Rhode Island Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3303: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill updates state zoning laws to give towns and cities clearer rules on how they can regulate parking and allow different types of housing. It specifically requires municipalities to integrate residential areas with commercial zones, allowing for mixed-use developments where people can live above shops. The legislation also permits the construction of attached single-family homes, such as townhouses, provided they have access to water and sewer services. Additionally, the bill mandates that larger cities with over 40,000 residents must allow residential development in at least 30% of their commercial districts. These changes aim to promote more flexible land use planning while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8524: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION--GENERAL PROVISIONS

This bill updates the definitions used in Rhode Island's workers' compensation system, specifically clarifying who counts as an "employee" and "employer" for legal purposes. It expands the workers' compensation court's authority to manage cases for state employees and airport workers starting in July 2025, allowing the court to decide on issues like disability status and suitable job offers. The legislation also refines how "earnings capacity" is calculated, establishing rules for when an injured worker is presumed to have regained their ability to earn money, such as after successfully working light duty for at least 13 weeks. Additionally, it clarifies that corporate officers who were previously employees generally remain covered under the act unless specific waiver procedures are followed.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3263: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

This bill expands the state crime victim compensation program to allow victims of stalking to receive financial assistance for relocation costs and home modifications. Under the new provisions, the state administrator may approve these specific expenses only for stalking cases, unless the victim was also harmed by another compensable offense like assault or murder. The legislation clarifies that stalking alone does not qualify victims for other types of compensation, such as medical bills or lost wages, which remain available only for more serious violent crimes. By adding stalking to the list of eligible offenses for these particular costs, the bill aims to provide targeted support for individuals forced to move or alter their living situations due to harassment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3301: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE -- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAFE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3334: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIFE SCIENCE HUB ACT

Amends the compositions of the Rhode Island life science hub board of directors and amends the I-195 redevelopment district commission and provides additional amendments to the powers and duties of the commission.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3326: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPAVING OF STREETS IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $3,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR, TO FUND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE TWO FISCAL YEARS 2028 AND 2029

SB 3326 authorizes the City of Pawtucket to issue up to $3,000,000 in bonds and notes to fund a street repaving project for fiscal years 2028 and 2029. The bill outlines how the city can sell these bonds, manage the resulting funds, and use the money specifically for repaving streets and covering related issuance costs. It also permits the city to issue temporary notes to cover expenses before the final bonds are sold and provides rules for investing any unspent funds. This legislation directly affects the city's financial operations and infrastructure maintenance plans without changing broader state laws.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8604: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

Provides the tax administration may prescribe regulations requiring returns of information to be made and filed on or before Feb 28 of each year consistent with applicable thresholds for information filings under the federal Internal Revenue Code.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3180: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE

Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3202: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Amends the refiling process for rules and regulations under the administrative procedures act by implementing a confirmation and attestation system to confirm agency rules and regulations are active and effective.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3212: AN ACT RELATING TO UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE -- SECURED TRANSACTIONS

Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8474: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- PERMANENT JOINT COMMITTEE ON NAMING ALL NEW BUILDINGS, BRIDGES, EDIFICES AND OTHER STATE CONSTRUCTIONS

This bill designates a specific bridge in Providence, Rhode Island, as the "George Nee Bridge." It directly affects the state's transportation infrastructure by officially naming the structure where U.S. Route 44 crosses over Interstate 95. The key provision requires that signs displaying the new name be installed using private funds, with their design and placement approved by the state Department of Transportation. Once passed, the act will take effect immediately to formalize this permanent name change.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3076: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY

Updates the state’s public accountancy act for consistency with the 9th edition of the Uniform Accountancy Act, as issued by NASBA and AICPA in July 2025.