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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 25,118 Active 5 In committee 20,549 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2025

HR 6427: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM

Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2025

SR 1158: SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING "JUNETEENTH NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY" ON JUNE 19, 2025

This Senate Resolution (SR 1158) is a symbolic recognition resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate, urging citizens to observe "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" on June 19, 2025. It does not create new law or change existing holidays but formally acknowledges the historical significance of June 19, 1865 - the date enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. The resolution supports annual community education about this history and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Governor. As a commemorative measure, it directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging participation in the observance.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 17, 2025

SB 171: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

SB 171 would allow Rhode Island's executive office of health and human services to use state funds to support graduate medical education programs at academic medical centers serving critically ill and indigent patients. The bill directs these centers to receive funding for training in key areas like trauma, primary care, maternal health, mental health, and substance abuse. It requires the health office to establish annual Medicaid payment mechanisms to distribute these funds. If passed, this would change how state Medicaid funds support medical residency programs, though it remains pending Senate approval as of June 17, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 17, 2025

SR 1157: SENATE RESOLUTION CONDEMNING POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE HONORABLE SPEAKER EMERITA MELISSA HORTMAN AND THE HONORABLE STATE SENATOR JOHN HOFFMAN

This Rhode Island Senate resolution condemns the June 14, 2025, shooting that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. It expresses sympathy to the affected families and was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 17, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally denounces political violence. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies to Minnesota officials.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 17, 2025

SB 812: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EMINENT DOMAIN

Allows the department of environmental management to acquire established foot paths by eminent domain in order to provide public access to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 17, 2025

SB 417: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC NICOTINE-DELIVERY SYSTEM PRODUCTS

Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 17, 2025

SB 876: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provide criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good moral character.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 17, 2025

HR 6420: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONDOLENCES

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' condolences to the families of several deceased Rhode Island representatives and officials, including Hunter Dean Sande, Mary J. Carani, and others listed. It is a ceremonial gesture with no policy impact, requesting the Secretary of State to send a memorial to the bereaved families. The bill does not create new laws, alter rights, or affect any government programs. It was formally passed by the House on June 17, 2025.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 17, 2025

HR 6421: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONGRATULATIONS

This House Resolution (HR 6421) formally expresses congratulations to specific individuals and groups for achievements, including South Kingstown High School theater students and staff recognized at the Ocean State Star Awards, students promoted to middle school, and residents celebrating milestone birthdays (65th, 70th, 75th, and 80th). It contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms, serving solely as a ceremonial expression of goodwill. The resolution was passed by the House on June 17, 2025. As a procedural resolution, it does not directly affect legislation or policy.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2025

HB 6092: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

HB 6092 creates an online portal for voters to electronically sign nomination papers for candidates running for state and local offices. This replaces the traditional paper-based signature process, allowing voters to submit electronic signatures that count toward the required number of signatures for each office (e.g., 500 signatures for governor, 50 for state representative). The bill directly affects candidates seeking party or independent nominations and voters who must sign their nomination papers. The online portal will be available starting January 1, 2025, and electronic signatures will be treated identically to handwritten ones under current signature requirements.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2025

HB 5160: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRODUCER LICENSING ACT

HB 5160 clarifies that any change in an insurance producer’s pay (compensation) is considered a "contract modification" under Rhode Island’s insurance licensing law. It requires insurers to provide 180 days’ written notice before modifying such contracts, affecting producers who work with multiple insurers. The bill also mandates 14 months’ notice for canceling a producer’s contract, with continued policy renewal at prior rates during that period. Exceptions apply for producers convicted of dishonest acts, revoked licenses, or employees of the insurer. This law directly impacts insurance agents/brokers and their business relationships with insurers.

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2025

HB 6088: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

Permits a certified foot care nurse or a certified foot care specialist, to provide certain at-home foot care, including routine foot and nail care including nail clipping.

Topics ✓ Healthcare