Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SB 456: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION

Establishes a revolving fund to assist first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase a home in Rhode Island by issuing grants of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000).

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SB 54: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SB 54 prohibits Rhode Island health insurance providers from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects insurers and patients seeking these specific treatments, ensuring they can access care without waiting for insurance approval. The bill amends existing law to align mental health/substance use coverage with medical care parity, building on an existing 2018 agreement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. It does not change coverage for other medical conditions or out-of-network services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5926: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

HB 5926 creates a legal cause of action allowing pet owners to sue for intentional or negligent injury or death of their domestic dog or cat (defined as a pet kept in or near the household). It sets minimum compensation of $500 for serious injury and $750 for death, with a maximum cap of $7,500 for noneconomic damages like loss of companionship. The law applies only when the incident occurs on the owner's property or under their direct supervision. It excludes government entities acting in public health or animal welfare roles and does not cover veterinary costs or other claims.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5258: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES--COMMON LAW MARRIAGE

Abolishes common law marriages entered into in this state on or after January 1, 2026, while recognizing the validity of any common law marriage entered into or adjudicated to exist before January 1, 2026.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5338: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

HB 5338 requires every public school system in the state to employ at least one certified school psychologist for every 500 enrolled students, effective September 1, 2027. School psychologists must be certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education. This policy directly affects all public schools statewide by mandating a specific staffing ratio to support student mental health and safety. The bill applies to all school systems regardless of size, with no exemptions specified in the text.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SB 193: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SB 193 requires health insurance plans (including group plans and individual policies) to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment on the same terms as physical health care. Key provisions include banning annual or lifetime dollar limits, ensuring cost-sharing (like copays) matches primary care, and prohibiting stricter restrictions (such as prior authorizations) for mental health services. The bill mandates insurers to use established clinical standards - like those from the American Society of Addiction Medicine - to determine coverage levels. This directly affects all insured individuals seeking mental health or addiction treatment, ensuring parity in coverage with medical conditions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5128: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Makes any offense under this statute that could result in the death of an animal punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each offense.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5657: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

Prohibits the division of motor vehicles from placing on a motorist's driving record, a traffic violation which fine has been paid no longer than thirty (30) days after its issuance. This procedure would only be utilized twice per year.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5129: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION

Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5660: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND SECURITY INTERESTS

Allows on and after September 1, 2025, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5261: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION

Permits, effective 7/1/25, the family court to make appropriate orders of support and education of any child who has attained 18 years of age, but not 21, who is domiciled in the home of a parent, and is principally dependent upon said parent for support.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2025

HB 5444: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SPEED RESTRICTIONS

HB 5444 clarifies that drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted limit when approaching emergency vehicles, highway maintenance equipment, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles displaying lights. This directly affects drivers traveling on roadways where these vehicles are operating, particularly in situations where lane changes aren't possible. The bill specifies that "slowing" means maintaining a speed 20 mph under the posted limit, rather than leaving the definition vague. It amends existing traffic law to provide a clear, measurable standard for driver behavior near roadside operations. The change aims to enhance safety for both workers and motorists.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Bill results