Rhode Island Bills

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7265: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND SPECIAL DEPOSITS ACT

HB 7265 establishes the Rhode Island Special Deposits Act to govern specific types of bank deposits held for defined purposes. It creates a legal framework where a "special deposit" is established through a written agreement (account agreement) between a bank, a depositor, and potentially beneficiaries. The bill protects these deposits from creditor actions (like garnishment) until a specific event (contingency) occurs and the bank knows about it, ensuring funds are available for their intended purpose - such as escrow, security deposits, or benefit distributions - as outlined in the agreement. This applies to banks, depositors, and beneficiaries involved in such arrangements under Rhode Island law.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2209: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

Amends the composition of the Rhode Island school safety committee by adding an additional member who is a representative from the Rhode Island school Resource officer Association.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7376: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer and would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7371: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 7371 sets a statewide maximum limit of 12 children for family child care homes, overriding local zoning rules that might allow larger groups. This bill directly affects family child care providers operating out of residential homes across the state. The key provision establishes a uniform statewide standard, ensuring all such homes comply with this size limit regardless of local regulations. The bill aims to standardize child care capacity rules to enhance safety and consistency for families. It is currently pending a committee hearing as of February 2026.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7210: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- UNIFORM PARTITION OF HEIRS' PROPERTY ACT

HB 7210 adopts the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to streamline the division of family-owned real estate held in tenancy in common without clear ownership agreements. It directly affects property owners (cotenants) where 20% or more of interests are held by relatives or acquired through family inheritance. Key provisions require courts to determine if property qualifies as "heirs' property," order appraisals for fair market value, and allow cotenants to buy out others seeking a sale. The act replaces standard partition rules for qualifying properties and mandates specific notice procedures, applying to cases filed after January 1, 2027.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2414: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION FEES

SB 2414 allows disabled veteran license plates to be transferred to a veteran's spouse under two conditions: when the veteran can no longer operate a vehicle (with proof), or upon the veteran's death (until the spouse remarries). It also permits the direct issuance of these plates to an eligible veteran's spouse. The bill modifies existing rules to expand plate transfers and issuance, requiring documentation from the Veterans' Administration to verify eligibility. This affects disabled veterans and their spouses who qualify for the plate exemption under current disability criteria.

Topics ✓ Veterans

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2394: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- UNIFORM PARTITION OF HEIRS' PROPERTY ACT

SB 2394 adopts the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to streamline how courts handle division of family-owned real estate. It directly affects co-owners (cotenants) of "heirs' property" - real estate held jointly by relatives (e.g., 20%+ family members owning interests) - without clear ownership agreements. Key provisions require courts to determine property value via appraisal or agreement, allow cotenants to buy out others who want to sell, and mandate posting notices on the property. The law takes effect for new cases filed after January 1, 2027.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2418: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION FEES

SB 2418 expands eligibility for disabled veterans license plates to include veterans aged 75 or older with a 70% service-connected disability rating, in addition to existing criteria. It also maintains exemptions from vehicle registration fees for veterans deemed "individually unemployable" due to service-connected disabilities. The bill requires documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility and allows surviving spouses to retain the plates after a veteran's death. This change directly affects older veterans with moderate service-connected disabilities who previously did not qualify for the exemption. The policy modifies current registration fee rules for eligible veterans under Chapter 31-6 of the General Laws.

Topics ✓ Veterans

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2352: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act to ban the importation, sale, and distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater invasive plants within the state. The law requires the state director to create a specific list of prohibited species and issue detailed rules before the ban takes effect on January 1, 2027. Individuals who violate these restrictions by importing or selling these plants could face a fine of up to $500. The legislation aims to protect local ecosystems by preventing the introduction of foreign plant species that could disrupt native environments.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7416: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- GUARANTEED ADMISSION FOR EAGLE SCOUT AND GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS

HB 7416 would grant automatic admission to Rhode Island's public colleges and universities (URI, RIC, CCRI) for state residents who earned the Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), starting in Fall 2026. Applicants must meet basic application requirements but won't need to satisfy competitive academic thresholds. The law explicitly excludes specialized programs like nursing or engineering from automatic admission (requiring program-specific qualifications) and clarifies it doesn't guarantee financial aid or change residency rules.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2413: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer. The plate would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7066: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE GENERALLY -- LIMITATIONS ON POLICY CANCELLATIONS AND RENEWALS

Amends the regulations on the cancellation and renewal of liability and property damage insurance for automobiles, homeowners insurance, residential fire insurance and components thereof.

Bill results