Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SR 421: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK

This bill (SR 421) authorizes $1,000,000 in state funding for the Rhode Island Food Bank to address food insecurity. It directly affects the Food Bank’s ability to support households facing hunger, as nearly 38% of Rhode Island households experience food insecurity. The key provision is a one-time appropriation from the state treasury, requiring the controller to pay the funds upon verified requests. This provides immediate financial support for food distribution services without altering existing eligibility rules or creating new programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 525: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

Requires submission of a domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form when the domestic violence response or investigation involves a verbal argument or dispute.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 654: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- PILOT PROGRAM FOR VIRTUAL REALITY LEARNING PLATFORM

SB 654 establishes a $250,000 pilot program for virtual reality (VR) learning platforms to improve math instruction for students in grades 6 through 12. The bill requires the Department of Education to select a VR program proven to boost algebra 1 scores through third-party evaluation, with funding covering teacher training and equipment in districts needing enhanced math engagement. The program must use 3D models to teach standards-aligned math concepts through real-world problem-solving scenarios. A third-party report on student achievement impact is required before the program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1159: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

Increases rates paid for licensed childcare centers to meet the federal equal access benchmark, implement a new differential bonus rate for infants under age 18 months and adopt fair payment practices consistent with the federal rules.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 892: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE CALL CENTER FUNDING AND OPERATIONAL INDEPENDENCE

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 20, 2025

HR 6429: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING DR. ROSEMARY A. COSTIGAN, PH.D., RN, ON HER SELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND

This is a procedural House resolution congratulating Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). It formally recognizes her as the first alumna and second woman to lead CCRI, highlighting her 30+ years of service at the college - including roles as nursing faculty, department chair, interim president, and her leadership in securing accreditation and major donations. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions; it is solely a ceremonial acknowledgment of her career achievements. The House passed it on June 20, 2025, and will send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SR 1161: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF BENCHMARKING PROGRAMS FOR MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS GREATER THAN 25,000 SQUARE FEET

This Senate Resolution (SR 1161) requests Rhode Island's Office of Energy Resources (OER) to analyze benchmarking programs for large buildings over 25,000 square feet. OER must review current efforts on state properties, gather input from cities/towns and business groups, coordinate with Rhode Island Energy, and develop recommendations for expanding benchmarking to municipal and private buildings. The resolution specifically asks OER to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate by February 27, 2026. It does not create new law but directs state agencies to study how to measure and reduce energy use in large buildings, which could account for significant emissions statewide. This affects OER directly and indirectly impacts owners of qualifying buildings if a future program is implemented.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SR 1160: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ROGER A. SAVINI

This is a ceremonial resolution (SR 1160), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Savini family following the passing of Roger A. Savini, a Woonsocket restaurant owner and community member. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Micheline Savini. It has no policy impact or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 628: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF BUSINESS PRACTICES AMONG MOTOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURES, DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS

Extends certain protocols applicable to vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, updates definitions relative to common entities and sales.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SR 868: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

This resolution appropriates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to conduct a feasibility study on seagliders in Rhode Island. The study, to be done in collaboration with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI), will assess how seagliders - a type of electric, passenger-carrying coastal vehicle - could benefit the state. Key focus areas include evaluating potential reductions in carbon emissions, job creation in the Blue Economy, and improved coastal transportation options. The funding is specifically for research, not for building or deploying seagliders. This is a procedural appropriation, not a substantive policy change.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 339: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THUNDERMIST FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to fund the Thundermist family medicine residency program during fiscal year 2026 and every fiscal year thereafter.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 206: 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.

Bill results