Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2552: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATE AID

Increases the amount of state aid distributed to the towns and cities through appropriation in lieu of property tax provisions applicable to certain private and state properties that are exempt from property tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Meghan Kallman (D) Sam Zurier (D) Lou DiPalma (D) Sam Bell (D) Tiara Mack (D)

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2606: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES -- THE POWERS AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2579: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

SB 2579 increases the notice period landlords must provide to terminate month-to-month tenancies in Rhode Island. For standard month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before termination; for tenants aged 62 or older, the notice period extends to 120 days. This directly affects renters in month-to-month leases, providing more time to find new housing or address lease issues. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to standardize these notice requirements without changing rent increase procedures.

Topics ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2684: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

Exempts from sales tax the amount paid for a parking space to a patron for one hour or less, in or on a parking facility on which a commercial establishment is located.

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2682: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- NON-OWNER OCCUPIED PROPERTY TAX ACT

Provides an exemption for non-insulated, non-winterized property used by the taxpayer, not located in a substandard area, and continuously owned by the taxpayer for twenty-five (25) years.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2681: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING -- STATE-FUNDED RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM

SB 2681 would establish a state-funded rental subsidy program for renters in towns and cities. The bill creates a new state program to provide direct financial assistance toward rental payments for eligible residents. It does not specify eligibility criteria, funding levels, or administrative details in the provided abstract. This bill directly affects qualifying renters and the state government responsible for administering the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SR 2670: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $850,000 FOR NEW BRIDGES FOR HAITIAN SUCCESS

Authorizes the appropriation of $850,000 for New Bridges for Haitian Success for the purpose of residential property acquisition for transitional housing to support immigrants with temporary protected status (TPS) and asylum status.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2744: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT

Establishes an opportunity for employee ownership where the owner notifies all current full-time and part-time employees and provides them with a 30-day window in which to initiate a process to potentially purchase the business as a workers' cooperative.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SR 2754: SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT THE MAJOR RICHARD STAR ACT

This Senate Resolution (SR 2754) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102/S. 1032). It addresses a policy that forces veterans with less than 20 years of service and a disability rating below 50% to have their retirement pay reduced dollar-for-dollar by their VA disability benefits. The resolution highlights that approximately 50,000 veterans are affected by this rule, which averages a $1,900 monthly offset, and seeks to eliminate this restriction to ensure medically retired veterans receive full retirement and disability benefits.

Topics ✓ Veterans

died · Rhode Island · House May 7, 2026

HB 8192: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 8192 imposes a 2% tax on the portion of a private college's endowment exceeding $1 billion. It directly affects private institutions of higher education with endowments over $1 billion, requiring them to pay this tax on the amount above that threshold. The bill's key provision is the specific tax rate applied to the excess value, creating a new revenue source for the state. Introduced on February 27, 2026, it is currently under review by the House Finance committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House May 7, 2026

HB 8196: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

Exempts from sales tax the amount paid for a parking space to a patron for one hour or less, in or on a parking facility on which a commercial establishment is located.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · House May 7, 2026

HB 8198: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

This bill proposes imposing a sales tax on digital advertising services, such as online display ads or social media promotions. It directly affects digital advertising companies that sell these services to businesses, requiring them to collect the tax from buyers and remit it to the state. The key mechanism is adding digital advertising to the state's existing sales tax framework, treating it similarly to other taxable services. The bill is currently in the introduction phase, having been referred to the House Finance committee on February 27, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results