Spells out rules and regulations for the presidential preference primary elections, and would also establish rules for ranked choice voting tabulation and results reporting by the secretary of state.
Maddy summarySB 2619 would prevent corporations, associations, and partnerships (including those formed outside Rhode Island but operating within it) from spending money or other resources to influence state elections or ballot measures. The bill revokes any implied legal authority for these entities to engage in political spending and explicitly states that such activity is not part of their granted business powers. Any political spending by these entities would be void and unenforceable, with no ability to ratify or validate such actions. The bill does not affect individual voters, the state government, or political committees already regulated under election laws.
Maddy summarySB 2686 establishes a new Office of the Elder Advocate within the Rhode Island state government. This office will directly promote the rights and well-being of older adults across the state. The key mechanism is creating a dedicated state position to advocate for older adults, address concerns about their care and rights, and serve as a resource for this population. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee.
Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures, including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Maddy summarySB 2131 extends an existing rule prohibiting political activity within 50 feet of polling places to include early voting locations. It directly affects anyone distributing political materials or displaying campaign items near voting sites during both early voting and election day. The bill adds "early voting" to the current prohibition on politicking within 50 feet of polling entrances, ensuring the same buffer zone applies to all voting periods. This change clarifies that the 50-foot restriction covers all voting locations, not just election day.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.
Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.
