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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 25,118 Active 7,678 In committee 7,673 Passed 5,630 Signed 4,797 Failed 6,972

Bill results

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 548: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RETAIL LICENSES -- ADULT SEX VENUES

SB 548 requires municipalities to license existing unlicensed adult sex venues, creating a new "Class S" license for facilities allowing patrons to bring or consume alcohol on-site. This license mandates annual fees ($100-$2,000), restricts operating hours (12 p.m.-2 a.m., no alcohol after 1 a.m.), and prohibits dances without additional permits. The bill also directs the Department of Health to establish health and safety standards by 2026, including STI prevention measures (free condoms/lubricant if intercourse occurs), signage for health services, and protocols to ensure consent and reduce trafficking risks. It directly affects current adult sex venues operating without licenses, requiring them to comply with new licensing rules and health regulations to continue operating.
Elaine Morgan (R) Sam Bell (D) John Burke (D) Tiara Mack (D) Frank Ciccone (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 352: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS

Requires superior court clerk to automatically seal cases/individual counts of a criminal complaint/indictment that were dismissed, upon request of the defendant and serve it upon bureau of criminal identification, police department and counsel of record.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically seals dismissed cases, reducing barriers for defendants and promoting rehabilitation by removing unnecessary records from public view.90% confidence
Brian Thompson (D) Matt LaMountain (D) Lammis Vargas (D) Elaine Morgan (R) Andrew Dimitri (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 598: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DRIVER NATIONAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

SB 598 requires all drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation in Rhode Island - including taxi drivers, bus operators, and ride-sharing (TNC) drivers - to pass a national and state criminal background check before transporting passengers. The check covers serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, DUI causing death, and certain drug or weapon crimes, with disqualifying information reported to the Division of Public Utilities. Drivers must pay for the check, receive a clearance certificate valid for five years, and can appeal denials by demonstrating rehabilitation for past convictions. The bill excludes juvenile records and some minor offenses from consideration, ensuring only relevant criminal history impacts eligibility.
Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires criminal background checks for transportation drivers to enhance safety, aligning with transportation safety standards.95% confidence
Bob Britto (D) Jessica de la Cruz (R) Brian Thompson (D) Meghan Kallman (D) David Tikoian (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 294: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMPUTER CRIME

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person’s transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill lowers burden of proof for cyberstalking, expanding criminalization of online harassment, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of increased criminalization.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStrengthens cybersecurity by lowering threshold for cyberstalking convictions, enhancing digital safety protections against online harassment.90% confidence
Matt LaMountain (D) Mark McKenney (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Alana DiMario (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 119: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- AUTHORIZATION FOR THE USE OF BUPRENORPHINE

SB 119 authorizes the state Department of Health to create rules that make buprenorphine more accessible for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). The bill directly affects patients with OUD and healthcare providers who prescribe this medication by requiring the department to adopt regulations that remove barriers to buprenorphine use. Key provisions include amending state law to mandate the department develop rules supporting "more liberal utilization" of buprenorphine in treatment. The bill does not change current prescribing requirements but gives the department authority to update regulations to expand access. It takes effect upon passage.
Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes barriers to buprenorphine access for OUD treatment, directly improving patient access to critical healthcare services for substance use disorder.95% confidence
Jessica de la Cruz (R) Thomas Paolino (R) Linda Ujifusa (D) Gordon Rogers (R) Lou Raptakis (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 737: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

SB 737 allows individuals with a felony conviction to have up to six misdemeanor offenses removed from their criminal records through expungement. It specifically applies to people who have been convicted of more than one but fewer than six misdemeanors (and no felony convictions), excluding certain offenses under Chapter 29. To qualify, individuals must pay all court fees and fines (unless waived by the court), and must wait five years after completing their misdemeanor sentences (or ten years for some cases). The bill does not change eligibility for expunging felony records themselves, only adds this option for those with prior felonies and limited misdemeanor counts.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables expungement of certain misdemeanors, reducing barriers to employment/housing and aligning with reform goals like recidivism reduction.95% confidence
Andrew Dimitri (D) Jake Bissaillon (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 18, 2025

SB 526: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnhances law enforcement reporting for sexual assault cases, improving data accuracy and accountability in criminal justice system handling of such offenses.85% confidence
Matt LaMountain (D) Mark McKenney (D) Lammis Vargas (D) John Burke (D) Ana Quezada (D)
died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5103: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT

HB 5103 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration history or discriminating against them based on that history. The bill amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly include "prior incarceration" as a protected characteristic, alongside existing categories like race and gender. This means landlords cannot deny housing, refuse to rent, or ask about past jail time during the application process. The law directly affects renters with criminal records and aims to reduce barriers to housing for people who have been released from prison.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits housing discrimination based on prior incarceration, aiding reintegration and protecting civil rights - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly prohibits housing discrimination based on prior incarceration, amending Fair Housing Act to strengthen tenant protections and prevent discriminatory practices against renters.95% confidence
Brandon Potter (D) Leo Felix (D) Jennifer Stewart (D) Raymond Hull (D) Edith Ajello (D)
died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5856: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VACCINATION, TESTING, AND MASK MANDATES PROHIBITION

HB 5856 prohibits employers, schools, landlords, and other entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, or mask mandates without offering specific opt-outs. Individuals can decline mandates based on medical reasons (including pregnancy), religious or personal beliefs, proof of immunity via lab tests, willingness to undergo regular testing, or using employer-provided protective equipment. The law applies to relationships like employment, education, housing, and healthcare, requiring entities to provide exemption forms and allowing complaints to the attorney general if exemptions are denied. Violations may result in fines up to $50,000 per incident for larger organizations.
Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill prohibits mandatory vaccination/testing/mask requirements, restricting public health program enforcement and limiting health measure implementation.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects workers' right to decline mandates based on medical/religious reasons in employment contexts, advancing worker autonomy within Labor & Employment framework.85% confidence
Dick Fascia (R) Mike Chippendale (R) Bob Quattrocchi (R) George Nardone (R) Sherry Roberts (R)
died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5127: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

HB 5127 allows tenants to pay increased security deposits in monthly installments over 12 months if their landlord raises rent and the security deposit amount simultaneously. This directly affects tenants in rental properties where landlords increase both rent and security deposits. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to permit this payment schedule, while maintaining the existing limit of one month's rent for security deposits. It does not change the maximum deposit amount or other existing tenant protections.
Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows tenants to pay increased security deposits in installments, easing financial burden during rent hikes while maintaining deposit limits.85% confidence
Brandon Potter (D) Leo Felix (D) Jennifer Stewart (D) Raymond Hull (D) John Lombardi (D)
Showing 2,689 to 2,700 of 6,972 bills
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