Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2025

HB 5294: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- OLD GROWTH FOREST PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Old Growth Forest Protection Act to provide protection for state-owned forestland in their natural state prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2025

HB 5510: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST TOWNS

Requires a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant within sixty (60) days after the close of their fiscal year.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2025

HB 5371: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - BURRILLVILLE AND GLOCESTER PUBLIC NOTICE ACT

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2025

HR 5385: JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2025

HB 5449: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

HB 5449 would repeal a current law that bans retail liquor licenses within 200 feet of schools or religious institutions. This change would allow businesses to seek liquor licenses in areas previously restricted, such as near schools or churches. The bill directly affects liquor retailers seeking new locations and communities where such licenses might be issued. It does not alter other alcohol licensing rules but removes a specific geographic restriction.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 27, 2025

HB 5308: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 319: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

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.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 320: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT

SB 320 requires every Rhode Island high school to have a certified athletic trainer present at all athletic and recreational events. It mandates that student athletes suspected of head injuries be immediately removed from play and must receive written medical clearance before returning. School districts must provide concussion education materials to athletes, parents, and staff, including annual training for coaches and school nurses. The bill also encourages baseline brain function testing for athletes and requires parents to sign concussion information forms before each sport season.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 25, 2025

HB 5337: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COOPERATIVE SERVICE AMONG SCHOOL DISTRICTS--CHARTER SCHOOL REFORM

Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning, permits local communities to adopt all-charter school public school model for public education.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 25, 2025

HB 5418: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE AVAILABILITY ACT

Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 25, 2025

HB 5334: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE

HB 5334 requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with a consultation when prescribing or dispensing medication for an animal patient. The consultation must cover the drug name, dosage instructions, storage, actions for missed doses, and potential severe side effects, as specified in the bill. Veterinarians may delegate this task to registered veterinary technicians and must document whether the consultation was provided or declined in the animal's medical record. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting veterinarians and pet owners in their medication communication process.

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 25, 2025

HB 5329: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE AND OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX

HB 5329 exempts vape shops from Rhode Island's ban on selling flavored e-cigarettes. The bill defines "vape shop" as any location dedicated to selling e-cigarette products, allowing these stores to sell flavored devices while prohibiting other retailers from doing so. It also clarifies that cannabis businesses are exempt from this ban except for tobacco/nicotine products. The law would take effect upon passage.

Bill results