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Who's moving transportation in Rhode Island
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bills
All transportation bills
Terminates the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.
SB 2604 amends Rhode Island's vehicle code to clarify definitions and operational rules for various vehicle types. It defines "antique" vehicles (over 25 years old) as requiring state inspection for registration and restricting their use to exhibitions, parades, or limited enjoyment - prohibiting primary use for transporting passengers or goods on public roads. The bill also establishes clear categories for electric bicycles (max 28 mph, no registration), electric personal mobility devices (max 15 mph), camping recreational vehicles, and low-speed vehicles (max 25 mph), each with specific speed and safety standards. These definitions directly affect antique vehicle owners, electric mobility users, and owners of recreational trailers by standardizing how these vehicles are regulated and registered.
SB 2541 repeals the legal authority allowing the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to collect tolls on state roads and bridges. This directly affects the Authority and drivers using the Newport Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Sakonnet River Bridge, Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, and the turnpike. The bill removes the provision that permitted the Authority to "fix and revise... tolls for transit" over these facilities, ending the legal basis for toll collection. The change would require the Authority to operate these infrastructure projects without toll revenue, shifting funding mechanisms. No new tolls or changes to existing toll rates are involved - only the repeal of the underlying authorization.
Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 8/1/26, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.
Exempts recovery claims for damages due to a town's neglect in maintaining highways or bridges from the provisions of chapter 31 of title 9 on governmental tort liability.
Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 8/1/26, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.
Limits the recovery for personal injuries actions against any town to $3,000 retroactive to all causes of action arising after January 1, 2026, and prohibits the use of subsequent remedial measures in roadway/highway defect cases.
