Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3143: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND VOTING RIGHTS ACT

This bill creates the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act to establish state-level procedures that prevent discrimination and vote suppression in elections. It directly affects political subdivisions across Rhode Island, including cities, towns, and state agencies, by prohibiting election policies that create disparities in voter participation or ability to participate in the political process. The law defines protected classes based on race, color, language-minority status, and other characteristics, and sets standards for identifying voter suppression and vote dilution without requiring proof of intentional discrimination. Key provisions include protections for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and early voting access, while allowing political subdivisions to adopt alternative election methods if they can show a compelling governmental interest.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8361: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND TOWING INDUSTRY MODERNIZATION AND REGULATORY EQUITY ACT

This bill creates the Rhode Island Towing Advisory Board to advise the state's public utilities commission on regulating tow truck operators. The advisory board will include representatives from the towing industry, transportation and public safety departments, and the public, who will meet annually to provide recommendations on licensing, safety training, and rate changes. It also establishes mandatory licensing standards requiring operators to complete at least eight hours of annual continuing education and mandates that the commission consult with the board before approving any tariff modifications or enforcement policies. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all tow truck operators working within the state.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8363: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing.

Topics ✗ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8368: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS -- TOWN OF HOPKINTON MUNICIPAL COURT

Grants the town council of the town of Hopkinton the authority to confer jurisdiction to the municipal court to hear and determine appeals from decisions of the Chief of Police related to the return of seized firearms.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2490: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

SB 2490 allows Rhode Island residents applying for or renewing hunting or fishing licenses to be automatically registered to vote, with the option to decline. The Department of Environmental Management will offer voter registration forms simultaneously with license applications, ensuring the same assistance level as for licenses, and protects privacy by keeping declined registrations confidential. Completed forms must be sent electronically to the state voter system within one business day, and applicants must be U.S. citizens to register. This process mirrors existing automatic voter registration at the Division of Motor Vehicles.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2464: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004 -- HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT

SB 2464 requires Rhode Island's health insurance commissioner to produce annual reports on insurer practices, including fee schedules, provider credentialing processes, and data disclosure methods for healthcare facilities. The bill mandates that a professional-provider-health-plan work group (part of an advisory council) compile specific data to help consumers compare quality and costs of care. These reports, due by January 1, 2027, will cover topics like insurance dispute resolution, real-time enrollment verification, and the impact of "silent PPOs" on providers. The legislation directly affects health insurers, medical providers, and consumers by increasing transparency in health insurance operations and pricing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 7524: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT AND TAKE ACTION TO EXPAND THE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CAPACITY INTO NEW ENGLAND

HR 7524 is a Rhode Island House resolution urging Governor Daniel McKee to support regional efforts to expand natural gas pipeline capacity into New England. It addresses Rhode Island's heavy reliance on natural gas for electricity (87% of in-state generation) and high energy costs, noting current pipeline capacity limits force reliance on costlier, higher-emission fuels during winter peaks, contributing to residential electricity rates double the national average (32.3¢/kWh vs. 16.4¢/kWh). The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the governor join Northeast governors in advocating for pipeline infrastructure to stabilize energy prices and reduce supply risks. This directly affects Rhode Island residents and ratepayers facing elevated energy costs due to current infrastructure constraints.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7565: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Changes the residential limit for any substantial multi-family housing project not to exceed forty thousand (40,000) residents according to the United States Census Bureau.

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7675: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC WASTE DIVERSION

HB 7675 establishes a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (paid by waste haulers and landfill operators) to fund composting initiatives. The revenue flows into a dedicated "Compost Fund," which supports three grant programs: competitive grants for composting projects, municipal waste diversion grants (available only to towns that opt-in), and infrastructure development. The bill directly affects waste disposal entities and municipalities, aiming to reduce landfill use by incentivizing organic waste diversion. Key provisions include quarterly surcharge collection starting in 2027, annual adjustments tied to inflation or a 20% increase, and requiring funds to stay within the Compost Fund rather than returning to the general state budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7659: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Prohibits contractors from submitting a single application to a local review board seeking a comprehensive permit for housing projects in certain circumstances.

Topics ✗ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7610: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

HB 7610 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to produce a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy rates for consumers. The study must compare Rhode Island's electric and gas rates with other states, review all state energy programs that increase costs, and identify policies or practices that could be changed to reduce bills. The PUC will use $100,000 in funding to hire consultants and develop a research plan, including recommendations for transparent "energy notes" on future legislation affecting costs. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents who pay energy bills by directing state agencies to investigate cost-reduction strategies.

Topics ✓ Energy

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7612: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED, SERIOUSLY ILL, OR IN ARREARS OF PAYMENT

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

Bill results