Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3062: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH PROFESSIONAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

This bill expands Rhode Island's existing health professional loan repayment program to include healthcare providers working in primary care settings, in addition to those serving medically underserved populations. The program offers financial assistance to repay student loans for eligible professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who commit to working in designated shortage areas or primary care facilities for at least two years. A state board will administer the program, determining eligible locations based on health professional shortage area designations and primary care provider needs, while reviewing applications and verifying applicant qualifications. The legislation aims to address staffing challenges in primary care by providing incentives to help recruit and retain healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2988: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3167: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION

Provides that when two or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3159: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESIDENTIAL REUSE INCENTIVE ACT

Creates a state program and fund to finance adaptive reuse and mixed-use housing projects, requires affordable units and labor standards, and provides oversight to expand housing until 2035.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2457: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND KRATOM ACT

SB 2457, the Rhode Island Kratom Act, requires retailers to store all kratom products behind a locked case until sold, directly affecting businesses selling kratom. The bill prohibits sales to anyone under 21, mandating valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) to verify age at purchase. These rules take effect April 1, 2026, applying to all kratom product transactions in Rhode Island. The law focuses on physical storage and age verification as its core mechanisms.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2638: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2054: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EVIDENCE

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2186: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

SB 2186 allows individuals with disabilities to obtain up to two motor vehicle disability parking placards instead of the current limit of one. This directly affects people with disabilities who own multiple vehicles or require parking access for different vehicles. The bill amends existing law to increase the number of placards permitted per person, simplifying access to disability parking privileges. It does not change eligibility requirements or add new administrative processes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 16, 2026, and referred to committee.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2128: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION

Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 3 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2109: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- BENEFIT DETERMINATION AND UTILIZATION REVIEW ACT

SB 2109 prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from requiring or conducting insurance reviews for prescriptions used to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. Specifically, it blocks reviews for medications containing methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, or for any FDA-approved medication managing opioid withdrawal. The bill directly affects patients seeking addiction treatment and insurers/pharmacy managers handling these prescriptions. It also requires Medicaid managed care organizations to use state-set medical necessity criteria for reviews. The law takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 7302: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

HB 7302 authorizes Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates for the Lime Rock Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit supporting the Ida Lewis Lighthouse. Vehicle owners who choose these plates pay a $40 one-time surcharge (split $20 to the general fund, $20 to the foundation) and a $10 annual renewal fee, all going to the foundation. The plates must display a lighthouse design approved by the state police and replace standard registration plates. The foundation must use all funds for Rhode Island charities and submit annual financial reports. This bill affects drivers who opt for the special plates, with no refunds for early cancellation.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2397: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $250 or no more than $1,000 and up to 11 months imprisonment for violating the law on the care of dogs.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill results