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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 25,118 Active 5 In committee 20,549 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972

Bill results

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2025

HB 5882: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES

HB 5882 shortens the training requirement for school bus drivers in Rhode Island who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Specifically, it reduces the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course to a shorter, focused program covering only Rhode Island-specific rules and safety requirements. This change directly affects CDL holders seeking to drive school buses in Rhode Island, streamlining their path to certification without altering safety standards or background checks. The bill does not change other requirements, such as passing written/driver tests or providing proof of residency and employment.
Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlines school bus driver certification without reducing safety standards, enhancing transportation operations efficiency while maintaining safety protocols.85% confidence
Joseph Solomon (D) Terri Cortvriend (D) Susan Donovan (D) Alex Finkelman (D) Tina Spears (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2025

SB 554: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SAFETY ACT

SB 554 amends Rhode Island's Personal Watercraft Safety Act to increase penalties for certain violations. It makes violations of specific safety rules (sections 46-27-2(b) and 46-27-2(h)) punishable as misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail, plus possible six-month suspension of operating privileges. Other violations of the act or related environmental management rules become civil violations with $250 fines. The bill directly affects personal watercraft operators who breach these safety provisions. It takes effect upon passage, as signed by the governor on June 13, 2025.
Matt LaMountain (D) Mark McKenney (D) Lou Raptakis (D)
signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2025

HB 5049: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

HB 5049 removes a $5 registration fee and transfer charge for applicants seeking a special license plate honoring Bronze Star Medal recipients. The bill directly affects veterans who have received the U.S. Bronze Star Medal and wish to display the special plate on their vehicles. It amends existing law to eliminate the mandatory $5 fee while keeping all other plate design and eligibility rules unchanged. The change takes effect on January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law by the governor on June 13, 2025.
Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves $5 fee for Bronze Star veterans' license plates, reducing financial barriers to recognition and directly supporting veteran service acknowledgment.95% confidence
Deb Fellela (D) Pat Serpa (D) Brian Kennedy (D) Doc Corvese (D) Julie Casimiro (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2025

SB 422: AN ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAWS SECTION 16-7-44 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF $10,400,000 BONDS BY THE TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM TO FINANCE ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS, IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES IN THE TOWN INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED PURSUANT TO FINANCING AGREEMENTS WITH THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL BUILDING CORPORATION

Serves as the enabling act required by Rhode Island General Laws§ 16-7-44 in order for the principal and interest on bonds issued in support of school housing projects to be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationApproves $10.4M in bonds for school facility renovations/repairs, enabling state reimbursement for infrastructure improvements per RI law.95% confidence
Alana DiMario (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2025

SB 76: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

SB 76 removes the $5 registration fee and transfer charge for applicants seeking a special "Bronze Star Medal" license plate. This bill directly affects recipients of the U.S. Bronze Star Medal who wish to display this plate on eligible vehicles (under 12,000 lbs gross weight). The key change is eliminating the financial requirement while maintaining the plate's design (featuring "Bronze Star Medal" wording and insignia) and the provision for transferring the plate to a surviving spouse after the holder's death. The fee removal applies to all future applications and transfers starting January 1, 2026.
Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves $5 fee for Bronze Star Medal license plate, reducing financial barrier for veterans to display service recognition.90% confidence
Walter Felag (D) Victoria Gu (D)
signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 13, 2025

HB 5613: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Provides a duty upon midwives, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to obtain a blood specimen of pregnant women within thirty (30) days after the first professional visit.
Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates STD screening for pregnant women, advancing public health prevention through early detection and treatment.90% confidence
Susan Donovan (D) Jennifer Boylan (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2025

SB 397: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES

SB 397 shortens the training requirement for new school bus drivers who already hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Instead of completing the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course, these applicants will finish a reduced-length program focused specifically on Rhode Island's school bus safety rules and regulations. The bill maintains all other licensing requirements, including written and driving tests, background checks, and proof of prior driving experience. This change applies to both new hires and renewal applicants with a CDL, aiming to streamline the process without altering safety standards.
Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines school bus driver training while maintaining safety focus, aligning with transportation safety standards for vehicle operators.85% confidence
Jessica de la Cruz (R) Sam Zurier (D) Linda Ujifusa (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2025

SB 1095: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES

SB 1095 permits the town of Little Compton to exceed its standard 4% annual property tax levy cap for fiscal year 2026, allowing a one-year tax increase limit of up to 12% instead. This exemption applies only to Little Compton and requires approval by the town's Financial Town Meeting. The bill amends existing tax levy rules to provide this temporary adjustment for the town's specific fiscal needs during FY 2026.
Lou DiPalma (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 13, 2025

SB 989: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

This bill allows the town of Jamestown to issue Class T liquor licenses to qualifying theaters. It directly affects legitimate theaters in Jamestown that provide live, regularly scheduled theatrical productions or support community arts, including nonprofit cultural organizations and historic theaters. The license permits selling alcoholic beverages during scheduled performances and for one hour before and after, but only after 12:00 noon. This policy change expands local authority to grant alcohol service for specific arts-related events at qualifying venues.
Dawn Euer (D)
Showing 937 to 948 of 4,510 bills
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