Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HR 8373: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 172ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN TREATY OF PEACE AND AMITY

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 172nd anniversary of the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan. It formally declares March 31 as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island to honor the historical diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The resolution recognizes various cultural, economic, and educational partnerships between Rhode Island and Japan, including business investments, academic exchanges, and community events. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to various state and federal officials, as well as the Japanese Consul General.

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HR 8380: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES

This House Resolution expresses condolences to the families of 37 individuals who have passed away, including former and current state officials and representatives from Rhode Island. The bill directs the House to formally acknowledge their loss and asks the Secretary of State to send memorial inscriptions to the bereaved families. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial gesture of sympathy for the deceased and their loved ones.

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HR 8374: HOUSE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING "WORLD GREEK LANGUAGE DAY IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND" AS PROCLAIMED BY UNESCO

This resolution officially celebrates World Greek Language Day in Rhode Island, as designated by UNESCO. It recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the Greek language, noting its 4,000-year oral tradition and 3,500-year written history. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Greek diplomatic and religious leaders, including the Greek Ambassador to the United Nations and the Archbishop of America. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges international cultural recognition rather than implementing new policy or regulations.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8350: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

Clarifies the right of the public to have access to bulk electronic data processing records, compilations of electronic court records, including the Rhode Island adult criminal database and the Rhode Island traffic tribunal database extract.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SR 3174: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY SCHOOLS

This Senate resolution congratulates the Blackstone Valley Schools Boys Co-Op ice hockey team for winning the 2026 Rhode Island Division II State Championship. The bill recognizes the team's achievement after they returned to competition following a tragic shooting at Lynch Arena that killed three people just a month earlier. It highlights specific players and coaches who contributed to the team's success, including Colin Dorgan, who scored a game-tying goal in the championship match. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the team's head coach and all roster members.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SR 3175: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MARCH 25, 2026, AS THE 205TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES

This Senate resolution commemorates March 25, 2026, as the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The bill acknowledges historical ties, including American support during Greece's war for independence and the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations. It formally recognizes the Greek-American community's contributions to Rhode Island and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Greek Orthodox churches, the U.S. Congressional delegation, and Greek diplomatic and religious leaders.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7580: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

HB 7580 requires public agencies to provide electronic public records stored in computer systems at no cost when requested. This applies to all public records maintained in digital formats, eliminating fees for copies or delivery (whether as printouts or electronic files) upon request. The bill directly affects government agencies that manage electronic records and members of the public seeking access to them. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change existing requirements for physical records or the 10-business-day response timeframe.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7657: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT

HB 7657 clarifies tax treatment for short-term residential rentals in Rhode Island by distinguishing them from commercial lodging. It requires owners listing properties on online rental platforms (like Airbnb) to register with the state department, providing details such as property address, owner contact, and whether the property is a primary residence. The bill exempts properties used as primary residences (where owners live 7+ months annually) or rented long-term (12+ months), focusing tax collection on true short-term rentals (under 30 nights). This creates a standardized registration system to ensure compliance with existing hotel taxes for short-term stays.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7621: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

Exempts certain cookware that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact for consumer goods from the provision of the consumer PFAS ban act of 2024.

Topics ✗ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7618: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY

Increases the maximum penalty for certain violations related to the cutting, removal, damage by injurious liquids or gases to trees, plants and shrubs on any public highway or public land under the jurisdiction of state agencies from $500 to $1,000.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7779: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Permits but not directs a municipality to establish, by ordinance, certain requirements regarding accessory dwelling units regarding ownership for 5 years, non-family ADUs to be rented at affordable rates and limit size to 1,000 sq. ft.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7737: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

Modifies the definition of “intentionally added PFAS” to mean PFAS that are deliberately added during the manufacturing of a covered product to perform a specific function.

Topics ✓ Environment

Bill results