Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8343: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF SOJOURNER HOUSE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which has included providing emergency shelter, housing solutions, and trauma-informed support to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Vanessa Volz. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the organization's legacy and ongoing work in the state.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8344: HOUSE RESOLUTION WELCOMING THE NARRAGANSETT COUNCIL, SCOUTING AMERICA, TO THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE ON MARCH 24TH OF 2026, AND JOYFULLY CELEBRATING SCOUTING MONTH IN FEBRUARY

This resolution formally welcomes the Narragansett Council of Scouting America to the Rhode Island State House on March 24, 2026, and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill recognizes the organization's youth development programs, community service efforts, and educational opportunities provided to thousands of Rhode Island youth and families. It acknowledges specific achievements such as food collection during a government shutdown, camp attendance, and leadership training programs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Scout Executive as official recognition of the council's contributions.

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8341: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "MEDAL OF HONOR DAY" ON MARCH 25, 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a state-level resolution that commemorates Medal of Honor Day on March 25, 2026, in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state's thirty-five citizens who have received the nation's highest military decoration for acts of extraordinary bravery. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Director of Veterans Services, and Adjutant General. This is a ceremonial measure that honors military heroes rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8340: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE RHODE ISLAND HIP HOP HALL OF FAME ON ITS INAUGURAL CEREMONY HELD MARCH 8, 2026, AND HONORING ITS INDUCTEES

This bill is a House resolution that congratulates the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame on its inaugural ceremony held on March 8, 2026, and honors the individuals inducted for their contributions to hip hop culture. The resolution recognizes the event's significance in formally acknowledging pioneers across DJing, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti art, as well as supporters who helped sustain the culture. It specifically names four inductees - Vincent "Bad Lad" Lopes, Mason "DJ Finesse" Santos, Paris Fisher, and Donald "DJ Donnie Battle/BBoy Keebla" Senna - for their outstanding achievements and community impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Hall of Fame and its founders, serving as an official state acknowledgment of this cultural milestone.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SR 3142: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF SOJOURNER HOUSE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8293: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8342: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MARCH 24, 2026 AS “NATIONAL DIABETES ALERT DAY 2026” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates March 24, 2026, as "National Diabetes Alert Day 2026" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about diabetes risks and prevention. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging them to learn about their diabetes risk and pursue preventive care. The resolution formally recognizes the importance of early awareness and supports the state Department of Health's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle choices. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight public health priorities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8246: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2883: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES, CHILD CARING AGENCIES, FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES, AND CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

This bill would allow the Department of Children, Youth and Families to issue licenses for mobile response and stabilization services, which are programs designed to provide immediate support to children and families in crisis situations. The legislation directly affects child welfare agencies and organizations that operate these mobile services by bringing them under the same regulatory framework as other licensed child care and foster care facilities. Key provisions would require these mobile programs to meet specific licensing standards and undergo regular monitoring to ensure they provide safe and effective care. The bill aims to expand oversight of crisis intervention services while maintaining consistent standards across different types of child welfare programs.

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 3131: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC NICOTINE-DELIVERY SYSTEM PRODUCTS

Defines an alternative nicotine product as any noncombustible product without tobacco leaf but nicotine from another source and also taxes alternative nicotine products at $2.00 per container up to 20 units.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8231: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- LICENSES GENERALLY

This bill authorizes the town of Scituate to issue a total of three Class A liquor licenses, regardless of the town's population. It amends state law by adding a specific provision that overrides the standard licensing limits for Scituate, allowing the town to grant these licenses even if its population would normally restrict the number. The bill directly affects the town of Scituate and the state's Department of Business Regulation, which oversees liquor licensing. It does not change how other towns or cities issue licenses, but only creates an exception for Scituate. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage.

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2844: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC NICOTINE-DELIVERY SYSTEMS PRODUCTS

Defines “electronic nicotine-delivery system shop” and requires that ten percent (10%) of sales revenue from said shops be transferred to the tobacco cessation programs pursuant to § 27-20-53.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results