Rhode Island Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8025: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 8025 would allow the town of Tiverton to create a property tax credit for residents aged 65 or older through a local ordinance. The bill enables Tiverton's town council to establish this credit by passing its own ordinance, directly affecting seniors living in Tiverton. It does not set a specific credit amount or apply statewide - it only authorizes local action. This is a procedural bill focused on enabling municipal tax policy, not a direct tax change.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 7989: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Exempts certain vehicles that are not manufactured with the proper front plate registration bracket from the requirement that motor vehicles display a front facing registration plate.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 7437: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- AUTOMATED TRAFFIC VIOLATION MONETARY SYSTEMS

HB 7437 extends the expiration date for "Don't Block the Box" automated traffic violation detection systems from January 15, 2027, to January 15, 2030. This bill does not change how the systems operate or who can use them, only delays the deadline for discontinuing the technology. The systems monitor vehicles running red lights at intersections to prevent blocking crosswalks and are used by state and local governments. Municipalities and the state Department of Transportation directly benefit from this extension, allowing continued use for three more years.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3361: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE AND SALE

Allows for sending of the notice under power of sale and rights of active military servicemembers by USPS First Class Mail and/or an overnight delivery service, instead of by USPS certified mail return receipt requested.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 8546: AN ACT REGARDING MOTIONS AT THE TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

This bill proposes changes to the rules for the Town of Scituate's annual financial town meeting, specifically requiring advance notice for certain budget motions. Under the new provisions, any motion to increase or decrease recommended appropriations by $10,000 or more must be submitted to the town treasurer with signatures from at least ten qualified voters by May 15 to be considered at the June meeting. The bill also requires that notice of such motions be included in the official publication of the meeting agenda. Because this legislation alters local town meeting procedures, it is subject to a vote by Scituate residents at the general election on November 3, 2026, before it becomes effective.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3316: AN ACT REGARDING MOTIONS AT THE TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING

This bill proposes changing the rules for the annual financial town meeting in Scituate, Massachusetts, by requiring advance notice for significant budget changes. Specifically, it would mandate that any motion to increase or decrease recommended spending by $10,000 or more must be submitted to the town treasurer with ten resident signatures by May 15, rather than being introduced spontaneously during the June meeting. The bill also updates the official schedule for the town meeting, setting it for the first Tuesday in June starting in 2024. Because this change affects local governance procedures, the bill requires a vote by Scituate voters at the November 2026 general election to take effect.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3262: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION-PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- GLOCESTER -- EXEMPTION OF ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS

SB 3262 updates the state law for Glocester, Rhode Island, to allow the town council to offer property tax credits to elderly and disabled residents. The bill authorizes a base credit of up to $2,070 for owners aged 65 or older or those under 65 who are permanently disabled, with higher additional credits for those over 80. These financial benefits are adjusted annually using a specific non-compounding method based on the consumer price index and apply regardless of the owner's income level. The legislation also clarifies that only one exemption is granted per property, even if multiple owners are eligible, and ensures these credits work alongside other existing tax exemptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3185: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

This bill authorizes the town of Burrillville to exempt specific property related to Wilson's Reservoir from real and personal property taxes. The exemption covers the lakebed and any land containing dams, spillways, or associated structures owned by a Dam Management District. Additionally, the legislation requires that fees collected for this management district be gathered using the same legal procedures and authority used for collecting municipal taxes. While the bill also updates a similar tax exemption for the Pascoag Reservoir in Burrillville and Glocester, its primary new provision focuses on Wilson's Reservoir in Burrillville.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 8436: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION-PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- GLOCESTER -- EXEMPTION OF ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS

This bill amends state law to allow the town of Glocester to offer expanded property tax credits and exemptions for elderly and disabled homeowners. It authorizes the town council to create a base exemption of up to $2,070 for owners aged 65 or older or those with permanent disabilities, with annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. The legislation also permits additional credits for residents over 80, variable income limits for certain applicants, and a minimum annual tax payment requirement. These changes would apply uniformly to qualified owner-occupants and would be administered through town ordinances following specific eligibility verification processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3080: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK AND JOBS ACT

Establishes the thermal energy network & jobs act facilitating study of the technology to determine if goals can be met by implementing thermal energy networks in Rhode Island/creates a task force of interested parties to be an advisory committee.

Topics ✓ Energy

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2974: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- RIGHT-OF-WAY

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31.41.1-4.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2800: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY

Provides that energy storage systems located on abandoned or contaminated property be permitted by right as a permitted use and not considered to have negative environmental impacts.

Topics ✓ Energy