Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8498: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING, REUSE AND DISPOSAL OF MATTRESSES

HB 8498 repeals Rhode Island's existing laws that established a system for the responsible recycling, reuse, and disposal of mattresses. This bill directly affects mattress producers, retailers, and local municipalities by removing the legal framework that previously required them to participate in a statewide stewardship program. Under the old rules, companies were expected to pay fees into a council designed to manage discarded mattresses in an environmentally sound way. By eliminating these regulations entirely, the bill allows the state to stop enforcing these specific collection and recycling requirements.

Topics ✗ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8499: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PROPER MANAGEMENT OF UNUSED PAINT

HB 8499 repeals the existing state laws that established a program for collecting and recycling unused household paint. This change directly affects paint manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by removing the legal requirement for a statewide paint stewardship system. The bill eliminates provisions that previously mandated producers to fund a nonprofit organization responsible for managing paint disposal and recycling. Consequently, the specific rules for how unused paint must be collected, transported, and processed are no longer in effect.

Topics ✗ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8404: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- CHILDREN'S MEDICAID TRANSFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUND ACT

Establishes a fund to support children’s community-based providers’ infrastructure changes necessary and related to the state’s Medicaid transformation initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8417: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THRIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. TO SUPPORT THE HILLSGROVE CLUBHOUSE PROGRAM

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to Thrive Behavioral Health, Inc. to support the Hillsgrove Clubhouse Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8475: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8482: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

This bill proposes to increase the penalties for several serious motor vehicle offenses, including driving while endangering others and driving under the influence. Specifically, it would raise the maximum prison sentences and fines for cases resulting in death or serious bodily injury, while also extending license suspension periods. The changes apply to drivers convicted of these crimes and would require them to complete alcohol or drug treatment programs at their own expense. The bill aims to strengthen consequences for dangerous driving behaviors that cause severe harm to others.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8481: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ADJUDICATION OF TRAFFIC OFFENSES

Increases the fine for speeding, 1-10 mph in excess of posted speed limit in a residential or school zone, to $175 and increases the fine to $400 for speed in excess of 11 mph in a residential or school zone.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 2848: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO SOJOURNER HOUSE IN RHODE ISLAND

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2887: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES-DENTAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

SB 2887 clarifies how dental insurance benefits are paid directly to healthcare providers under accident and sickness insurance policies. This change affects individuals with dental coverage and the dental providers who receive payments from insurance companies. The bill specifies the procedures for direct payment arrangements to ensure funds go straight to the provider rather than to the policyholder. It aims to streamline the billing process between insurers and dental practices without altering existing coverage requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2879: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- THE PRIMARY CARE PRESERVATION ACT

Prohibits health insurance companies or other payors from including in physician participation agreements any provisions that restrict or prevent a physician from charging patients reasonable administrative or operational fees to support overhead.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2840: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

SB 2840 amends Rhode Island's sales and use tax laws to exempt licensed child care centers from paying sales tax on their purchases. This change directly affects licensed child care providers by removing the tax liability they currently face when buying goods and services for their operations. The bill modifies existing tax exemption categories, specifically adding licensed child care centers to the list of entities that can purchase items tax-free, alongside schools and other educational institutions. The provision applies to tangible personal property used in the daily functioning of these child care facilities, aligning their tax treatment with that of other educational organizations already exempt from the tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2966: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- PERMITTING VIRTUAL OR REMOTE COURT HEARINGS

Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.

Bill results