Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 535: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- STATE CRIME LABORATORY COMMISSION

Increases number of members of the state crime laboratory commission 9, changes makeup of commission to include individuals with expertise in law enforcement, criminal defense, scientific research, makes chair of department of physics executive secretary.

Jonathon Acosta (D) Meghan Kallman (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Sam Bell (D) Ana Quezada (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 20, 2025

HB 5492: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MICROPLASTICS REDUCTION ACT

HB 5492, the Microplastics Reduction Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic microplastics (like those in some cosmetics, cleaning supplies, or personal care items) starting January 1, 2029. It requires the Department of Environmental Management to develop a public testing plan for microplastics in water and soil by July 2028, and a statewide strategy plan by January 2029 to address microplastic sources and impacts. The law directly affects product manufacturers and importers, excluding items preempted by federal law. It focuses on reducing microplastics intentionally added to consumer products, not all plastic pollution, and mandates regular updates to the testing and strategy plans every 24 months.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 20, 2025

HB 5106: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly.

Topics ✓ Energy

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 211: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION

Requires that one of the seven (7) directors of the Rhode Island airport corporation be appointed by the governor after the governor gives due consideration to a list of individuals submitted by the mayor of the city of Warwick.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 20, 2025

HB 5813: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

HB 5813 prevents utility companies (like electricity and gas providers) from raising transmission and distribution fees on consumer bills for two years, starting July 1, 2025. This freeze applies to all utilities with 7,500 or more accounts, requiring legislative approval for any fee increase during this period. Smaller utilities (under 7,500 accounts) are exempt from this cap. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and directly affects residential and business consumers paying utility bills.

Topics ✓ Energy

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 208: AN ACT APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 2 years, continuously, prior to taking office.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 152: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARIES FOR ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE

Spells out rules and regulations for the presidential preference primary elections, and would also establish rules for ranked choice voting tabulation and results reporting by the secretary of state.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 283: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

Requires that only the mail ballot voter/spouse/court appointed guardian/cohabitant/or adult person related to the voter by blood or marriage, be allowed to physically mail the voted mail ballot.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 222: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE -- FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES

SB 222 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacists at least the national average drug acquisition cost (based on federal CMS data) plus a standard dispensing fee, or the wholesale acquisition cost plus the fee if national data isn't available. This directly affects community pharmacies and PBMs, ensuring they receive fair payment for dispensing medications. The bill mandates PBMs to disclose financial arrangements to regulators and allows the Health Insurance Commissioner to impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. It aims to prevent PBMs from underpaying pharmacies, promoting fair competition in drug pricing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 20, 2025

HB 5845: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM PROTECTION

HB 5845 requires major water suppliers in Rhode Island (those serving over 50 million gallons annually) to create and maintain flood resilience plans by 2026. These plans must assess risks like flooding and hurricanes, evaluate infrastructure and chemical safety, and outline response strategies. Suppliers must submit initial assessments by July 2026 to state officials and update plans every three years. The bill aims to strengthen drinking water system preparedness against natural disasters without specifying funding or enforcement details. The measure is pending further committee review after a March 2025 hearing.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 20, 2025

SB 221: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- THIRD-PARTY HEALTH INSURANCE ADMINISTRATORS -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG COST CONTROL AND TRANSPARENCY

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 20, 2025

HB 5818: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.

Bill results