Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3114: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

Amends the procedures for the marking and certification of mail ballots by prohibiting anyone but the voter or certain persons close to the voter from handling the mail ballot.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SR 2979: JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 2 years, continuously, prior to taking office.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2779: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3043: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES -- DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY AND PRIMARY VOTES

This bill changes election deadlines by moving the date for filing candidacy declarations from June to April for state and local elections. It directly affects candidates running for party or independent nomination in primary elections by requiring them to submit their paperwork earlier. The key provision sets a new April deadline for filing declaration forms, which must include personal information, party affiliation, and certifications about criminal history and mental competency. Local election boards will check signatures against voter lists and can reject papers with invalid signatures, while the state board may review cases showing patterns of forgery. This change aims to ensure candidates file their nomination materials earlier in the election cycle.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2951: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RANKED CHOICE VOTING

This bill allows local municipalities in the state to adopt ranked choice voting for their elections once voters approve a charter amendment. Under this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference on their ballots, and votes are counted in rounds where eliminated candidates' votes transfer to voters' next choices. The bill defines specific rules for how ballots are counted in both single-winner and multi-winner elections, including how to handle surplus votes and invalid ballots. It applies only to local elections within jurisdictions that have officially adopted the method through voter approval, and it would eliminate separate primary elections in those areas.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3111: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING

Allocates the assessment of fines for failure to file reports between the board of elections between the candidate and political action or political party committee.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3091: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004 -- HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT

Charges the office of the health insurance commissioner to incorporate uncompensated care as a formula-driven numeric adjustment in the methodology used to establish any affordability standard or rate cap, applicable to hospital contracts.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8312: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS AND WINDOWS

Removes the exemption for tinting of the windshield and imposes fines of $250 for a first and second offense and subsequent offenses are punishable by a $250 fine and up to a one year suspension of the vehicle registration.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2968: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION ACT

Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform unless the minor has the express consent of a parent or guardian.

Topics ✗ Technology

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3143: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND VOTING RIGHTS ACT

This bill creates the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act to establish state-level procedures that prevent discrimination and vote suppression in elections. It directly affects political subdivisions across Rhode Island, including cities, towns, and state agencies, by prohibiting election policies that create disparities in voter participation or ability to participate in the political process. The law defines protected classes based on race, color, language-minority status, and other characteristics, and sets standards for identifying voter suppression and vote dilution without requiring proof of intentional discrimination. Key provisions include protections for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and early voting access, while allowing political subdivisions to adopt alternative election methods if they can show a compelling governmental interest.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8361: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND TOWING INDUSTRY MODERNIZATION AND REGULATORY EQUITY ACT

This bill creates the Rhode Island Towing Advisory Board to advise the state's public utilities commission on regulating tow truck operators. The advisory board will include representatives from the towing industry, transportation and public safety departments, and the public, who will meet annually to provide recommendations on licensing, safety training, and rate changes. It also establishes mandatory licensing standards requiring operators to complete at least eight hours of annual continuing education and mandates that the commission consult with the board before approving any tariff modifications or enforcement policies. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all tow truck operators working within the state.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8363: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing.

Topics ✗ Housing

Bill results