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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 25,118 Active 5 In committee 20,549 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 2027: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM--CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS

SB 2027 adjusts compensation limits for retired teachers returning to work in specific educational roles. It maintains a $15,000 annual pay cap for retired teachers providing driver education instruction (as specified in subsection d)(3)), while establishing a separate $25,000 annual cap for retired teachers teaching general classroom instruction at state colleges/universities (subsection d)(2)). The bill directly affects retired educators certified in driver education or classroom teaching who return to part-time work. Key provisions require no reduction of retirement benefits during such employment, prohibit additional service credits, and mandate monthly reporting to the retirement board. The change does not alter existing retirement benefits but sets clear annual pay limits for these specific post-retirement roles.
Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill imposes fixed pay caps ($15k/$25k) on retired teachers returning to work, restricting their earnings potential and limiting compensation options.85% confidence
Brian Thompson (D) Mark McKenney (D) David Tikoian (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Sam Bell (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 2090: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- OPTIONAL RETIREMENT FOR MEMBERS OF POLICE FORCE AND FIREFIGHTERS

SB 2090 changes retirement benefit calculations for police officers and firefighters employed by towns and cities. Starting July 1, 2026, their retirement allowance will be based on their accrued benefit as of June 30, 2026, plus 2.5% of their final compensation for each year of service after that date. Retirees who are 57 with at least 30 years of service will continue using the previous formula until 2026 and then switch to the new calculation for service after that date. The bill preserves existing options for how benefits are paid to survivors after retirement.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesModifies retirement benefits for essential public safety personnel, increasing government spending on these benefits through adjusted calculation method.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentModifies retirement benefits to include 2.5% final compensation per year after 2026, expanding post-2026 retirement allowances for police/firefighters.85% confidence
Bob Britto (D) Walter Felag (D) Brian Thompson (D) Matt LaMountain (D) Mark McKenney (D)
died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 7394: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

HB 7394 requires Rhode Island's Department of Human Services to automatically enroll families receiving cash assistance under the Rhode Island Works Program (Section 40-5.2-11) into SNAP benefits if they meet SNAP's standard eligibility requirements. This change eliminates the need for separate SNAP applications for qualifying families already approved for cash assistance. The bill directly affects low-income households receiving state cash aid who would otherwise need to apply separately for food assistance. It streamlines access to nutrition benefits by linking eligibility determinations between the two programs, with no new benefit amounts or requirements added. The policy takes effect upon passage, applying to all families meeting both programs' criteria.
Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAutomatically enrolls cash aid recipients into SNAP, expanding access to food benefits for low-income households, directly supporting employment-related financial stability.90% confidence
Dick Fascia (R) David Place (R) Marie Hopkins (R) Paul Santucci (R)
died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 7393: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT

HB 7393, the "Rhode Island Childcare Is Essential Act," expands eligibility for childcare assistance to families with incomes at or below 85% of the state median income, aligning with federal guidelines. This change directly affects low-income families with children under 12 who need childcare to work, attend job training, or enroll in college. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to provide free childcare for families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level and a sliding fee scale (capping at 7% of income) for others. It also maintains a $1 million liquid assets limit for eligibility and emphasizes meeting federal "equal access" standards for childcare rates.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded childcare assistance for low-income families, requiring DHS to cover costs - increases public service funding per bill's mandates.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands childcare access for low-income families, enabling parents to enroll in college/job training - directly supports educational access as defined in the topic.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands childcare assistance for low-income families to work, attend job training, or college, directly enabling workforce participation and supporting employment standards.95% confidence
Scott Slater (D) Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D) Cherie Cruz (D) Grace Diaz (D) Julie Casimiro (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 2362: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 3.34% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state funding for teacher retirement benefits and modifies pension tax treatment, directly advancing public spending on essential programs.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases teacher retirement benefits and COLA, directly supporting educator financial security per bill's summary.90% confidence
Lou DiPalma (D) Hanna Gallo (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Victoria Gu (D) Sue Sosnowski (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 2374: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- ADMINISTRATION

Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2012, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2012, cutoff date.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesChanges retirement benefit cutoff to 2012, reducing future state expenditures on retirement benefits, promoting fiscal responsibility.85% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationChanges retirement cutoff to 2012, reducing teacher benefit calculations based on lower historical salaries, weakening teacher compensation.85% confidence
Walter Felag (D) Matt LaMountain (D) David Tikoian (D) Lou DiPalma (D) John Burke (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 2784: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Provides that no new charter school application shall be granted, if the proposed school is a network charter school or the expansion of an existing charter school creates a network charter school.
Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill restricts charter school expansion and network formation, limiting educational access and school choice options85% confidence
Ryan Pearson (D) Brian Thompson (D) Sam Zurier (D) Hanna Gallo (D) Alana DiMario (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 13, 2026

SR 2920: SENATE RESOLUTION URGING STATE AGENCIES TO EXPAND ACCESS TO RETIREMENT ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR RHODE ISLAND STATE EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE A SECURE AND DIGNIFIED RETIREMENT

This Senate resolution urges Rhode Island state agencies to expand access to retirement advice and guidance for state employees to help them achieve secure retirements. The bill recommends agencies develop programs offering regular workshops, one-on-one counseling from certified financial advisors, decision-support tools, and multiple communication channels for employees. It specifically encourages prioritizing support for employees facing greater retirement challenges and recommends partnering with qualified financial providers to ensure workers understand their hybrid retirement plans. The resolution also calls for measuring program effectiveness through employee engagement data and encourages employees to assess whether they are on track to receive 80 percent of their pre-retirement income.
Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands retirement benefits and financial guidance for state employees, strengthening worker benefits and retirement security.85% confidence
Ryan Pearson (D) Meghan Kallman (D) Sam Zurier (D) David Tikoian (D) Hanna Gallo (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 2933: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS’ TENURE

Allows the dismissal of a teacher after the March 1 deadline if there is gross misconduct by a teacher upon a student. This act would allow the notice to be given at any time and will not have time constraints.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens teacher accountability and student safety by allowing dismissal for gross misconduct, protecting educational environment and student welfare.85% confidence
Thomas Paolino (R) Mark McKenney (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Alana DiMario (D) Ana Quezada (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 3137: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' TENURE

Requires any teacher under suspension for criminal conduct to repay the school district for any salary received if convicted of a felony, less any amounts paid to satisfy taxes and employee benefits. It also makes one typographical correction.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects school districts from financial loss due to teacher misconduct, indirectly supporting educational stability and resource allocation.85% confidence
Lou DiPalma (D)
Showing 205 to 216 of 6,972 bills
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