Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 301: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS--CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE

Provides that prisoners who committed offenses prior to age 18 and sentenced as adults would be eligible for parole after completing 15 yrs of their sentence/does not lengthen their eligibility should prisoner be eligible for parole earlier than 15 yrs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 813: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS AND WINDOWS

This bill exempts vehicles owned and operated by members of the Rhode Island judiciary from standard windshield and window transparency requirements. It adds a specific exemption to existing law, allowing judiciary-registered vehicles to use nontransparent windows without needing additional permits. The change applies only to judicial personnel vehicles and does not alter transparency rules for other drivers or vehicles.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 724: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses in associations where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 5885: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

HB 5885 allows caterers with Class P licenses in Rhode Island to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale establishments within the state, expanding their purchasing options. The bill requires caterers to follow specific service rules, including serving no more than two drinks at a time, verifying IDs for those under 30, limiting service to five hours per event, and using only certified bartenders. Caterers with a separate Class B license may still purchase wholesale directly, though wholesalers can refuse orders or set minimum purchase requirements. Violations, such as improper purchasing, carry a $500 fine and risk license revocation. This change directly affects licensed caterers operating events across Rhode Island.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 496: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 5554: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTERCHANGE FEES

HB 5554 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of electronic credit or debit card transactions. Merchants must report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction processing to avoid these fees; if they fail to do so, they can submit proof within 180 days for refunds. The law directly affects businesses that collect sales tax or tips (e.g., restaurants, retailers) and payment networks handling card transactions. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with violations subject to $1,000 penalties per transaction. The bill does not change tax or tip amounts but removes fees charged on those specific portions.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 5582: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTERCHANGE FEE RESTRICTION ACT

Creates the interchange fee restriction act restricting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 5886: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FAIRNESS IN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Expands the duties of the small business ombudsman, by also having the ombudsman serve as the Rhode Island commerce corporation's small business advocate.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 267: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES

SB 267 strengthens protections for Rhode Island residents seeking Medicare supplement ("Medigap") insurance. It requires insurers to offer Plan A policies without medical underwriting to applicants aged 65+ or under 65 with disability/end-stage renal disease who are eligible for Medicare, and guarantees issue rights during annual enrollment periods. The bill prohibits exclusions for pre-existing conditions beyond six months and bans duplicating Medicare benefits, while establishing community-rated premiums and standardized policy terms. It also mandates the Health Insurance Commissioner to enforce these rules and monitor insurer compliance, with penalties for violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 781: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- AGRICULTURAL FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Redefines “farm” by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from ten thousand ($10,000) to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500).

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 167: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES

SB 167 ensures that individuals under age 65 enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (including those with disabilities or end-stage renal disease) and all Medicare beneficiaries over 65 have a guaranteed right to enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during an annual one-month enrollment period. The bill prohibits insurers from using medical underwriting or conditioning coverage on health status for these enrollments. It requires the Health Insurance Commissioner to establish the annual enrollment period and mandates that insurers offer Plan A without exclusions for preexisting conditions. This policy directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking supplemental coverage, guaranteeing access to standardized Plan A without health-based barriers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SB 292: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE

Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results