Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2025

HB 5662: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING

HB 5662 creates a new criminal offense for real estate title fraud, defined as actions like forging signatures on deeds, filing false documents claiming property ownership, or falsely encumbering property. It requires sellers of unsolicited real estate offers to include clear warnings that the offer may not reflect fair market value or may be below the property’s assessed tax value. The bill also mandates that municipalities accepting electronic real estate filings require sufficient identification (like a driver’s license) to verify the filer’s identity, and makes such filings void without it. Victims of title fraud can sue for actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater) plus legal fees. The law takes effect upon passage, directly affecting homeowners, real estate professionals, and local government offices handling property records.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2025

HB 5670: 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 25, 2025

HB 5938: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT -- OFFENSES AND PENALTIES

Provides that enhanced penalties for possession of fentanyl shall only be applicable if the substance contains \ at least ten percent (10%) of fentanyl or its analogs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 847: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- COMPASSIONATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT

Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2025

HB 5572: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT

HB 5572 amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to require insurers to use standard industry software (like Mitchell's RMC) for vehicle damage appraisals and pay repair shops based on documented charges from that system. It directly affects car insurance claimants and auto body repair shops by guaranteeing consumers the right to choose their repair shop or rental car company (via "direction to pay" forms) and preventing insurers from arbitrarily discounting charges. Key provisions include mandating unaffiliated appraisals for damage over $2,500, requiring insurers to pay for manufacturer-recommended repair procedures, and banning insurers from using altered or incomplete appraisal systems. The bill aims to standardize fair compensation for repairs while giving consumers more control over their claims process.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2025

HB 5333: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE-CASUALTY INSURANCE GENERALLY-LIMITATIONS ON POLICY CANCELLATIONS AND RENEWALS

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 617: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 61: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ELECTRONIC INFORMATION AND DATA PRIVACY ACT

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2025

HB 5416: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING

HB 5416 prohibits Rhode Island auto insurance companies from using race, ethnicity, zip code, credit scores, gender, education level, or occupation to set rates or classify drivers. The bill also bans penalizing drivers solely for being widowed (vs. married) or for being 65+ years old with a clean driving record (no accidents or violations in three years). Additionally, it prevents insurers from refusing policy renewals based solely on age (65+), low-value claims under $3,000, or minor fault (50% or less) in accidents. The law applies to all private passenger auto insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 768: 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 · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 561: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING

SB 561 presumes property owners or occupants acted in reasonable self-defense if a person committing a violent crime (such as assault or burglary) is injured or killed while on their premises, provided the criminal was lawfully present. It creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent serious harm, and removes the requirement to retreat from such threats. This applies to violent offenses enumerated in the bill, directly affecting property owners defending against violent intruders. The bill does not change criminal liability but shifts the initial legal presumption in favor of the property owner during prosecution.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 25, 2025

SB 562: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill results