Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.
This bill would change the registration schedule for commercial vehicles from an annual requirement to a biennial one, meaning these vehicles would need to be registered every two years instead of every year. The change applies specifically to commercial vehicles and would be implemented through rules set by the state's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. The bill also clarifies how combination plates work for certain commercial vehicles that may be used for both business and personal purposes. This adjustment aims to reduce the administrative burden on commercial vehicle owners while maintaining the state's vehicle registration system.
Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special Joint Legislative Commission to Study the Return of Central Falls Schools to Local Governance, from March 3, 2026, to April 10, 2026, and would expire on July 1, 2026.
Allows a brewery to sell, deliver, and distribute its own malt beverages directly to retailers without using a wholesaler. The holder of a license for a brewery may also have 1 additional location for the retail sale of alcohol.
Exempts homes under two thousand (2,000) square feet from automatic statewide IECC energy mandates, allowing municipalities to decide whether to adopt climate-focused building code requirements for small and modest homes.
HB 7570 establishes the Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership (RICEO) to help small businesses transition to employee-owned models. The center, housed under the state’s business development office, provides referrals to legal/financial resources, partners with organizations to promote employee ownership benefits, and creates an inventory of existing employee-owned businesses (like worker cooperatives and ESOPs). It directly affects small business owners nearing retirement (56% are 55+ in RI) and their employees by offering support for succession planning. Key mechanisms include technical assistance, outreach programming, and measuring business stability outcomes. The bill does not create new taxes or regulations but coordinates state resources to address small business succession challenges.
HB 7531 repeals Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate in its entirety, removing the state's legally established greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and associated requirements. This bill directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council (created under the repealed law), and all entities subject to the prior climate regulations. The repeal eliminates mandatory targets like 45% below 1990 emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2040, along with the Council's duties to develop plans, coordinate climate efforts, and address environmental justice. The law was introduced in the 2026 legislative session and would remove all provisions of the original 2021 climate law.
This bill allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale stores in Rhode Island, expanding their sourcing options beyond previous restrictions. It requires caterers to follow specific service rules, including ID checks for under-30 guests, limiting drinks to two at a time, prohibiting shots, and serving only during five-hour event windows. Caterers may also leave alcohol at an event host's residence if under their continuous control during the event. Violations carry $500 fines and risk license revocation.
Creates the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
HB 7917 requires all Rhode Island state agencies and state-funded organizations (like public authorities) to integrate the state’s December 2025 climate strategy report into their annual budgets, capital plans, and strategic documents starting in fiscal year 2027. It mandates that each budget or project submission include a specific emissions impact assessment (showing if it reduces, maintains, or increases emissions) and a certification signed by the agency head confirming compliance. Non-compliant submissions will be rejected by the Office of Management and Budget, and agencies must publicly post their assessments and certifications. This law directly affects how state funds are allocated, ensuring all major spending aligns with Rhode Island’s legally binding climate targets.
Provides that DEM regulations and CRMC in consultation with the chief resilience officer shall update to prioritize nature based solutions for coastal resilience projects that would be coordinated by DEM using an expedited permitting process.
Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.
