Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2506: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

SB 2506 adds pickles and relish to the list of non-refrigerated foods that Rhode Island farmers can legally produce and sell as "farm home food products." This expands the current list - which includes jams, jellies, and dried herbs - allowing farmers to manufacture and sell these items without refrigeration under existing regulations. The bill does not change kitchen requirements, registration processes, or labeling rules for farm home food operations. It directly affects small-scale farmers who sell locally grown food products at farmers' markets or farmstands. The change takes effect upon passage and applies only to foods prepared using locally grown ingredients.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 7777: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS--WARWICK MUNICIPAL COURT

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2555: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO BILINGUAL EDUCATION ACT

This bill establishes a new fund within the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support bilingual education programs in public schools. The primary mechanism is a grant program that provides financial assistance to school districts, community organizations, and universities for planning and implementing dual language instruction models, particularly in areas with high numbers of multilingual learners. Additionally, the legislation creates a strategy to increase the number of certified bilingual teachers by streamlining certification processes and funding professional development. Eligible recipients must adhere to specific high-quality standards and focus on developing curricula and staffing plans that serve students in both English and their home languages.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2616: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

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.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 7644: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES

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.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2704: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND

Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2667: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM--RHODE ISLAND CHILD CARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT

SB 2667, the "Rhode Island Childcare Is Essential Act," would expand eligibility for Rhode Island's state childcare assistance program to align with federal standards. This change would directly affect low-income working families who currently may not qualify for state childcare subsidies under current rules. The key mechanism is adjusting the state's income and asset thresholds to match the federal benchmark, potentially allowing more families to access subsidized childcare. The bill aims to increase access to affordable childcare for working parents without adding new state costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SR 2676: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM

This bill proposes allocating $150,000 in funding to the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local businesses and community revitalization efforts across the state. The appropriation would provide financial resources to the program's existing initiatives aimed at strengthening main street areas and small businesses. The legislation is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee for review. No specific details about how the funds will be distributed or managed are included in the current text.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2749: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

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.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2725: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES

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.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2722: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

SB 2722 creates a new legal claim (cause of action) for individuals to seek reimbursement from responsible parties for the replacement cost of a child restraint system (like a car seat) damaged in a motor vehicle accident. This directly affects parents, guardians, or caregivers who must replace such safety equipment after a crash. The key provision allows victims to file a civil lawsuit specifically to recover these replacement costs through the court system. The bill does not change accident liability rules but adds a specific financial remedy for a common post-crash expense related to child safety. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 8010: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

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.

Bill results