Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7985: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

HB 7985 would require individuals making public records requests to provide their identifying information. This bill directly affects anyone seeking public records from government agencies by adding a new step to the request process. The key provision mandates that requesters share personal details like name or contact information when submitting a request. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House State Government & Elections committee.

Dick Fascia (R) Mike Chippendale (R) Tom Noret (D) Bill O'Brien (D) Pat Serpa (D)

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8039: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Clarifies the means by which attached single-family dwelling units may be created, recorded, and regulated as subdivisions of an existing lot under current zoning ordinance law.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8133: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING

HB 8133 imposes a new fee of $0.01 for every 10,000 gallons of treated wastewater discharged by facilities. It directly affects municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants that release effluent into waterways. The bill establishes this specific fee structure to generate revenue for fish and wildlife conservation programs. This is a direct financial obligation on wastewater operators, not a regulatory change to discharge standards. The fee applies to all eligible discharges under the bill's definition.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2717: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES -- VIOLATIONS

Adds criminal penalties for operation of a motor vehicle after a suspension for lack of physical or mental fitness, or as a result of frequency of offenses pursuant to § 31-11-7 (a)(1)(i) or as result of a court ordered suspension.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8142: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESIDENTIAL REUSE INCENTIVE ACT

Creates a state program and fund to finance adaptive reuse and mixed-use housing projects, requires affordable units and labor standards, and provides oversight to expand housing until 2035.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7914: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- NATURAL FOREST PROTECTION ACT

Protects Rhode Island natural forests by banning extractive and even-age logging on state lands and preserves, allowing only limited safety, invasive removal, or selection management after review, hearings, and fines for violations.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2052: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- JURY LISTS

SB 2052 would allow Rhode Island residents aged 70 or older to automatically be excused from jury duty without needing to request it. This change directly affects older adults who might otherwise receive jury summons. The bill amends existing law by adding "any person seventy (70) years of age or older" to the list of exempt groups, alongside current exemptions like government officials and active law enforcement. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7137: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND LOBBYING REFORM ACT

Prohibits lobbyists from making any political contributions to any member of the general assembly from January 1 through July 1 in any year, unless the general assembly adjourns for the year prior to July 1.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2113: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- HEALTHY KIDS ACT

Mandates that all restaurants offering children's meals offer at least two (2) children's meals that complies with certain detailed nutritional standards set forth in the act.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2286: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SPECIAL LICENSES FOR MOTORCYCLES, MOTOR SCOOTERS, LOW-SPEED VEHICLES AND OTHER MOTOR DRIVEN CYCLES

SB 2286 requires all motorcycle operators in Rhode Island to wear a helmet of an approved type, regardless of age. This directly affects every motorcycle, motor scooter, and motor-driven cycle rider on public roads. The bill removes previous age exemptions for helmet use and adds a one-year helmet requirement for new riders during their first year of licensing. Violations carry fines that fund highway safety education programs promoting helmet use. The law takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7305: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2204: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

SB 2204 clarifies definitions and prohibits deceptive practices specifically in insurance claim handling, directly affecting policyholders, insureds, and businesses making insurance claims. It defines key terms like "claimant," "insurance claim handling services," and "unfair or deceptive acts," explicitly banning tactics such as misrepresenting repairs, hiding rebate terms, or falsely advertising claim resolutions. The bill requires insurers and claim handlers to provide transparent information about claim processes and pricing, such as separately stating labor costs or disclosing repair defects. These changes aim to increase accountability in how insurers process claims, reducing misleading practices that impact consumers during the claims experience.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results