SB 752 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses (private, small businesses with at least three workers) to notify all employees in writing within seven days of deciding to sell the business or transfer 51%+ ownership. Employees then have 30 days to form a group (QEG) to purchase the business, with negotiations and valuation taking up to 180 days. If employees successfully buy the business, the owner receives a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The law ensures existing labor agreements continue and prevents outside control after the sale, directly affecting small business owners and their employees.
Creates commercial dock space for businesses subject to being reviewed by the DEM. Would also include commercial fishers to be eligible for a grant program.
SB 326 establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act of 2025, requiring large fossil fuel corporations (defined as entities responsible for over one billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2024) to pay for climate change response work already funded by the state and municipalities. The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Management to calculate each company's share based on emissions data and issue payment demands for costs incurred since 2009, including projects like coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, and emergency planning. Funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated account and used solely for future climate adaptation efforts. This directly affects major fossil fuel companies that contributed significantly to climate change, shifting costs from taxpayers to those most responsible.
Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ. The duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.
Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.
HB 5490 requires every Rhode Island high school to have a certified athletic trainer present at all athletic and recreational events. It mandates annual concussion training for coaches, volunteers, and school nurses, and requires immediate removal of athletes suspected of head injuries. Athletes must receive written medical clearance from a physician before returning to play, and parents must sign consent forms acknowledging concussion risks before each sport season. The bill directly affects high school athletes, coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers across all public school districts.
Requires the department of elementary and secondary education and DOH to adopt policies, rules and regulations for the administration of seizure rescue medications for children who have been medically identified as having epilepsy/seizure disorder.
Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
Adds definitions to prohibition of hazing, make coaches and others responsible for knowingly failing to take reasonable measures to prevent hazing and would punish serious bodily injury by up to ten (10) years in imprisonment.
Allows a minor between the ages of 14 - 17 without a permanent residence/in custody of the DCYF to get state identification card without a signature from parent, guardian or foster parent as well as a certified copy of minor's birth certificate at no cost
Expands the duties of the small business ombudsman, by also having the ombudsman serve as the Rhode Island commerce corporation's small business advocate.
SB 440 redefines the University of Rhode Island's (URI) governing board of trustees as the sole employer for faculty and staff, taking over all property control and management from the Council on Postsecondary Education. It grants the board authority to set procurement rules (bypassing most state purchasing requirements), establish performance metrics tied to graduation rates and job-relevant degrees, and create transfer pathways with community colleges. The bill directly affects URI’s operations, employees, and students by shifting decision-making power to the board and requiring specific outcome-based reporting. Key provisions include new metrics for bachelor’s degrees within 4-6 years, alignment with Rhode Island’s job market, and accepting AP scores for credit. The bill does not change URI’s mission but formalizes how the university is governed and measured.
