Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2773: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- CONSUMER-PROVIDED TAKEOUT CONTAINERS

This bill would allow restaurants and other food service establishments in Rhode Island to accept reusable containers brought by customers for filling or refilling with takeout food and drinks. The legislation defines consumer-provided containers as durable, cleanable receptacles that are structurally sound and free from contamination, and it requires the Department of Health to update food safety rules by July 2027 to permit this practice. The bill also mandates that the department create and publish guidance materials for businesses on inspecting containers, preventing cross-contamination, and following safe operational procedures. Importantly, the law does not require establishments to accept or fill customer-provided containers, leaving that decision to individual businesses.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7486: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PRIMARY CARE TRAINING SITES PROGRAM

Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2428: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

SB 2428 prohibits retailers in Rhode Island from using dynamic or surveillance pricing practices - where prices change based on consumer data or behavior - to sell goods or services to individual consumers. It directly affects retailers (including online sellers) operating within the state, requiring them to set fixed prices rather than algorithmically adjusted ones. The bill defines "price" broadly to include all costs and fees, and aligns with existing deceptive trade practices laws by banning tactics that mislead consumers about pricing. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and expires on March 31, 2026, pending further legislative action.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7556: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS

HB 7556 requires all campus police officers at Rhode Island state colleges and universities to wear ballistic body armor meeting the same standard as state police. This mandate directly affects campus law enforcement officers who patrol college properties and enforce campus rules. The bill amends existing law to specify that officers must be equipped with this protective gear while performing their duties, without changing their arrest powers or other responsibilities. The requirement would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2467: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SB 2467 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. This directly affects patients seeking these specific treatments through in-network providers, removing a common administrative barrier. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and aligns with existing requirements ensuring mental health coverage is treated equally to physical health coverage under insurance plans. It does not apply to out-of-network services or change other coverage rules like cost-sharing parity.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7546: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7550: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

HB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7566: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RETIREMENT OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7539: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- BENEFIT DETERMINATION AND UTILIZATION REVIEW ACT

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7660: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- OPTIONAL RETIREMENT FOR MEMBERS OF POLICE FORCE AND FIREFIGHTERS

Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service, upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7745: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004--HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT

Requires health insurance commissioner to conduct a review of health insurance benefit mandates, including an analysis of the impact on premium costs, conducted every 5 yrs and report findings and recommendations to governor, senate president and speaker.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2564: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results