Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. It also adds civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.
SB 28 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Providence Preservation Society from Rhode Island property taxes. This change directly affects only the Providence Preservation Society, adding it to the existing list of organizations qualifying for tax exemptions under state law. The bill amends Section 44-3-3 of the General Laws to include the Society as a specific exempt entity, without altering other tax provisions or affecting other property owners.
HB 5369 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Providence Preservation Society from property taxes. This bill adds the society to the existing list of entities eligible for tax exemptions under Rhode Island law. The change directly affects the Providence Preservation Society by removing property tax obligations for its owned buildings and assets used in preservation work. The exemption applies to all real estate and tangible personal property held by the society, consistent with similar exemptions for nonprofit and historical organizations.
This bill (SB 317) creates a legal presumption that property owners, tenants, or occupants acted in self-defense without a duty to retreat if they cause injury or death while stopping a violent criminal offense on their premises. It applies specifically when the person committing the violent crime is lawfully present on the property. The bill establishes that such incidents will be rebuttably presumed as self-defense if the occupier reasonably believed the criminal was about to cause great bodily harm or death. This changes the legal standard for self-defense claims in property-related violent crimes but does not alter court fees (as incorrectly referenced in the title/abstract). The bill passed and became law on June 18, 2025.
SB 840 restores the corporate charter of Leo’s Service Center, Inc. (incorporated October 6, 1995) if the company meets specific requirements by December 31, 2025. To regain its charter, the business must file all overdue tax returns, pay all outstanding state taxes and fees, and submit required documents to the secretary of state. The bill vacates the prior revocation of its charter upon successful compliance, reinstating all corporate privileges and obligations as if the revocation never occurred. This is a procedural bill directly affecting Leo’s Service Center, Inc., with no new policy changes beyond restoring the corporation’s status.
SB 1097 requires that Class 1 property tax rates in Warwick be set at no less than 57% of Class 2 property tax rates, ensuring a minimum ratio between the two classifications. This directly affects property owners in Warwick, as the city assessor must apply this ratio when determining annual tax rates. The bill amends local tax law to mandate this specific rate relationship for Class 1 and Class 2 properties, rather than requiring identical rates. It applies retroactively to the December 31, 2024, property assessment.
This bill extends the deadline for the Little Compton Scout Association, Inc. (a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1965) to file overdue annual reports for 2002-2025 and pay associated fees and penalties. If the association files all required reports and pays the fees and a compromise penalty determined by the Attorney General by December 31, 2025, the forfeiture of its charter will be vacated. The bill directly affects the association’s ability to retain its legal status and operating privileges. It is a procedural measure with no broader policy impact.
HB 6298 proposes three charter amendments for Warwick, pending voter approval in 2026. It would allow electronic notice for special council meetings (replacing current in-person/residence-only notice), raise the small procurement threshold from $2,500 to an adjustable amount via city ordinance (affecting purchasing decisions under $2,500), and require the city council to establish via ordinance how minority party members are appointed to city boards/commissions (using a list provided by the minority party leader). If approved by voters, these changes would take effect, streamlining meeting notifications, giving the council flexibility on procurement rules, and formalizing minority representation on boards. The bill passed both chambers and became law without the governor's signature but requires voter approval for the charter changes to take effect.
Authorizes the City of Central Falls to issue bonds and notes in an amount not exceeding $15,000,000 to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities in the city.
Authorizes the City of Central Falls to issue bonds and notes in an amount not exceeding $15,000,000 to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities in the city.
HB 5070 increases the maximum fee sheriffs, sergeants, and constables can charge for serving most writs, citations, or subpoenas from $45.00 to $70.00. This directly affects these court officers who deliver legal documents, raising their allowable compensation for this specific service. The bill amends the existing fee schedule to reflect this higher maximum, while requiring all fees to be deposited as general revenue. The change applies immediately upon passage, with no broader policy shifts beyond the adjusted fee amount.
SB 1111 proposes three amendments to the Warwick City Charter requiring voter approval. It would allow electronic notice for special council meetings (replacing only in-person or residence delivery), raise the small procurement threshold (currently $1,000-$2,500) to be adjustable by city ordinance, and require the city council to establish via ordinance how minority party representation is appointed to city boards and commissions. These changes directly affect Warwick City Council members, city purchasing staff, and individuals appointed to city boards. The bill must be approved by voters in November 2026 (or a special election) to take effect.
