HB 7777 expands the Warwick municipal court's authority to handle cases involving zoning violations, housing maintenance codes, building regulations, and related local ordinances. The bill removes the court's power to impose jail sentences, restricting penalties to fines of up to $500 per violation. It also grants the court the ability to order repairs or corrective actions for housing code violations, such as fixing unsafe dwellings. This change directly affects residents and property owners in Warwick who face enforcement under these housing, building, and zoning codes.
Amends what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.
HB 7644 increases filing and writ of execution fees in Rhode Island's district, superior, and family courts. For example, district court small claims fees rise from $55 to $75, other civil actions from $80 to $100, and writs of execution from $20 to $40. The bill also specifies that $5-$20 of each filing fee (depending on case type) will be directed to Rhode Island Legal Services, a provider of free legal aid. These changes apply to all civil filings in the three court types and take effect upon passage. The bill does not alter court procedures or create new legal requirements, only adjusting fee amounts.
SB 2749 authorizes a Class BV liquor license for the specific property at 819 Westminster Street in Providence. This bill directly affects the property owner at that address by enabling them to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption under the Class BV license category. The bill does not establish new licensing rules or affect other businesses; it is a targeted approval for one location. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs committee.
SB 2725 increases court filing fees and writ of execution costs in district, superior, and family courts. It directly affects individuals and businesses filing civil cases or seeking enforcement through court orders. The bill changes specific fee schedules without altering court procedures or eligibility rules. This is a straightforward fee adjustment bill with no additional provisions or exemptions described in the abstract.
HB 8010 amends Rhode Island General Law § 3-7-19 to modify restrictions on retail liquor licenses near schools and places of worship. It expands existing exemptions by granting specific cities (Providence, Newport) and towns (Warren, Bristol) authority to approve Class B licenses in designated areas, even if near schools or churches. The bill does not directly affect the South Kingstown property mentioned in the abstract; instead, it updates general licensing rules for license applicants in defined zones across multiple municipalities. Key provisions allow local license boards to grant exceptions for locations within specific mapped boundaries in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol. This change primarily impacts businesses seeking new retail liquor licenses in those designated areas.
HB 7083 would allow the city of Cranston to create a dedicated housing division within its municipal court. This division would handle cases involving violations of local housing rules, including zoning, minimum housing standards, building codes, and property maintenance regulations. The housing division could impose fines up to $500 or 30 days in jail for these violations and would hear cases separately from other municipal court matters. Appeals from housing division decisions would go to the district court, not the superior court. This change directly affects Cranston residents and property owners who face housing code enforcement actions.
SB 2149 expands the jurisdiction of the Warwick municipal court, allowing it to handle a broader range of cases within the city. This change directly affects the court's authority to adjudicate local legal matters without specifying new case types. The bill’s key mechanism is a formal expansion of the court’s existing jurisdictional scope as defined by state law. As a procedural bill, it focuses on court administrative authority rather than creating new substantive laws.
Amends what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.
SB 2401 authorizes the city of Cranston to create a housing division within its municipal court to handle specific housing-related violations. This division would directly affect Cranston residents and property owners facing violations of local housing codes, zoning ordinances, building regulations, or minimum housing standards. The housing division can impose fines up to $500 or 30 days in jail for these violations, and appeals from its decisions would go to the superior court within 20 days. The bill specifies the exact types of housing-related violations the division can address, including zoning, housing maintenance, and state building code violations.
Creates an exemption from property taxes in the amount of $5,000 for any veteran of the military or naval service of the United States who is to be totally disabled through a service-connected disability in the town of Exeter.
This bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, thereby extending anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. The legislation updates various legal definitions within the state's employment chapter to clarify terms related to gender identity, race, disability, and religious accommodation. By making these changes, the bill ensures that domestic workers are covered by the same safeguards against discrimination as other employees in the state.
