Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7878: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS ACT

Requires that the electric distribution company and the commission promulgate tariffs to address interconnection of energy storage systems and to provide compensation for at least 100 mega watts of energy storage systems sited in the state.

Topics ✓ Energy

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7916: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

HB 7916 permits individuals to collect wild mushrooms growing in state parks, recreational areas, and forests managed by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for personal use only. The bill requires the DEM director to create rules governing this activity, including restrictions to ensure it remains non-commercial. It explicitly states the state will not be liable for any incidents related to mushroom collection under these rules. This change applies to all public lands under DEM control, with rules to be established by the department.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7918: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLY

HB 7918 modifies backflow prevention testing requirements for public water systems. It changes the current yearly inspection mandate to a requirement that backflow prevention devices be tested only once every ten years, unless an emergency or public health situation necessitates more frequent checks. This directly affects all community and non-community public water systems serving residential and commercial properties. The bill focuses on reducing regulatory burden on water providers while maintaining safety standards through periodic testing. It does not alter other provisions about device installation or certification.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7913: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS

HB 7913 would require food service businesses (like restaurants and cafes) to make single-use plastic straws available for customers to take directly from a dispenser, rather than automatically providing them. This changes current practice by shifting responsibility to the customer to actively take a straw if desired. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, applying to all covered establishments. It directly affects how businesses distribute straws but does not ban plastic straws or alter other food service regulations.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7977: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- BALLOT QUESTION ADVOCACY AND REPORTING

Imposes strict identity disclosure requirements for those who incur expenditures for the production of ballot advocacy communications and political advertisements.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8036: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RESTORING OPTIONS IN OCCUPANCY MODELS

ROOM) ACT (Expands access to inherently affordable housing by re-legalizing co-living/single-room occupancy (SRO) and shared dwelling models of many types.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2640: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CATASTROPHE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS ACT

SB 2640 would establish a new type of tax-advantaged savings account designed for unexpected major expenses like natural disasters or serious medical emergencies. The bill creates a legal framework for these "catastrophe savings accounts," allowing taxpayers to contribute funds under specific state tax rules. It would directly affect individuals who qualify to open such accounts for emergency expenses. The bill was introduced to the Senate Commerce committee on February 27, 2026, and remains in the early stages of consideration.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8013: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOMES

Gives mobile home residents a right of first refusal to buy or lease their park, requiring owners to notify the residents’ association and the Department of Business Regulation of bona fide offers and allow time to match the terms.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2646: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- RHODE ISLAND INSURANCE MARKET PROTECTION ACT

Regulates property insurers to limit underwriting and investment in fossil fuel projects, requires climate risk reporting and emissions disclosures, and aligns insurance practices with science-based climate targets.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8037: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND

Reduces the newspaper advertising notice requirements for amendments to zoning ordinances and planning board meetings from three (3) weeks to two (2) weeks.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8031: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT

Allows municipalities to request a one-time, state-approved extension to update comprehensive plans if they show active progress, while keeping the existing plan in effect during the extension period.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8015: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998 -- COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING PRODUCTION AND REHABILITATION ACT OF 2004

Affordable housing includes an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) where it’s a long-term rental unit in a municipality with no ordinance requiring a minimum lot size for ADUs.

Topics ✓ Housing

Bill results