Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 8277: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PLUMBERS, IRRIGATORS, AND WATER SYSTEM INSTALLERS

Grants hourly credit of 288 hours against 576 hours if graduate of accredited trade school/raises to 4 years of work under master plumber and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 5 years of registration with DLT.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7540: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Require that routine childhood and adult immunization vaccine recommendations that are developed from evidence based, medically sound scientific research by the department of health.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7627: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS -- EARLY INTERVENTION EXTENSION--BRIDGE TO PRESCHOOL

HB 7627 extends early intervention services under Rhode Island's Part C program for children with special health care needs whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31. This change prevents a service gap by allowing these children to remain in early intervention until September 1 after their third birthday, bridging to preschool services. The bill directly affects families of children with developmental disabilities born in this window, ensuring continuity of care without interruption. It aligns with federal law allowing states to extend such services and requires the state to implement this by January 2028, following a 2026 plan development phase.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7742: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

HB 7742 amends Rhode Island law to explicitly permit the home production and sale of pickles and relish as farm home food products. It directly affects Rhode Island farmers who sell homemade foods at farmers' markets or farmstands, expanding the list of non-refrigerated foods they can legally make under existing regulations. The key provision adds pickles and relish to the current list of permitted foods (like jams, pies, and dried herbs) that don't require refrigeration. Farmers must still follow all existing kitchen standards, labeling requirements, and registration rules for farm home food operations. This change clarifies that these products are now included in the category of nonpotentially hazardous foods eligible for home manufacturing.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7773: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION -- PROCEDURE

HB 7773 modifies how workers' compensation reimbursement works when an injured employee recovers damages from a third party (like another company or individual responsible for the injury). It requires employees to reimburse employers or insurers for workers' comp payments received, but excludes reimbursement for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or other non-compensable damages. If third-party recovery exceeds compensation paid, benefits may be suspended for a period calculated by dividing the excess by the employee’s weekly rate, though medical benefits continue. The bill also sets a 2-year and 8-month deadline for employees to sue third parties, after which employers can pursue claims and seek reimbursement.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7799: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD DAYCARE PROVIDERS

Amends the law so that child daycare providers would be required to renew their licenses every two (2) years, instead of the current yearly renewal requirement.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7924: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- MILK SANITATION CODE -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

HB 7924 would permit the sale of raw (unpasteurized) milk in the state by amending the Milk Sanitation Code. This bill directly affects dairy producers, retailers, and consumers who currently cannot legally sell or purchase raw milk under existing regulations. The key provision changes the sanitation code to allow raw milk sales in food establishments, replacing current prohibitions. The bill is currently in committee following its introduction on February 27, 2026.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7966: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE EXTREME TEMPERATURE WORKER PROTECTION ACT

Requires employers to protect workers from extreme heat and cold by implementing safety plans, providing paid rest breaks, shade or warmth, drinking water, and protective equipment, ensuring training, and recordkeeping.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7994: 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 · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7969: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7970: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MECHANICAL TRADES

HB 7970 requires all locksmiths in Rhode Island to obtain a license and pass a criminal background check before practicing. This bill directly affects locksmiths seeking to legally work in the state. The key provisions mandate licensing as a condition for employment and require background checks to verify applicants' criminal history. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Labor Committee.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7963: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS

Transfers authority over the examination and licensing of telecommunications professionals to the state board of examiners of electricians and amends the composition of that body to require the inclusion of a telecommunications professional.

Bill results