Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
SB 2384 sets a legal limit on how much Rhode Island state programs, public employee health plans, and participating employer health plans can pay for certain prescription drugs. It prohibits these entities from purchasing or reimbursing drugs above a federal "maximum fair price" rate established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Any savings generated from this price cap must be used to lower costs for enrollees, with annual reports required to track how savings address health equity gaps. The bill applies to drugs covered under federal law (P.L. 117-169) and includes fines of $1,000 per violation for noncompliance.
Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.
Allows any vehicle eligible for registration with a gross weight of under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) as long it is accompanied by a registrant's affidavit declaring it would not be used for commercial purposes.
This bill creates a new legal pathway for distillery manufacturers to obtain a special permit that allows them to sell and serve their own distilled spirits at off-site events like weddings, corporate functions, and festivals. Under the new provisions, distilleries would need to use mobile bar units or temporary service structures and follow strict rules including responsible service training, ID verification for younger patrons, and limits on the number of drinks served per person. The legislation also requires distilleries to purchase alcohol from licensed retailers unless they hold a wholesale license, and it prohibits serving any spirits other than those manufactured by the licensed distillery.
This bill requires state and municipal public works projects involving glazing work to hire certified workers from North American Contractor Certification companies and increase the number of certified architectural glass and metal technicians on site over time. Projects over one million dollars for renovations or five million dollars for new construction must employ at least one certified worker starting July 1, 2024, with the requirement growing to 25% of the crew by January 2026 and 50% by January 2027. The Department of Labor and Training is responsible for enforcing these rules, conducting hearings for violations, and imposing penalties of up to $3,000 or license revocation for intentional or egregious noncompliance. The law defines glazing work to include windows, curtain walls, glass partitions, and other architectural glass installations across all public entities including schools and municipalities.
Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.
This bill would change the registration schedule for commercial vehicles from an annual requirement to a biennial one, meaning these vehicles would need to be registered every two years instead of every year. The change applies specifically to commercial vehicles and would be implemented through rules set by the state's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. The bill also clarifies how combination plates work for certain commercial vehicles that may be used for both business and personal purposes. This adjustment aims to reduce the administrative burden on commercial vehicle owners while maintaining the state's vehicle registration system.
Allows a brewery to sell, deliver, and distribute its own malt beverages directly to retailers without using a wholesaler. The holder of a license for a brewery may also have 1 additional location for the retail sale of alcohol.
Exempts homes under two thousand (2,000) square feet from automatic statewide IECC energy mandates, allowing municipalities to decide whether to adopt climate-focused building code requirements for small and modest homes.
HB 7570 establishes the Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership (RICEO) to help small businesses transition to employee-owned models. The center, housed under the state’s business development office, provides referrals to legal/financial resources, partners with organizations to promote employee ownership benefits, and creates an inventory of existing employee-owned businesses (like worker cooperatives and ESOPs). It directly affects small business owners nearing retirement (56% are 55+ in RI) and their employees by offering support for succession planning. Key mechanisms include technical assistance, outreach programming, and measuring business stability outcomes. The bill does not create new taxes or regulations but coordinates state resources to address small business succession challenges.
HB 7531 repeals Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate in its entirety, removing the state's legally established greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and associated requirements. This bill directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council (created under the repealed law), and all entities subject to the prior climate regulations. The repeal eliminates mandatory targets like 45% below 1990 emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2040, along with the Council's duties to develop plans, coordinate climate efforts, and address environmental justice. The law was introduced in the 2026 legislative session and would remove all provisions of the original 2021 climate law.
