Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2419: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES

Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2349: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

SB 2349 establishes a new program allowing students with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities (ages 18-22) to attend Rhode Island's state colleges and universities without meeting standard college entrance requirements like standardized tests, high school diplomas, or minimum GPAs. The program integrates into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and requires institutions to provide inclusive opportunities - such as credit courses, internships, and campus activities - with tailored supports for academic, career, and social development. Participation is classified as an approved special education service, with costs covered under existing IEP funding, though institutions are not required to pay for additional supports beyond typical offerings. The law applies to all state institutions, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8381: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Provides that no contract between a dental plan or other healthcare entity and a dentist requires the dentist to accept exclusively by virtual credit cards.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8383: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND PRESCRIPTION DRUG PURCHASING POOL ACT

Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8382: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3179: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES

Prohibits the use of genetic information for purposes of determining eligibility, setting premium rates, or imposing preexisting condition exclusions for life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8401: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNAUTHORIZED INSURANCE BUSINESS -- MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

HB 8401 strengthens the oversight of medical malpractice insurance for hospitals affiliated with accredited medical schools in Rhode Island. The bill requires these hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Department of Business Regulation before establishing or maintaining any self-insurance program for malpractice liability. To qualify, hospitals must demonstrate financial solvency, adequate reserves, and the ability to pay claims, with the department retaining the power to audit, examine, and revoke approval if standards are not met. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all forms of medical malpractice coverage, including self-insurance and captive arrangements, meet specific state-set limits and undergo annual renewal. Finally, the bill requires these entities to report claims, settlements, and judgments to relevant medical licensing boards within 30 days.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2768: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES

Requires any business entity that makes automatic renewal offers or memberships or subscriptions that are available on-line, also make the canceling such agreements for goods, services, memberships or subscriptions equally accessible on-line.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3023: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8301: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to maintain and repair state-owned boat ramps and docks to ensure public access to waterways. It creates a special funding account financed by fees collected from users of these facilities to cover maintenance costs. The legislation also directs the department to establish rules clarifying how maintenance responsibilities are divided between the state and local municipalities.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8299: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS

$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2778: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF BUSINESS PRACTICES AMONG MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS

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

Bill results