Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8195: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND LOCAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT

HB 8195 creates a tax credit for Rhode Island taxpayers who invest in certain local businesses. It directly affects individual and business taxpayers who make qualifying investments in designated Rhode Island companies. The bill provides a credit equal to a percentage of the investment amount, reducing the taxpayer's state tax liability. The credit applies only to investments meeting specific criteria set by the law, such as supporting businesses in targeted economic zones. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after its introduction on February 27, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8191: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

Provides proper authority for the division of taxation to provide HSRI with contact information for Rhode Islanders who report they were uninsured on their RI state income tax return.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 2745: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- PERMANENT JOINT COMMITTEE ON NAMING ALL NEW BUILDINGS, BRIDGES, EDIFICES AND OTHER STATE CONSTRUCTIONS

Names the India Point Park Overpass pedestrian bridge as the "Joseph M. Lima Overpass" to honor the former Deputy Majority Leader's legislative achievements and his lifelong dedication to the Portuguese-American community.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8168: AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- STATE AID TO LIBRARIES

Increases reimbursement caps promulgated in 2018 and applies to eligible costs for library projects incurred from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2031, or ending earlier if the Office of Library Information Services amends the regulations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8187: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX

HB 8187 makes tax credits for pass-through entities refundable, meaning businesses structured as pass-through entities (like S-corps or LLCs) can receive cash refunds if their credits exceed their tax liability. This directly affects qualifying businesses that currently can only use credits to reduce their tax bill, not receive payments. The bill changes the mechanism under Section 44-11-2.3 by allowing unused credits to be paid as cash refunds instead of being carried forward. It does not alter tax rates or create new obligations, only modifying how existing credits are applied.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HR 8207: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $100,000 FOR THE RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON PREJUDICE & BIAS

HR 8207 is a joint resolution that would allocate $100,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice & Bias. This resolution directly provides financial support to the Commission, which is tasked with addressing issues related to prejudice and bias in the state. The key provision is the specific appropriation of $100,000 for the Commission's operations or initiatives. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but provides resources for an existing state body. The resolution was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8153: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PAYMENTS TO FIRE COMPANIES

HB 8153 requires the state to reimburse Exeter Fire and Rescue for 75% of the costs incurred during fire calls made to state property. This bill directly affects Exeter Fire and Rescue by covering a portion of their expenses for emergency responses on state-owned land. The key provision establishes a fixed 75% reimbursement rate for all such calls, shifting a portion of the financial burden from the fire department to the state. The policy change specifically targets costs associated with state property responses, not general firefighting operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7544: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES

Prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that limit the agency's ability to install or run the software of the agency's choosing on their hardware.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7035: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

HB 7035 prohibits individuals from purchasing or taking possession of more than one firearm (defined as pistol, rifle, or shotgun) within any 30-day period. This directly affects most private firearm buyers, excluding specific exemptions like law enforcement officers, licensed dealers, government transfers, inheritance through probate, temporary gun range rentals, firearm safety courses, and curio collector transfers. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties for first offenses (up to 1 year in jail or $500 fine) and felony penalties for repeat offenses (up to 3 years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7099: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS -- PREFERENCE FOR RESIDENTS

HB 7099 gives Rhode Island residents priority access to state campsite and recreational facility reservations over nonresidents by creating a two-hour online reservation window exclusively for residents. It also provides a 50% fee reduction for 100% disabled veterans on certain state recreational fees, including licensing, camping, and picnic table fees. The bill amends existing law to prioritize local residents for facility access while expanding fee exemptions for veterans with full disability ratings. This policy directly affects Rhode Island residents, nonresidents seeking reservations, and eligible veterans using state recreational facilities. The law would take effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Veterans

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7098: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

This bill eliminates the $20 service charge and $5 transfer fee for Rhode Island National Guard vehicle registration plates. It directly affects active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard who use these special plates. The policy change removes these fees while maintaining the existing plate design, eligibility rules, and emergency travel provisions for National Guard members. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Veterans

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7097: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

HB 7097 removes a $5 transfer fee for special "Distinguished Service Cross" vehicle registration plates. It directly affects veterans who received the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Cross medal and their surviving spouses (who inherit the plate after the veteran's death). The bill eliminates the requirement for applicants to pay a registration fee or transfer charge for these plates, though the plate design and eligibility rules remain unchanged. This change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Bill results