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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 25,118 Active 5 In committee 20,549 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2388: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY-- DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR NEW HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

SB 2388 freezes the issuance of new home care, home nursing, and hospice provider licenses until July 1, 2031, with limited exceptions for emergencies, pending applications, ownership changes, or geographic service gaps. During the moratorium, the Department of Health must conduct a statewide study to assess current service availability, underserved areas, and future needs. The maximum number of licenses for each category is capped at the 2026 count, decreasing annually if providers close. If the health department fails to complete the study by 2031, the license freeze remains in effect.

Topics ✗ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 7359: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- PUBLIC AUCTIONS OF REAL ESTATE

Requires public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 2781: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- THIRD-PARTY DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 7704: AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION TO ISSUE BONDS FOR A MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Submits a proposition to be placed on the ballot at the next general election authorizing the issuance of bonds for a medical school on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston campus.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3199: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS

This bill allows individuals to sue nursing homes directly if those facilities violate patient rights laws, in addition to existing legal remedies. It establishes a specific legal cause of action that lets plaintiffs recover actual and punitive damages, along with court costs and attorney fees, for any such violations. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the state Department of Health to file lawsuits on behalf of the state to enforce these patient rights and related regulations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3194: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE -- MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISION

SB 3194 modifies the state's mandatory arbitration rules for motor vehicle liability claims by raising the minimum claim threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. This change directly affects individuals filing insurance claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death, requiring only those with damages between $50,000 and $100,000 to submit their cases to arbitration. The bill maintains existing procedures where selected arbitrators conduct informal hearings, share costs between parties, and issue binding decisions that can be challenged within 60 days by reserving the right to a jury trial. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance policyholders to agree in writing to these arbitration provisions when applying for or renewing driver's licenses or registering vehicles.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3190: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DECISIONS, SPECIAL FINDINGS AND ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES

This bill modifies state laws governing civil lawsuits involving personal injuries, death, or property damage. It updates the rules for determining fault by allowing injured parties to recover damages even if they knew about a specific risk or danger. However, the amount of money awarded will be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the injured person. The changes apply to all future cases filed under these statutes once the legislation is enacted.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3200: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3188: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3197: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSE OF ACTION

This bill allows individuals who have settled a legal claim to send their signed release documents electronically to the party responsible for payment or their attorney. It applies to insurance companies, adjusting firms, and other entities obligated to pay settlement amounts. If a payment is not made within 30 days of receiving the electronic release, the law creates a presumption of willful disregard and permits the claimant to seek punitive damages and 12% annual interest. Additionally, any lawsuit filed under this provision would receive priority scheduling on the court's trial calendar.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3195: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE

This bill mandates that auto insurance policies issued in the state must include uninsured motorist coverage, protecting drivers when they are hit by vehicles with no insurance or insufficient coverage. While bodily injury protection is required for all policies, property damage coverage remains optional unless the driver already has collision insurance. The legislation sets specific minimum limits for bodily injury, establishes a $200 deductible for property damage claims, and clarifies that the term "uninsured motorist" also includes underinsured drivers.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3192: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ABUSE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.

Topics ✓ Healthcare