Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7305: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Terri Cortvriend (D) Tina Spears (D) Jennifer Boylan (D) Grace Diaz (D) Pat Serpa (D)

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2204: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

SB 2204 clarifies definitions and prohibits deceptive practices specifically in insurance claim handling, directly affecting policyholders, insureds, and businesses making insurance claims. It defines key terms like "claimant," "insurance claim handling services," and "unfair or deceptive acts," explicitly banning tactics such as misrepresenting repairs, hiding rebate terms, or falsely advertising claim resolutions. The bill requires insurers and claim handlers to provide transparent information about claim processes and pricing, such as separately stating labor costs or disclosing repair defects. These changes aim to increase accountability in how insurers process claims, reducing misleading practices that impact consumers during the claims experience.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2311: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

Strengthens consumer protections in insurance claims by expanding definitions of unfair claims settlement practices and clarifies an insured’s right to pursue bad-faith remedies.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2201: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Requires the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and the Rhode Island commerce commission to develop and implement a plan to assist businesses in obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance program.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2312: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURES -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- ARBITRATION

Strengthens consumer protections in insurance claims by improving the fairness and timeliness of arbitration and appraisal proceedings, and preventing insurers from delaying or obstructing the dispute resolution process.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2341: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

SB 2341 allows eligible disabled voters and military members (covered by federal law) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. It updates election rules to let voters submit Federal Post Card Applications via email to the Secretary of State, with ballots transmitted through a secure system meeting federal cybersecurity standards (NIST guidelines and independent security reviews). This continues a 2022 program that lets qualifying voters avoid mailing physical ballots. The bill specifically applies to disabled voters who face undue hardship voting in person and military personnel serving outside their state.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7445: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- FAITH-BASED AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ACT

Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable and mixed-use housing on land they own as a by-right use, set statewide development standards, limit local barriers, and streamline approvals to expand housing supply.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7450: 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 · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2396: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- ARBITRATION

Extends time for a party to apply for stay of arbitration to180 days; invalidates any provision that penalizes a party for seeking legal representation; requires arbitrator to provide notice of default to a party for failure to pay fees.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7219: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 7219 establishes statewide standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), small secondary homes on residential properties, while giving municipalities the option to adopt these rules. It requires towns to allow one ADU per lot under specific conditions (e.g., owner-occupied for disability accommodations, large lots, or within existing structures) and sets clear limits on ADU size (minimum 900 sq. ft. studio or 1,200 sq. ft. two-bedroom), prohibits excessive fees or discriminatory restrictions, and bans bans on ADUs in new developments. The bill also prevents municipalities from requiring extra lot size or parking for ADUs, voids conflicting private property restrictions, and bans ADUs for short-term rentals. These rules take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to homeowners, renters, and local governments that choose to implement the standards.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7007: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

HB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Veterans

signed · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7223: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- PERMANENT JOINT COMMITTEE ON NAMING ALL NEW BUILDINGS, BRIDGES, EDIFICES AND OTHER STATE CONSTRUCTIONS

HB 7223 names a new coveside dog park at Haines Memorial State Park in Barrington as "The Christine Conrad Lane Memorial Dog Park." This bill directly affects the specific park location by assigning it a commemorative name honoring Christine Conrad Lane. As a procedural naming resolution, it does not create new policies or affect state laws, but formally designates the park's official name. The bill requires no further action beyond passage to take effect.

Bill results