Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8394: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JENNIFER GOULET

This bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for Jennifer Goulet, a figure skating official and volunteer from North Providence. The resolution honors her contributions to the sport, including her roles as a judge, referee, and leader in organizations like U.S. Figure Skating and the New England Interclub Council. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family as a formal gesture of respect.

Joe Shekarchi (D) Mike Chippendale (R) Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D) Deb Fellela (D) Kathleen Fogarty (D)

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8398: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF LAW, SCHOOL OF JUSTICE STUDIES, AND EXTENSION SCHOOL AND COMMEMORATING RWU LAW AND JUSTICE DAY ON APRIL 2, 2026

This bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes Roger Williams University's School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School for their contributions to legal and justice-related fields in Rhode Island. It commemorates the date of April 2, 2026, as RWU Law and Justice Day, highlighting the university's programs that provide education and training to students and residents. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the university to complete the official recognition.

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8395: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ANTHONY PICCIRILLI, CPA

This bill is a House Resolution that formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the family of Anthony Piccirilli, a retired State Auditor General and CPA. The resolution honors Piccirilli's distinguished career, which included serving as Rhode Island's State Auditor General for twenty years and establishing the state's first Auditor General office. It also recognizes his extensive leadership roles in national auditing organizations and his contributions to improving federal financial audits. Finally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of this resolution to Piccirilli's surviving wife, children, and other family members.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SR 3178: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MARCH 31, 2026 AS “ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates March 31, 2026, as "Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island Advocacy and Awareness Day" to honor the organization's efforts in supporting individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease. The resolution acknowledges the growing impact of the disease on Rhode Island's senior population and highlights the critical services provided by the Alzheimer's Association, such as caregiver support and education. By commemorating this date, the Senate aims to raise public awareness and encourage community support for those navigating the challenges of the disease. The Secretary of State is authorized to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8393: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill officially designates April 2026 as Alcohol Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the dangers of alcohol abuse and promote public education. The resolution cites statistics on alcohol-related health risks, economic costs, and emergency room visits to underscore the need for community outreach. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the Governor and various state health officials. The measure is a symbolic gesture intended to encourage participation in existing awareness initiatives rather than implementing new laws or policies.

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8392: HOUSE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "SECOND CHANCE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 2026 as 'Second Chance Month' in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with past arrest or conviction records. The resolution highlights how background checks and legal barriers often limit opportunities for employment, housing, and education for these individuals. It formally recognizes the importance of second chances and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to specific community organizations focused on formerly incarcerated people.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 7483: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ANTI-LITTERING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the commission to study an anti-littering education program for RI public elementary school students from February 2, 2026, to February 2, 2027, and would expire on April 2, 2027.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2142: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EMINENT DOMAIN

Allows the department of environmental management to acquire established foot paths by eminent domain in order to provide public access to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2145: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2160: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- RHODE ISLAND NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT ACT

Prohibits noncompete agreements except for noncompete agreements between a seller and buyer of a business; creates civil action for an employer for the violation of an agreement by employee regarding disclosure or wrongful utilization of trade secrets.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2141: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES

SB 2141 increases the daily fee for jurors serving in Rhode Island's superior court from $25 to $50 per day, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects all jurors summoned for grand or petit jury duty in superior court cases. The bill also allows jurors to voluntarily donate their daily fee to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center, with donations deposited into the state general fund. The change takes effect upon passage, with annual funding to be appropriated by the General Assembly.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2253: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee, by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement, under a health plan as of January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results