Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2838: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE-- DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE

This bill designates September each year as "Rhode Island Senior Center Month" to highlight the role senior centers play in engaging older residents in the state. The legislation requires that appropriate public events or ceremonies be held to observe this designation. It affects senior centers across Rhode Island and the general public who participate in the observance activities. The change is administrative and symbolic, with no new funding or regulatory requirements.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2639: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS

SB 2639 would allow customers at restaurants and food service businesses to take single-use plastic straws directly from a dispenser instead of needing to request them from staff. This change would directly affect customers seeking straws and food service establishments that currently provide straws only upon request. The bill modifies the default practice for straw distribution without banning plastic straws or imposing new fees. It focuses on streamlining customer access to straws at the point of service.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2015: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- LENDERS AND LOAN BROKERS

SB 2015 removes an existing licensing exemption for lenders who originate fewer than six loans in any 12-month period in Rhode Island. This change directly affects small lenders, including independent brokers or micro-lenders, requiring them to obtain a license under the state's financial institution regulations starting January 1, 2027. The key mechanism eliminates a specific exception in current law that previously allowed these entities to operate without oversight. The bill does not alter other existing exemptions for nonprofit lenders, large commercial loans, or certain financial institutions.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2184: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

SB 2184 removes the registration and plate transfer fee for vehicles displaying a Distinguished Service Cross license plate. This change directly affects veterans who have received the Distinguished Service Cross, the military's second-highest decoration for extraordinary heroism. The bill modifies the state's vehicle registration system by eliminating the standard fee that would otherwise apply when registering a vehicle or transferring this specific plate. This is a targeted administrative adjustment to reduce costs for eligible veterans using the special license plate.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2327: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE

Designates the month of May, annually, as "Rhode Island Native Plant Month," with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize and educate people about Rhode Island's native plants.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2332: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2420: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- NATIONAL GUARD

SB 2420 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to use their state tuition assistance benefits for their dependents. Dependents enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university. The program is funded up to $100,000 annually per fiscal year, requires a one-year military service commitment for each 12 course credits used, and mandates that both the Guard member and dependent maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet service or academic requirements may trigger repayment of benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3247: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Older Americans Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The measure honors the contributions of adults aged 65 and older, acknowledging their role in the community and economy while recognizing the state's history with senior support legislation. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to coordinate official observances. This symbolic action aims to foster intergenerational respect and highlight the needs and achievements of the state's aging population.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3249: SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 6, 2026, AS A "NATIONAL DAY OF REASON" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND AFFIRMING THE CENTRAL IMPORTANCE OF REASON IN THE BETTERMENT OF HUMANITY

This Senate resolution designates May 6, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" in Rhode Island to honor the role of critical thinking and scientific inquiry in solving societal challenges. The bill encourages citizens to observe the day by focusing on reason and free inquiry while citing historical figures like James Madison who valued knowledge. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specific individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3248: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY AS "RHODE ISLAND LABYRINTH DAY" AND RECOGNIZING MAY 2, 2026, AS "WORLD LABYRINTH DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. The bill aims to promote walking meditation labyrinths as a community practice for reflection, mindfulness, and well-being, encouraging residents to participate in the global "Wave of Peace" event at 1:00 p.m. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise awareness and support existing public spaces used for these activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to relevant organizations and individuals involved in promoting labyrinths in Rhode Island.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8513: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING AND CELEBRATING MAY 7, 2026, AS "CHILDCARE AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 7, 2026, as Childcare Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of quality early childhood care. The resolution formally recognizes the dedication of childcare providers and the critical role they play in children's development and the state's economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to key child care organizations and legislative commissions. The measure is a ceremonial observance that does not create new laws or funding requirements.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8515: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 3-9, 2026, TO BE "COMPOSTING AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 3-9, 2026, as Composting Awareness Week in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of composting, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and improving soil health. The resolution encourages the Governor and the Department of Environmental Management to hold related activities and invites all Rhode Islanders to participate in composting efforts.

Topics ✓ Environment

Bill results