Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8220: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8296: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE

Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HR 8349: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDING RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAW § 44-3-3

Creates a 7-member commission to study and provide recommendations for amending RI General Law §44-3-3, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027, and would expire on March 5, 2027.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8278: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- COLLECTION OF TAXES GENERALLY

Adds the town of Smithfield to those towns specifically named to tax any person for either a mobile or manufactured home and automatically lien the a mobile or manufactured home.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8350: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

Clarifies the right of the public to have access to bulk electronic data processing records, compilations of electronic court records, including the Rhode Island adult criminal database and the Rhode Island traffic tribunal database extract.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7580: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

HB 7580 requires public agencies to provide electronic public records stored in computer systems at no cost when requested. This applies to all public records maintained in digital formats, eliminating fees for copies or delivery (whether as printouts or electronic files) upon request. The bill directly affects government agencies that manage electronic records and members of the public seeking access to them. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change existing requirements for physical records or the 10-business-day response timeframe.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7657: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT

HB 7657 clarifies tax treatment for short-term residential rentals in Rhode Island by distinguishing them from commercial lodging. It requires owners listing properties on online rental platforms (like Airbnb) to register with the state department, providing details such as property address, owner contact, and whether the property is a primary residence. The bill exempts properties used as primary residences (where owners live 7+ months annually) or rented long-term (12+ months), focusing tax collection on true short-term rentals (under 30 nights). This creates a standardized registration system to ensure compliance with existing hotel taxes for short-term stays.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7621: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

Exempts certain cookware that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact for consumer goods from the provision of the consumer PFAS ban act of 2024.

Topics ✗ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7618: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY

Increases the maximum penalty for certain violations related to the cutting, removal, damage by injurious liquids or gases to trees, plants and shrubs on any public highway or public land under the jurisdiction of state agencies from $500 to $1,000.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7779: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Permits but not directs a municipality to establish, by ordinance, certain requirements regarding accessory dwelling units regarding ownership for 5 years, non-family ADUs to be rented at affordable rates and limit size to 1,000 sq. ft.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7737: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

Modifies the definition of “intentionally added PFAS” to mean PFAS that are deliberately added during the manufacturing of a covered product to perform a specific function.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2604: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS

SB 2604 amends Rhode Island's vehicle code to clarify definitions and operational rules for various vehicle types. It defines "antique" vehicles (over 25 years old) as requiring state inspection for registration and restricting their use to exhibitions, parades, or limited enjoyment - prohibiting primary use for transporting passengers or goods on public roads. The bill also establishes clear categories for electric bicycles (max 28 mph, no registration), electric personal mobility devices (max 15 mph), camping recreational vehicles, and low-speed vehicles (max 25 mph), each with specific speed and safety standards. These definitions directly affect antique vehicle owners, electric mobility users, and owners of recreational trailers by standardizing how these vehicles are regulated and registered.

Topics ✗ Transportation

Bill results