HB 7886 requires electric and gas utility companies to read customer meters quarterly instead of monthly, with bills issued within 14 days of the reading. It mandates that utilities file their estimated billing formulas with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for approval and prohibits charging customers extra for unrecorded usage if meters aren't read on schedule. The bill also forbids utilities from passing meter-reading costs to customers and requires any excess charges beyond prior estimates to be forfeited if quarterly readings are missed. This affects all electric and gas distribution utilities and their residential and commercial customers in the state, taking effect July 1, 2026.
Provides that effective July 1, 2026, the profit margin of any electric distribution company or distributor of natural gas, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.
Requires any public utility company that needs to close any state or municipal roadway for work to provide notice to all residential and business property owners located within 1,000 ft of the closed highway at least 48 hrs before the road closure.
Defines that a conspicuous display is a visual illustration showing each component of the utility bill and the cost associated with each component of said bill.
HB 7993 establishes a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office, directly affecting businesses or government entities engaging in repeated illegal conduct. The bureau will handle consumer protection, healthcare regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights through dedicated units. It authorizes the Attorney General to seek court orders for injunctions, restitution, and penalties against "persistent illegality" (repeated illegal acts affecting multiple people), while excluding criminal law enforcement. The law requires annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes.
Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.
SB 2641 establishes uniform statewide standards for how electric companies read meters and generate bills for customers. It directly affects electric utilities (like power companies) and their residential and commercial customers. The bill requires all electric providers to follow specific, consistent practices for meter reading accuracy and billing transparency. This creates a clear framework for billing processes across the state, ensuring standardized procedures rather than varying local rules. The legislation aims to improve clarity and fairness in utility billing for all affected customers.
Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.
Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.
HB 7999 modifies state procurement rules for food and food supplies, allowing agencies to purchase items under $25,000 in total without following full competitive bidding procedures. This directly affects state departments and agencies that regularly buy food for operations, such as schools, hospitals, or correctional facilities. The bill streamlines small food purchases by exempting them from standard competitive bidding requirements, reducing administrative steps for transactions below the $25,000 threshold.
HR 8043 is a non-binding resolution urging the City of Providence to enforce its existing First Source Hiring Ordinance. This ordinance requires businesses receiving public funds (like city contracts or grants) to prioritize hiring from a local job list (First Source) and notify the program before advertising job openings publicly. The resolution states that businesses are not complying with these requirements and the city is not applying penalties - such as contract termination or funding suspension - despite the ordinance's 1986 mandate to connect local residents with jobs. The resolution directs officials to the mayor, city council president, and First Source director to address the enforcement gap.
SB 2686 establishes a new Office of the Elder Advocate within the Rhode Island state government. This office will directly promote the rights and well-being of older adults across the state. The key mechanism is creating a dedicated state position to advocate for older adults, address concerns about their care and rights, and serve as a resource for this population. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee.
