a significant number of these students. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the proclamation to the Middletown School Committee and Superintendent William J. Niemeyer to facilitate local observance.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SR 3206: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE THE "MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution designates April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island to honor children of service members. The measure highlights the sacrifices these families make and encourages the public to show support during this time. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Legion Post 85 Women's Auxiliary.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 8411: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with missing or altered limbs. The resolution encourages residents to support affected people, learn about related issues, and honor veterans who have lost limbs in service. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 8412: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2026, TO BE "COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 2026 as "Community Development Month" in Rhode Island to honor the work of local nonprofit organizations. It specifically recognizes the Housing Network of Rhode Island and its member groups for their efforts in creating affordable housing and supporting community services like childcare and job training. The resolution does not change any laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal proclamation to acknowledge these organizations' contributions to the state's economy and housing stock. The Secretary of State is instructed to send a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 8409: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LINDA ZANNI

This bill is a House resolution that formally expresses condolences for the death of Linda Zanni, a Rhode Island resident who worked in the state legislature and owned a local dance studio. The document honors her life by highlighting her community service, her role as a mother, and her dedication to teaching dance. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family as a gesture of sympathy.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3201: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

SB 3201 amends election laws to allow voters to electronically sign nomination papers for party and independent candidates through a new online portal. The bill also clarifies rules for preparing and distributing these papers, such as combining candidates from the same party on single sheets and ensuring names match official voting lists. While the specific number of signatures required varies by office, the legislation confirms that electronic signatures collected via the portal will count toward these totals. These changes directly affect candidates seeking nomination and the voters who endorse them, streamlining the process while maintaining existing signature requirements.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2767: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND UTILITY FAIR SHARE ROADWAY REPAIR ACT

Requires any public utility company that needs to close any state or municipal roadway for work to provide notice to all residential and business property owners located within 1,000 ft of the closed highway at least 48 hrs before the road closure.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2777: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Provides that effective July 1, 2026, the profit margin of any electric distribution company or distributor of natural gas, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.

Topics ✗ Energy

Bill results