Rhode Island Bills

passed · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HR 8542: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS

HR 8542 is a House resolution that formally extends congratulations to a wide range of individuals and organizations in Rhode Island for their achievements and milestones. The bill directly affects recipients such as centenarians, student athletes, business leaders, and community groups by officially recognizing their specific accomplishments, including state championships, academic honors, and retirement from public service. Key provisions include listing each honoree alongside the specific event or award being celebrated, such as the 100th birthdays of Lawrence John Glynn and Viola Lanza or the state wrestling titles won by middle school wrestlers. This procedural measure serves as a public record of commendation rather than establishing new laws or policies.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HR 8535: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE SECOND WEEK IN MAY 2026 TO BE "LUNG CANCER ACTION WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates the second week of May 2026 as "Lung Cancer Action Week" throughout Rhode Island to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging educational activities focused on early detection methods, such as low-dose CT scans, and highlighting risks for specific groups like veterans and non-smokers. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote public understanding of the disease. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Lung Association.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HR 8538: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHILD & FAMILY AND RECOGNIZING ITS IMPACT ACROSS RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a House resolution that celebrates the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, a Rhode Island organization founded in 1866 to support children and families. It formally recognizes the group's long history of providing services such as early childhood education, foster care, and housing assistance, while also honoring its staff and volunteers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's leadership as a mark of appreciation.

passed · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HR 8540: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE WEEK OF MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL NURSES WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates the week of May 6th through May 12th, 2026, as National Nurses Week in the State of Rhode Island to honor the profession. It recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of an aging population and the need for more qualified staff. The resolution also urges all residents to celebrate nurses' contributions throughout the year, not just during this specific week. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3271: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JEANNETTE D. ALYWARD

This Senate resolution expresses condolences for the passing of Jeannette D. Alyward, a longtime resident of North Kingstown who served as the town's Clerk. The bill formally acknowledges her life and career, noting her decades of public service and her role as a devoted family member. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.

died · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HB 8519: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Provides a definition for "Zero-emission resource" includes nuclear energy resources and large-scale hydro electric facilities and provides that such resources may be used to meet certain clean energy compliance requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HR 8539: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THAWN SHERENTÉ HARRIS ON SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE 2026 BOSTON MARATHON AND HONORING THE LEGACY OF HIS GREAT-UNCLE, ELLISON "TARZAN" BROWN

This bill is a House resolution that congratulates Thawn Sherenté Harris on finishing the 2026 Boston Marathon and honors the legacy of his great-uncle, Ellison "Tarzan" Brown. The document recognizes Harris's achievement as a ceremonial act to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Brown's first marathon victory and highlights his specific performance details, such as running barefoot to mimic Brown's historic run. By transmitting a certified copy of this resolution to Harris, the bill formally acknowledges his perseverance and cultural significance without altering any laws or policies.

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 3272: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Requires the electric distribution companies to offer system owner/operators 30 year contracts, with various terms including guaranteeing the delivery of net metering credits valued at $0.19, with an annual escalation of 2.75%.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3277: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHILD & FAMILY AND RECOGNIZING ITS IMPACT ACROSS RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution celebrates the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, a Rhode Island nonprofit that has served children and families since 1866. The bill formally acknowledges the organization's extensive work in areas such as early childhood education, foster care, behavioral health, and supportive housing for older adults. It commends the staff, volunteers, and partners of Child & Family for their contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the organization's leadership.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3274: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE WEEK OF MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL NURSES WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2026, as National Nurses Week in Rhode Island to honor the state's registered nurses. The measure commemorates Florence Nightingale's birthday and recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of their performance during the pandemic and the growing demand for nursing services. It encourages all residents to express gratitude to nurses throughout the year and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant nursing organizations.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3280: SENATE RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND TAIWAN WHILE SUPPORTING ENHANCED BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN AND TAIWAN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

This Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan while encouraging stronger bilateral ties in trade, defense, and culture. The bill proposes concrete steps such as establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the state legislature, exploring the creation of a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan, and signing a memorandum of understanding to boost economic cooperation. It also urges the state government to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Additionally, the resolution calls for concluding an agreement to avoid double taxation on trade and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant state and federal officials.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3279: SENATE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING "PERIOD POVERTY AWARENESS WEEK" ON MAY 11-17, 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates May 11-17, 2026, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges faced by individuals who cannot afford menstrual products. The bill acknowledges that despite existing tax exemptions on period supplies, many women and girls, particularly those living in poverty, still struggle to access these essential items. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to local organizations like Amenity Aid and the Rhode Island Foundation to support ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for expanded assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results