Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5381: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.

Susan Donovan (D) Lauren Carson (D) Jennifer Boylan (D) Carol McEntee (D) Michelle McGaw (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5859: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

Permits the use of private well water in food service establishment's restrooms if the water complies with the standards established pursuant to § 23-1-5.3(8).

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5850: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5920: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICE ACT

HB 5920 amends Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act by updating key definitions to clarify protections against housing discrimination. It specifically defines terms like "lawful source of income" (including Section 8 housing vouchers and public assistance), "disability" (excluding current illegal drug use), "assistance animals," and "gender identity or expression." These changes directly affect landlords, housing providers, and tenants by clarifying prohibited practices, such as inquiries about domestic abuse history or discrimination based on income source. The bill, currently pending in committee, aims to strengthen enforcement of existing anti-discrimination safeguards without creating new prohibitions.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5631: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- EMPLOYEE CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK

Allows applicants for employment in programs operated by the department involving routine contact with patients, residents, or clients without the presence of other employees to apply to a qualified vendor for a national criminal records check.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5181: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Modifies the summons for eviction for reasons other than nonpayment of rent with the district court, to add a certificate of service section, and provides the option to post the summons/complaint conspicuously on door of the defendant/tenant's dwelling.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5918: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would be private and only accessible by specific entities.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5253: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage and requires, for health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, that coverage must include reimbursement for applied behavior analysis provider services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5906: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION

Substitutes "housing resources commission" with "department of health" for lead hazard mitigation purposes. It also makes it easier for a property owner to release funds put into an escrow account, if needed to make required repairs or improvements.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5919: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD TENANT ACT

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5921: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE

Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent, and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 5503: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

HB 5503 would require landlords to have "good cause" to evict tenants in most residential rental properties, directly affecting renters and landlords covered by the law. The bill specifies that landlords can only remove tenants for defined reasons like nonpayment of rent (with limits on unreasonable rent increases) or serious lease violations, and must go through court to enforce evictions. It excludes certain properties, such as owner-occupied buildings with fewer than five units or housing tied to employment. The bill is currently under review by a committee and has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ Housing

Bill results