Rhode Island Bills

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2177: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- DECORATIONS

Establishes the Rhode Island orange heart medal to formally recognize Rhode Island veterans whose service exposed them to toxic herbicides, burn pits, or other hazardous agents.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Bob Britto (D) Walter Felag (D) Matt LaMountain (D) Pete Appollonio (D) Hanna Gallo (D)

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2181: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Creates a program through which fire departments and fire districts are notified of locations of registrants of electric and hybrid motor vehicles can register their vehicles with their local fire department or fire district.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2178: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

Creates a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an "adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7229: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

This bill creates a special license plate for Real Access Motivates Progress, a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Vehicle owners who choose this plate pay a $40 initial fee (with $20 allocated to the charity annually) plus a $10 annual renewal fee, while standard registration rules apply. The charity must use all Rhode Island-sourced funds for local accessibility programs and submit annual financial reports. The special plate replaces standard registration plates and follows standard size requirements.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7242: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Exempts certain urban and small farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible and personal property taxes and income taxes. This act would also define urban and small farmers and urban farmland.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7071: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

HB 7071 would prohibit importing, transporting, selling, distributing, or possessing non-native invasive plant species in Rhode Island. It directly affects businesses and individuals handling these plants, including nurseries, landscapers, and residents. Violations could result in fines up to $500, with the state director defining which plants are prohibited. The law would take effect on January 1, 2027, pending final rulemaking.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2199: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRODUCER LICENSING ACT

SB 2199 clarifies that any change to an insurance producer's compensation is considered a "contract modification" under Rhode Island's Producer Licensing Act. This requires insurance companies to provide 180 days' written notice before altering payment terms for producers who place business with multiple insurers. The bill directly affects independent insurance producers working with multiple companies, ensuring they receive advance notice before compensation changes take effect. It also mandates continued policy renewals at prior rates during a 14-month transition period if a company cancels a producer's contract. The law takes effect upon passage.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2203: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GENETIC INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT

Requires a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, as defined, to provide a consumer with certain information regarding the company’s policies and procedures regarding use of genetic data.

Topics ✓ Technology

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2273: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 2273 sets a statewide maximum limit of 12 children for licensed family child care homes, overriding local zoning ordinances that previously imposed stricter lower limits. It directly affects family child care providers and municipalities by prohibiting cities/towns from restricting the number of children in these homes below 12. The bill explicitly states this does not change existing state licensing rules under Chapter 12.5 of Title 42, only addressing zoning restrictions. (Section 1(d) of SB 2273)

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7135: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Creates a program through which fire departments and fire districts are notified of locations of registrants of electric and hybrid motor vehicles can register their vehicles with their local fire department or fire district.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7308: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

Creates a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an "adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2185: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

SB 2185 creates a special license plate for vehicle owners to support the nonprofit charity Real Access Motivates Progress (a 501(c)(3) organization). The bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase this plate instead of standard registration. It authorizes the state to issue the plate with the charity's name, allowing owners to contribute to the nonprofit through their vehicle registration fees.

Bill results