Rhode Island Bills | MyRepTracker

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2704: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- ACQUISITION OF LAND

Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character.

Meghan Kallman (D) Mark McKenney (D) Alana DiMario (D) John Burke (D) Victoria Gu (D)

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2667: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM--RHODE ISLAND CHILD CARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT

SB 2667, the "Rhode Island Childcare Is Essential Act," would expand eligibility for Rhode Island's state childcare assistance program to align with federal standards. This change would directly affect low-income working families who currently may not qualify for state childcare subsidies under current rules. The key mechanism is adjusting the state's income and asset thresholds to match the federal benchmark, potentially allowing more families to access subsidized childcare. The bill aims to increase access to affordable childcare for working parents without adding new state costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SR 2676: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM

This bill proposes allocating $150,000 in funding to the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local businesses and community revitalization efforts across the state. The appropriation would provide financial resources to the program's existing initiatives aimed at strengthening main street areas and small businesses. The legislation is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee for review. No specific details about how the funds will be distributed or managed are included in the current text.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2722: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

SB 2722 creates a new legal claim (cause of action) for individuals to seek reimbursement from responsible parties for the replacement cost of a child restraint system (like a car seat) damaged in a motor vehicle accident. This directly affects parents, guardians, or caregivers who must replace such safety equipment after a crash. The key provision allows victims to file a civil lawsuit specifically to recover these replacement costs through the court system. The bill does not change accident liability rules but adds a specific financial remedy for a common post-crash expense related to child safety. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 7357: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SENSITIVE HEALTHCARE INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT

HB 7357 creates the "Reproductive Health and Gender-Affirming Healthcare Data Privacy Act" to protect sensitive health information in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents whose data relates to gender-affirming care or reproductive health, and the healthcare providers or businesses handling that data. The law requires explicit, opt-in consent for collecting such data, prohibits deceptive practices for obtaining consent, and defines protected data to include not only direct health information but also derived data (like location patterns or algorithmic inferences) tied to these services. It explicitly excludes publicly available or de-identified research data from coverage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2365: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

This bill amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to remove the age limit for modifying Social Security income, allowing residents of all ages to exclude these funds from their taxable income. The legislation also updates tax calculations to include new federal provisions, such as taxing forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans over $250,000 and adjusting how tuition savings program withdrawals are handled. By aligning state tax rules with recent federal changes, the bill ensures that residents pay state taxes on income that is no longer exempt under federal law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 7427: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- THE PRIMARY CARE PRESERVATION ACT

Prohibits health insurance companies or other payors from including in physician participation agreements any provisions that restrict or prevent a physician from charging patients reasonable administrative or operational fees to support overhead.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SR 3369: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING DATE AND AMENDING THE LANGUAGE OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS

Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study renewable energy programs from February 13, 2026, to January 31, 2027, and said commission would expire on February 27, 2027.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 3360: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF THE WARWICK CITY CHARTER TO ALLOW FOR ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCES THAT SUBJECT MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS TO CERTAIN CODIFIED CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TO THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL

This bill proposes changing the Warwick City Charter to give the city council a greater role in approving mayoral appointments to specific city boards and commissions. If voters approve the amendment in the 2026 election, the council would be able to pass rules requiring its consent for these appointments, with the exception of the Board of Public Safety. The bill does not change who currently holds these positions but alters the process by which future appointees are selected. Ultimately, the change requires a direct vote by Warwick residents to take effect.

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SR 3372: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND RECOGNIZING THE STUDENTS AND FACULTY OF THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE ANNUAL RHODE ISLAND CIVICS DAY AND CELEBRATING THEIR AWARD-WINNING ACHIEVEMENT

This Senate resolution congratulates students and faculty at Thompson Middle School for their participation in the 2026 Rhode Island Civics Day event. It specifically recognizes the school's first-year involvement in the program and celebrates a student team that won the Top Middle School Award for their community project. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the school's teacher and principal.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SR 3371: SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING THRIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND RECOGNIZING ITS ENDURING IMPACT ON THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF RHODE ISLANDERS

This Senate resolution honors Thrive Behavioral Health, Inc. on its 50th anniversary and recognizes its long-standing contributions to mental health care in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the organization's growth from its founding as the Kent County Mental Health Center to its current role as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides comprehensive, affordable services. It highlights Thrive's holistic approach, which combines clinical treatment with support for housing and employment to help individuals achieve stability. The resolution expresses gratitude for the organization's work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's president and CEO.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 3182: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FORESTRY AND FOREST PARITY ACT

Establishes sales and use tax exemptions for commercial forest product operations and creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles".

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes