HB 7789 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRIC BICYCLES

HB 7789 is a definitional bill that clarifies vehicle classifications in Rhode Island law, primarily affecting owners of antique vehicles, recreational vehicles, and new mobility devices. It defines terms like "antique motor car" (vehicles over 25 years old, restricted to exhibitions/limited use without full inspection), "camping recreational vehicle," and "electric personal assistive mobility device" (EPAMD, limited to 15 mph). The bill does not create new rules but standardizes existing terminology for registration, operation, and safety requirements. It directly impacts vehicle owners, registrants, and law enforcement by establishing clear categories for enforcement and compliance. As a procedural definitions bill, it has no operational changes beyond clarifying existing code provisions.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Jun 9, 2026
Floor votes · House Jun 8, 2026

How they voted

660
Passed · 8 other
Total votes 74
Jun 8, 2026
D Democratic63
55 Yea 8
87% Yea
I Independent1
1 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican10
10 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jun 9, 2026
Committee
06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
upper
Jun 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
06/08/2026 House passed Sub A
lower
Jun 4, 2026
Legislature · Passed
06/04/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
legislature
Mar 3, 2026
Committee
03/03/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Feb 12, 2026
Introduced
02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
lower
9 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors