Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8023: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Authorizes the Johnston town council to set tax exemption limit to an amount determined by the city council via ordinance or resolution for qualified individuals defined in the act.

Dick Fascia (R) Deb Fellela (D) Sam Azzinaro (D) Raymond Hull (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7982: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AUDIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

HB 7982 establishes a new performance audit division within the Office of the Auditor General. This division will conduct regular audits to assess how effectively state agencies are using public funds and delivering services. The bill directly affects state agencies by requiring them to undergo these performance reviews, aiming to improve government efficiency and accountability.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2720: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING

Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures, including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8127: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Amends the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) board composition by adding the Rhode Island Climate Community to the groups given due consideration for appointment to the board.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2013: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED, SERIOUSLY ILL, OR IN ARREARS OF PAYMENT

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2012: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TRANSPARENCY IN ELECTRIC AND GAS BILLS ACT

Requires electric and gas utilities to provide a detailed breakdown of supply, delivery, and public policy costs on electric and gas bills, including specific costs for renewable energy sources, and mandate public comment and PUC approval.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7112: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2131: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES

SB 2131 extends an existing rule prohibiting political activity within 50 feet of polling places to include early voting locations. It directly affects anyone distributing political materials or displaying campaign items near voting sites during both early voting and election day. The bill adds "early voting" to the current prohibition on politicking within 50 feet of polling entrances, ensuring the same buffer zone applies to all voting periods. This change clarifies that the 50-foot restriction covers all voting locations, not just election day.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2119: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Provides that the EOHHS, through Emergency Medicaid, cover dialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease ("ESRD") and kidney transplants for RI residents who do not qualify for full Medicaid under federal law due to their immigration status.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2196: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DIGITAL ASSET KEYS--PROHIBITION OF PRODUCTION OF PRIVATE KEYS

SB 2196 prohibits courts or government entities from forcing individuals to reveal private keys that control access to digital assets (like cryptocurrency), digital identities, or other digital rights. It applies directly to people holding such keys, such as cryptocurrency owners or digital service users. The law allows exceptions only if a public key cannot be used to access the asset or information. This does not prevent legal actions requiring the transfer of the digital asset itself, only the forced disclosure of the private key. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2202: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Directs the public utilities commission to establish a standardized framework for determining authorized common equity ratios and authorized rates of returns on equity for public utilities.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2304: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RESIDENCE OF INDIVIDUALS IN GOVERNMENT CUSTODY ACT

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

Bill results