Rhode Island Bills

signed · Rhode Island · House Jul 3, 2025

HB 5372: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

Includes police officers to fire fighters who are unable to perform duties as a result of heart disease, stroke or hypertension to be presumed to have suffered an in-the-line-of-duty disability, unless contrary evidence is presented.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jul 3, 2025

HR 5477: JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE MAIN STREET COORDINATING PROGRAM

This bill establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a program managed by the nonprofit Grow Smart RI for three years to coordinate revitalization efforts in the state's commercial districts (downtowns, village squares, and retail corridors). It authorizes $500,000 in funding to implement a proven national strategy, including training for local communities, monthly educational sessions, and a centralized resource hub. The program aims to boost economic activity, job creation, and neighborhood development by connecting existing local efforts through standardized best practices. It formalizes a partnership between Grow Smart RI and Main Street America, with the Commerce Corporation handling fund disbursement.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jul 3, 2025

SB 828: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

Includes police officers to fire fighters who are unable to perform duties as a result of heart disease, stroke or hypertension to be presumed to have suffered an in-the-line-of-duty disability, unless contrary evidence is presented.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jul 3, 2025

SR 174: JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE MAIN STREET COORDINATING PROGRAM

This resolution establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a statewide program managed by Grow Smart RI to revitalize commercial districts like downtowns, retail corridors, and neighborhood centers. It authorizes $500,000 in state funding to implement the proven "Main Street Four Points Approach," including training, networking, technical assistance, and resources for local communities. The program will operate for three years under the Commerce Corporation’s oversight, with Grow Smart RI handling coordination and annual reporting on goals like hiring a coordinator and hosting educational events. It directly affects Rhode Island’s municipalities and business districts seeking to boost economic activity, tourism, and community vitality through a centralized, state-supported initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · House Jul 3, 2025

HB 5701: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS

Makes the provisions of §§ 45-19.1-3 and 45-19.1-4, benefits for firefighters with cancer, effective regardless of any general, special or specific law, or any charter and/or municipal ordinance to the contrary.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jul 3, 2025

SB 458: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS

Makes the provisions of §§ 45-19.1-3 and 45-19.1-4, benefits for firefighters with cancer, effective regardless of any general, special or specific law, or any charter and/or municipal ordinance to the contrary.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jul 3, 2025

SB 1152: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jul 2, 2025

SB 672: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ARCHITECTS

Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jul 2, 2025

SB 274: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information or proof of identity.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration

signed · Rhode Island · House Jul 2, 2025

HB 5415: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- LICENSED ACTIVITIES

Provides standards for developing, implementing, and maintaining reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jul 2, 2025

HB 5427: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · House Jul 2, 2025

HB 5494: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES

HB 5494 adds consumer protections to Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies in the state. It prohibits policies from duplicating Medicare benefits and bans exclusions for preexisting conditions after six months of coverage, defining preexisting conditions as those requiring medical advice within six months before coverage begins. The bill guarantees issue rights for applicants under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (without medical underwriting) and requires annual guaranteed issue for all Medicare Part A/B enrollees during a one-month enrollment period. The commissioner must establish regulations for policy standards, premium rates, and loss ratios to align with federal requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results