Rep. Bob Phillips

Primary HR 7830

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF CAROL LEE CONNELL

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution expressing condolences for Carol Lee Connell, a longtime Riverside resident and mother of Representative William Connell. The resolution formally extends the House's deepest sympathy to her family members (including her children William Connell, Nancy Rippel, and Michael Connell) and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to them. It does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations. The resolution serves as a symbolic tribute to her life and legacy.

Passed Feb 26, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7699

In committee · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION

Maddy summaryHB 7699 eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing Chapter 44-22 of the General Laws, which previously imposed a progressive tax on inherited property. This affects heirs who would have paid taxes on estates valued above $25,000, removing a state-level tax on property transferred after a person's death. The bill removes all tax rates (ranging from 2% to 9% depending on estate size) and related deductions described in the repealed chapter. As a result, estates passing to heirs in Rhode Island will no longer be subject to this specific state tax.

Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing the tax code, removing progressive rates (2%-9%) and deductions, directly weakening state tax collection under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence

In committee Feb 11, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7694

In committee · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Establishes an office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency, charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes oversight to prevent misuse of public funds, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget management per bill's purpose.85% confidence

In committee Feb 11, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7552

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THREATS AND EXTORTION

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

died Feb 11, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7161

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases retirement benefits and COLA for teachers, strengthening post-employment financial security for public sector workers.85% confidence

died Feb 11, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7181

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES

Provides that health clubs must discontinue automatic deductions from the consumer's account or credit card within 30 calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.

died Jan 27, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7196

In committee · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.

Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes medical professionals' failure to treat born-alive infants as a felony, expanding criminalization per 'oppose' indicator.90% confidence

In committee Jan 21, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7207

In committee · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- DEATH BY WRONGFUL ACT

Expands the statute of limitations with respect to any wrongful act resulting in the death of a child in utero or within six (6) months after the birth of the child, to ten (10) years after the death of the child.

In committee Jan 21, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7048

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Raises the gross weight of a vehicle eligible for reserve forces plates from 8,500 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. with US flag on the plates. Proof of honorable discharge to be provided to DMV.

VeteransSupports VeteransExpands eligibility for reserve forces plates (with US flag) to heavier vehicles (12k lbs), requiring honorable discharge proof, recognizing veteran service through vehicle registration benefits.80% confidence

died Jan 20, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7021

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS-VEHICLE SAFETY BARRIERS

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishments when new construction or renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires vehicle barriers in retail establishments, enhancing workplace safety standards for employees per bill summary.95% confidence

died Jan 20, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track