HB 7173 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024

Summary
Incorporates broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Jan 21, 2026 Signed Jun 18, 2026
Floor votes · House Apr 28, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
5
Committee
4
Jun 18, 2026
Signed into law
06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
executive
Jun 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
06/09/2026 Senate passed as amended in concurrence
upper
May 28, 2026
Legislature · Passed
05/28/2026 Committee recommends passage as amended in concurrence
legislature
May 1, 2026
Committee
05/01/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
upper
Apr 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
04/28/2026 House passed as amended (floor amendment)
lower
Apr 7, 2026
Legislature · Passed
04/07/2026 Committee recommends passage
legislature
Feb 3, 2026
Committee
02/03/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced
01/21/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations
lower
10 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors