Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2846: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS

Removes the definition of "totally and permanently disabled" from the general law affording college tuition paid by the state to the spouse and children of active members of the police force who are killed or disabled during duty.

Brian Thompson (D) David Tikoian (D) Lou DiPalma (D) John Burke (D) Frank Ciccone (D)

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SR 3021: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER

Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2836: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES

This bill modifies state procurement rules to allow the state to purchase food and food supplies worth less than $25,000 in total under existing small purchase regulations. It directly affects state agencies responsible for procuring food items by adjusting the monetary threshold for these transactions. The key provision permits smaller aggregate purchases without requiring additional approval processes, streamlining how the state acquires food supplies. This change applies specifically to state purchases and does not alter broader procurement laws for other types of goods or services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2454: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- INSURANCE BENEFITS

Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester be eligible for the same medical benefits as other full-time state employees.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2612: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS

SB 2612 amends Rhode Island's open meetings law to allow advisory bodies (non-decision-making groups like commissions or committees) to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing under specific conditions. It permits remote participation for members with disabilities who cannot attend physically, requiring approval from the Governor's Commission on Disabilities and ensuring clear audio/video for all participants. The bill also specifically authorizes University of Rhode Island board members to join meetings remotely if audio/video clarity and quorum requirements are met. These changes apply only to approved scenarios and do not alter the requirement for meetings to remain open to the public.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2677: AN ACT RELATING TO THE UTGR MASTER CONTRACT AND THE TWIN RIVER -- TIVERTON MASTER CONTRACT -- CONSOLIDATED MARKETING PROGRAM

Restates the UTGR Master Contract and the Twin River-Tiverton Master Contract and consolidates the marketing program of each into the Consolidated Marketing Program.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2753: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- RHODE ISLAND VETERANS HOME STAFFING SUPPORT ACT OF 2026

SB 2753, the Rhode Island Veterans Home Staffing Support Act of 2026, establishes a state funding program to address staffing needs at Rhode Island Veterans Homes. The bill directly affects these state-operated facilities by providing dedicated financial support to maintain adequate staffing levels. Key provisions require the state to allocate specific funds for hiring and retaining personnel at the veterans homes. This act aims to improve operational stability and care quality at these facilities through targeted state financial assistance.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

died · Rhode Island · House May 26, 2026

HB 8152: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FORESTRY AND FOREST PARITY ACT

Establishes sales and use tax exemptions for commercial forest product operations and creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles".

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2091: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT

Exempts individual retirement accounts as a countable resource for public assistance. This act also prohibits the state as a creditor against an ABLE account in the event of death of a beneficiary.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2099: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SURPLUS FUNDS TAX CREDIT ACT

Mandates that any surplus state tax revenue received in any fiscal year would be refunded to the taxpayers of this state on a proportional basis in relation to the personal income tax liability incurred by the taxpayers in that fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2084: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

SB 2084 increases the monthly personal needs allowance for nursing facility residents from $75 to $100. This change directly affects residents in state-licensed nursing homes by providing them with an additional $25 per month for personal expenses like toiletries or minor comforts. The bill amends Section 40-8-2(7)(v) of the General Laws to update this allowance amount. It will take effect on July 1, 2026. The policy change is a straightforward adjustment to existing funding without altering eligibility or other program requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2375: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- INSPECTOR GENERAL

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results