Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 2235: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- AUDITOR GENERAL

SB 2235 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies operate, whether they comply with laws, and if public funds are properly spent. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and executive branch, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This directly affects all state agencies, from departments to boards, by mandating regular reviews of their operations and financial management. The bill aims to improve accountability in government spending without changing existing agency responsibilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 2400: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Requires that all agencies' final rules, promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act, be approved by general assembly action, but in no case later than December 31 of the year it is promulgated, before it can become effective.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 2393: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

SB 2393 requires individuals making public records requests to provide their name and a valid mailing or email address to verify identity and enable communication. This change prohibits anonymous requests and ensures public bodies can properly respond to inquiries. The bill does not alter which records are public or impose new restrictions on record access, only establishing a minimum identification requirement for requesters.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 2357: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- QUASI-PUBLIC CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACT

Provides that funds or monies collected by designated quasi-public corporations or agencies not be subject to transfer or reallocation by order of the governor or general assembly.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 2389: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 3204: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE CUMBERLAND LODGE #14, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

This bill allows the Cumberland Lodge #14 of the Fraternal Order of Police to regain its legal charter after it failed to file required annual reports for many years. To restore its status, the organization must submit all overdue reports by December 31, 2026, and pay the associated filing fees along with a penalty amount determined by the Attorney General. Once these conditions are met, the group will be treated as if the charter forfeiture never occurred, regaining all its rights and privileges. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2934: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FOUNDATION LEVEL SCHOOL SUPPORT

Allows a different minimum salary schedule for Providence public school teachers and provides a process for the dismissal and demotion of teachers. The reconstitution and control of the Providence public schools would terminate on June 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2896: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP

Clarifies how condominium insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are divided between associations and unit owners, require owners to insure units if associations do not, and allow boards to manage and use insurance proceeds for repairs.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2530: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BIODIESEL PRODUCTS

SB 2530 requires all No. 2 distillate heating oil sold in the state for residential, commercial, or industrial use to contain increasing minimum percentages of bio-based products over time. It directly affects heating oil sellers and distributors, mandating specific compliance dates: starting at 2% in 2014, rising to 5% by 2021, and reaching 50% by 2035. The bill sets a phased schedule with annual or biennial increases, requiring adherence to B5, B10, B20, and B50 biodiesel blend standards by specified dates. This establishes concrete, time-bound requirements for heating oil composition without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2692: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

SB 2692 requires condominium associations to conduct structural surveys and reserve studies, fund reserves at a minimum of 15% of annual operating expenses, and create long-term repair plans. This directly affects all condominium associations managing residential properties, mandating proactive financial and structural planning. Key provisions include annual assessments of common areas' condition, setting aside 15% of operating funds for future repairs, and developing detailed maintenance schedules. The bill aims to ensure associations have sufficient funds and planning in place for major repairs before they become urgent or costly. It does not change current voting rules or involve other government entities.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2655: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SITING AND REGULATORY ACT

Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2694: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE--DISABLED VETERAN HOME MODIFICATION ACT

SB 2694 prevents state fees for home modifications required to accommodate a veteran's disability, directly benefiting disabled veterans needing accessibility changes. The bill amends the state building code to prohibit local governments or agencies from charging fees for these specific modifications, such as installing ramps or grab bars. It applies to modifications mandated by a veteran's disability, ensuring no additional costs for essential accessibility improvements. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee, with no further action taken yet.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Bill results