Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8516: HOUSE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS “EYEGLASS RECYCLING MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 2026 as 'Eyeglass Recycling Month' in Rhode Island to promote awareness of vision health and environmental responsibility. It encourages residents to donate used eyeglasses to local Lions Clubs and community collection sites, which then contribute to a global initiative that recycles usable frames for distribution to underserved populations worldwide. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8514: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MAY 3 THROUGH MAY 9, 2026, AS "NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Rhode Island. It directly affects correctional staff working for the state's Department of Corrections and the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers. The resolution serves to honor their service and raise awareness of the duties and sacrifices they make in safeguarding citizens. The Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of this recognition to the relevant department director and union president.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8518: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a House resolution that officially designates May 2026 as Older Americans Month within the State of Rhode Island. It directly affects the state's recognition of older adults by authorizing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. The text highlights the contributions of seniors and notes the historical role of Congressman John Fogarty in establishing federal support for older Americans, but it does not create new laws or funding. The measure serves as a commemorative proclamation rather than a substantive policy change.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3246: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 4TH THROUGH MAY 8TH OF 2026, TO BE "TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" throughout Rhode Island. The measure directly affects the approximately 21,000 public school teachers, administrators, and staff employed across the state's cities and towns. By formally proclaiming this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to publicly acknowledge the contributions of educators to student development and community life. The Secretary of State is authorized to send certified copies of this declaration to the leaders of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association of Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8517: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE ELEANOR SLATER HOSPITAL--ZAMBARANO CAMPUS ON THE RECOGNITION OF "ZAMBARANO DAY" ON MAY 5, 2026

This bill formally recognizes May 5, 2026, as Zambarano Day to honor the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus in Rhode Island. The resolution acknowledges the hospital's long history of providing critical care for patients with severe injuries, infectious diseases, and other acute conditions. It expresses appreciation for the staff's efforts and declares continued support for the facility's role in serving long-term acute care patients. The House of Representatives also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to the hospital staff.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3245: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE ELEANOR SLATER HOSPITAL--ZAMBARANO CAMPUS ON THE RECOGNITION OF "ZAMBARANO DAY" ON MAY 5, 2026

This Senate resolution officially recognizes "Zambarano Day" on May 5, 2026, to honor the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the facility's long history of providing critical long-term acute care services to patients with severe injuries and illnesses since 1995. It expresses appreciation for the hospital staff and declares continued state support for the campus as it plans a new state-of-the-art facility. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the hospital staff as a formal gesture of recognition.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3236: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND EXALTING THE PARISH OF ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING

This Senate resolution formally congratulates the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church on its 75th anniversary. The bill recognizes the parish's history since its founding in 1951 and highlights its long-standing contributions to the Middletown and Newport communities through faith, charity, and service. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the church as a gesture of appreciation. This measure is purely ceremonial and does not alter any laws or policies.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8103: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE AND SALE

Increases the time that mortgage foreclosure notices are required to be provided to active military service members, from nine (9) months to one year, after completion of their active duty.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8007: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND

Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8003: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT

This bill establishes a new review process for state agencies seeking to repurpose vacant state-owned land (e.g., converting old buildings) when the project doesn’t align with local zoning or comprehensive plans. The state planning council must issue a determination within 60 days, verifying the project meets specific standards (per §45-24-37(h)), has obtained local government feedback, and includes expert reports on potential impacts to traffic, environment, and infrastructure. It directly affects state agencies planning such projects and local municipalities that provide input. The law applies solely to adaptive reuse projects on state-owned property not conforming to local plans, streamlining approvals while requiring compliance checks.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 7145: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

HB 7145 modifies firearm storage laws by adding "Dillon's Law" to the section title (a procedural change), while establishing new safe storage requirements. It requires firearms to be stored in locked containers or secured with tamper-resistant locks to prevent access by children or prohibited persons (e.g., those banned from owning guns by law). Violations result in escalating penalties: first offenses incur fines up to $250, second offenses up to $1,000, and third offenses may lead to up to six months in jail or a $500 fine. Criminal storage charges apply if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes injury or uses it in a crime, with enhanced penalties for such outcomes. The law explicitly excludes cases where firearms are locked, being carried lawfully, or accessed during lawful self-defense.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · House May 1, 2026

HB 8282: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

This bill updates election nomination procedures by establishing an online portal where voters can electronically sign nomination papers for party and independent candidates. The legislation modifies existing state laws to allow digital signatures to count toward the required number of endorsements needed to qualify a candidate for the ballot. It applies to candidates for various offices, including governor, state representatives, and local positions, while maintaining the same signature thresholds as traditional paper forms. The bill also clarifies rules for how nomination papers are prepared, distributed, and verified, including provisions for candidates who cannot write their own signatures. These changes aim to modernize the nomination process while keeping the core requirements for candidate qualification intact.

Topics ✓ Technology

Bill results