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Rhode Island Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 25,118 Active 7,678 In committee 7,673 Passed 5,917 Signed 4,510 Failed 6,972

Bill results

passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2420: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- NATIONAL GUARD

SB 2420 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to use their state tuition assistance benefits for their dependents. Dependents enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university. The program is funded up to $100,000 annually per fiscal year, requires a one-year military service commitment for each 12 course credits used, and mandates that both the Guard member and dependent maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet service or academic requirements may trigger repayment of benefits.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $100,000 annually for tuition waivers, directly increasing state spending on a specific program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition waivers for military dependents at state colleges, expanding access to higher education through state-funded benefits.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tuition waivers for dependents of National Guard members, expanding educational benefits for military families tied to veterans' support programs.85% confidence
Brian Thompson (D) David Tikoian (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Andrew Dimitri (D) Todd Patalano (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2408: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES

Commencing January 1, 2027, this act would increase the minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities, from the current three dollars and eighty-nine cents ($3.89) to six dollars and seventy-five cents ($6.75) per hour.
Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases tipped workers' minimum wage from $3.89 to $6.75/hr, directly advancing wage standards for labor.95% confidence
Lammis Vargas (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Ana Quezada (D) Tiara Mack (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2355: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS

SB 2355 allows retired state employees to be reemployed by municipalities without losing their retirement benefits, directly affecting retired state workers seeking part-time or limited-term municipal roles. The bill removes previous restrictions that required suspending retirement benefits during reemployment, permitting up to 75 working days or 150 half-days per year (with pay suspension if exceeded) without benefit forfeiture. It specifically prohibits additional retirement contributions or service credits for this reemployment and requires monthly notices to the retirement board. The bill applies to all retired state employees under Titles 16, 36, or 45, excluding certain exempt roles like elected officials or specific teaching/nursing positions covered under separate subsections.
Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects retired state workers' benefits during part-time reemployment, removing restrictions that forced benefit forfeiture and enabling continued income without financial penalty.95% confidence
Brian Thompson (D) Matt LaMountain (D) David Tikoian (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Andrew Dimitri (D)
signed · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2422: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

SB 2422 allows the town of Jamestown to expand tax exemptions for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. It establishes income-based exemption tiers (10% to 60% off property taxes) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with stricter rules for higher-income seniors. To qualify, applicants must be Jamestown residents for five years, own only residential property (not income-producing), and provide proof of income. The bill does not change existing statewide tax rules but gives Jamestown local authority to adjust its senior exemption program through town ordinances.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for low/middle-income seniors via income-based exemptions, reducing their tax burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides income-based property tax exemptions for seniors, reducing housing costs and advancing affordability for low-income elderly homeowners.85% confidence
Dawn Euer (D)
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2410: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PEACE OFFICER MAXIMUM WORKDAY AND OVERTIME COMPENSATION

SB 2410 sets a maximum 8-hour workday for most state peace officers (and 10 hours for correctional officer stewards) in the Department of Corrections, prohibiting mandatory overtime beyond these hours. Exceptions allow overtime only during unforeseeable emergencies like riots, but only after the state exhausts reasonable efforts to secure staff from available qualified employees. If the state violates the law by requiring unauthorized overtime, it must pay affected employees double time and a half for the overtime worked. The bill does not affect voluntary overtime or existing collective bargaining agreements.
Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRestricts mandatory overtime for state peace officers, mandates double pay for violations, directly protecting workers' rights and workplace conditions per bill's explicit language.95% confidence
Ryan Pearson (D) Brian Thompson (D) Lammis Vargas (D) David Tikoian (D) Andrew Dimitri (D)
signed · Rhode Island · House May 6, 2026

HB 7151: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 7151 allows the town of Jamestown to create a new property tax exemption program for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. The bill establishes income-based exemption tiers (ranging from 10% to 60% of property value) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with strict residency requirements (5 years in Jamestown). It explicitly excludes income-producing properties (like home offices or rental units) and requires applicants to provide income documentation. This bill directly affects eligible Jamestown seniors meeting the income, residency, and property-use criteria.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates income-based property tax exemptions for low-income seniors, providing tax relief and reducing their tax burden per federal poverty guidelines.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for seniors (65+) on primary residences, reducing housing costs through income-based exemptions under federal poverty guidelines.90% confidence
Alex Finkelman (D)
in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 3253: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Promotes fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability in the state’s healthcare system by mandating that certain reporting covered health entities submit quarterly financial reports to the secretary.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability in healthcare spending, aligning with fiscal responsibility indicators.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates financial reporting to enhance transparency and accountability, protecting the integrity of the healthcare system.85% confidence
Bob Britto (D) Sam Zurier (D) Alana DiMario (D) Sue Sosnowski (D) Melissa Murray (D)
passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3247: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Older Americans Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The measure honors the contributions of adults aged 65 and older, acknowledging their role in the community and economy while recognizing the state's history with senior support legislation. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to coordinate official observances. This symbolic action aims to foster intergenerational respect and highlight the needs and achievements of the state's aging population.
Walter Felag (D) Matt LaMountain (D) David Tikoian (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Lou DiPalma (D)
died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8498: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING, REUSE AND DISPOSAL OF MATTRESSES

HB 8498 repeals Rhode Island's existing laws that established a system for the responsible recycling, reuse, and disposal of mattresses. This bill directly affects mattress producers, retailers, and local municipalities by removing the legal framework that previously required them to participate in a statewide stewardship program. Under the old rules, companies were expected to pay fees into a council designed to manage discarded mattresses in an environmentally sound way. By eliminating these regulations entirely, the bill allows the state to stop enforcing these specific collection and recycling requirements.
Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill repeals existing laws requiring responsible recycling and disposal of mattresses, weakening environmental protections and removing stewardship requirements.95% confidence
Mike Chippendale (R) Jon Brien (I) Jackie Baginski (D)
passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3249: SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 6, 2026, AS A "NATIONAL DAY OF REASON" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND AFFIRMING THE CENTRAL IMPORTANCE OF REASON IN THE BETTERMENT OF HUMANITY

This Senate resolution designates May 6, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" in Rhode Island to honor the role of critical thinking and scientific inquiry in solving societal challenges. The bill encourages citizens to observe the day by focusing on reason and free inquiry while citing historical figures like James Madison who valued knowledge. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specific individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.
Walter Felag (D) Bridget Valverde (D) Andrew Dimitri (D) John Burke (D) Victoria Gu (D)
passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SR 3248: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY AS "RHODE ISLAND LABYRINTH DAY" AND RECOGNIZING MAY 2, 2026, AS "WORLD LABYRINTH DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. The bill aims to promote walking meditation labyrinths as a community practice for reflection, mindfulness, and well-being, encouraging residents to participate in the global "Wave of Peace" event at 1:00 p.m. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise awareness and support existing public spaces used for these activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to relevant organizations and individuals involved in promoting labyrinths in Rhode Island.
Walter Felag (D) Matt LaMountain (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Andrew Dimitri (D) John Burke (D)
passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8513: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING AND CELEBRATING MAY 7, 2026, AS "CHILDCARE AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 7, 2026, as Childcare Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of quality early childhood care. The resolution formally recognizes the dedication of childcare providers and the critical role they play in children's development and the state's economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to key child care organizations and legislative commissions. The measure is a ceremonial observance that does not create new laws or funding requirements.
Joe Shekarchi (D) Mike Chippendale (R) Susan Donovan (D) Scott Slater (D) Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D)
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