Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8310: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CREDENTIALING

This bill requires healthcare entities and health plans to process provider credentialing applications within 30 calendar days for new applications and 10 business days for providers already credentialed with Medicare. It also mandates that minor demographic updates, such as address changes, be completed within 5 business days. The bill includes provisions for automated status updates every 15 days, written explanations for denials, and retroactive reimbursement if payers miss deadlines. Additionally, it establishes a conditional approval process for resident graduates and requires the health insurance commissioner to enforce timelines through quarterly reporting.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8366: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS REQUIRED AT PUBLIC PLACES AND HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

This bill requires centers for independent living to have automated external defibrillators on site, expanding the list of healthcare facilities already mandated to have this equipment. The law defines healthcare facilities broadly to include hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other medical service providers, while public places like schools and restaurants must also maintain defibrillators. By adding independent living centers to the list of required locations, the bill aims to increase access to life-saving equipment in more community settings. The change takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to all facilities meeting the specified definitions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8360: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

This bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from engaging in specific deceptive trade practices, including spread pricing, effective rate pricing, and patient steering. It directly affects pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, pharmacists, and patients enrolled in health plans administered by these managers within Rhode Island. The legislation defines prohibited actions such as charging higher prices than reimbursed amounts, steering patients toward affiliated pharmacies, penalizing enrollees for pharmacy choices, and misusing patient prescription data for business gain. Violations are classified as unfair and deceptive trade practices, allowing the attorney general to pursue legal remedies for each individual consumer transaction where a prohibited act occurs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8369: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Increases and reallocates the fees collected for motor vehicle inspections, including motorcycle inspections, with an allocation of ten dollars ($10.00) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8316: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM

This bill allocates $150,000 in state funding for the second year of the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local downtown revitalization efforts across the state. The money will be managed by Grow Smart Rhode Island and distributed through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help existing and new district cohorts implement community improvement projects. The funding is specifically designated for fiscal year 2027 and must be disbursed by December 31, 2026, to support the program's administration and execution. This appropriation continues the initiative that launched in 2025 with 11 district cohorts representing 10 cities and towns.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2430: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- SENIOR SAVINGS PROTECTION ACT

Requires anyone engaged in the sale of goods or services, and who offers a discount to its customers’ for utilizing automatic payment systems, via ACH or EFT or similar payment systems, provide the same discount to any person who is sixty-five (65).

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 7705: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $40,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This bill appropriates $40,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for participation in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC). The NFFPC is a mutual aid agreement among seven New England states, New York, and five Canadian provinces that allows states to share firefighting resources during large wildfires. Rhode Island uses this compact to access specialized equipment and personnel from other jurisdictions when local resources are overwhelmed, and this funding covers the state's share of costs for wages, transportation, and maintenance when requesting assistance. The bill does not change the compact's rules but ensures Rhode Island meets its financial obligations under the existing agreement.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7698: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- TAX CREDIT FOR FOOD DONATION

HB 7698 creates a tax credit for businesses that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe for consumption meeting basic safety standards) to qualifying nonprofits. Businesses like restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 annually per business. Nonprofits receiving donations must verify the food meets safety standards and is used to serve the needy, providing a certificate to the donor. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of the tax code and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7741: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7722: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES-DENTAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

HB 7722 requires health insurers to pay dental benefits directly to non-contracted dentists when patients request it, provided the dentist meets the insurer’s credentialing standards. Insurers must pay at least the highest rate they pay to contracted dentists for the same service, with no more than a 5% reduction allowed. This applies to standard dental insurance policies but excludes hospital indemnity, Medicare supplements, and other limited benefit plans. The bill gives patients more choice in dental providers without insurers unfairly reducing payments based on non-participation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2610: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

SB 2610 creates a legal cause of action for pet owners whose dogs or cats (defined as household pets) are intentionally or negligently injured or killed under specific circumstances. It allows owners to seek noneconomic damages - compensation for loss of companionship, love, and affection - ranging from a minimum of $500 for injury to $750 for death, with a maximum cap of $7,500. The law applies only when the incident occurs on the owner’s property or while the pet is under the owner’s direct supervision. It excludes government agencies and nonprofits acting in public health or animal welfare roles, and defines "seriously injured" as requiring stitches for broken bones or permanent disfigurement.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2611: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY --THE RHODE ISLAND FIREARM INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2026

SB 2611, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm industry members (including manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of firearms, ammunition, and accessories) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, traffickers, or straw purchasers. It prohibits advertising or marketing that promotes illegal use or increases public safety risks. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and affected individuals or the state may file lawsuits to seek damages, injunctions, or restitution. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, for new civil actions.

Bill results