Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2279: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Jessica de la Cruz (R) Brian Thompson (D) Thomas Paolino (R) Matt LaMountain (D) Pete Appollonio (D)

died · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2089: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFITS

SB 2089 amends retirement rules to allow certain retired public employees to work without losing their retirement benefits. Specifically, it permits paid members of the Rhode Island state labor relations board to continue receiving benefits while working, removing an automatic suspension that previously applied to post-retirement employment. The bill also establishes clear limits for other roles (like municipal work under 75 days/year or part-time teaching) where benefits remain intact, though no additional service credits or contributions are granted. It directly affects retired state employees in designated positions who wish to return to limited, defined roles. The change clarifies existing law rather than creating new benefits or eligibility.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7070: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER AND FUNERAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. Disposition facilities would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2050: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER ON DEATH ACT

Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7374: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Amends the zoning ordinances to allow the town to restrict occupancy to one unrelated person per bedroom in a dwelling, up to a five (5) bedroom unit. Units with more than five (5) bedrooms may be limited to five (5) unrelated persons per unit.

Topics ✗ Housing

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2370: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND TAX AMNESTY ACT OF 2017

Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 7224: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- AWARD OF MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS

Increases the maximum municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other municipal purchases.

died · Rhode Island · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 8430: AN ACT CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO SHARED SERVICES BETWEEN RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICTS

This bill creates a special legislative commission to study how Rhode Island school districts could share services to address funding and operational challenges. The commission will consist of fourteen members, including legislators, state officials, union leaders, business representatives, and a student, who will meet without pay to investigate potential shared service models. The group is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by April 30, 2027, after which the commission will expire.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 8032: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE WATER SUPPLY PLANNING FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Creates a special legislative commission to study/provide recommendations for water supply planning for new housing developments in rural communities, whose findings/recommendations to the House of Representatives on or before 6/15/27 and expires 7/1/27.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 8601: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ENTIRE AREA OF LAND USE, PRESERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT, AND REGULATION

This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study the entire area of land use, preservation, development, housing, environment, and regulation, from June 8, 2026, to June 10, 2027

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 8508: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 8508 amends Rhode Island property tax laws to exempt the real and tangible personal property of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Providence from taxation. The bill achieves this by adding a new category to the state's list of property exemptions, which already includes items like religious buildings, charitable institutions, and volunteer fire companies. This change directly affects the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center by removing its property from the local tax roll. The legislation does not alter the tax status of any other organizations or individuals.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 8, 2026

SB 2940: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- FAMILY COURT

Establishes full-time juvenile hearing board coordinator to provide support and assistance to municipal juvenile hearing boards across the state. Any juvenile charged with a misdemeanor and who is a first offender, shall be referred to the hearing board.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results