Rhode Island Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8483: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

HB 8483 amends state laws to allow a specific Class BV alcohol retail license for a property at 1814 Broad Street in Cranston. The bill primarily updates existing rules regarding where new liquor licenses can be issued, particularly near schools and churches, and grants local licensing boards in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol the authority to exempt certain properties from these distance restrictions. By adding this specific location to the list of exempted areas, the legislation enables the sale of alcoholic beverages at that site despite its proximity to protected locations.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8488: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $41,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN

Authorizes the Town of Portsmouth to issue bonds and notes in amount not exceeding $41,000,000 to finance construction, additions, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities throughout the town.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8435: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

HB 8435 amends state laws to allow the issuance of a Class B alcohol retail license for a specific property at 102 Granite Street in Westerly. The bill modifies existing rules that typically prohibit new liquor licenses near schools, churches, or when neighboring landowners object, creating a specific exception for this location. By updating the General Laws, the legislation enables the local licensing authority to approve the sale of alcoholic beverages at this particular site despite potential proximity restrictions.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8437: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

HB 8437 changes how veterans receive tax relief in the city of Cranston by converting a property tax exemption into a tax credit. Under this new provision, eligible veterans and their unmarried widows or widowers will receive a credit of up to $182.90 per year instead of having $3,000 removed from their property value. This adjustment is designed to be updated every three years based on property revaluations and changes in the consumer price index. The bill directly affects military service members who served honorably in various conflicts and the surviving spouses of those who have passed away.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 3073: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGES OF REAL PROPERTY

This bill restricts mortgage prepayment penalty rules to loans on owner-occupied properties with one to four dwelling units. Under the new provisions, lenders must allow full prepayment after one year without penalty, and any prepayment fees during the first year cannot exceed two percent of the remaining balance. Alternatively, lenders may charge prepayment penalties if they clearly disclose the terms in writing, obtain borrower consent, and ensure no penalty applies after 60 months. The law also requires lenders offering penalty-based loans to also offer a product without penalties and clarifies that prepayment penalties are not considered interest.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 3115: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT

This bill amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to raise the threshold for declaring a vehicle a total loss from 80% to 85% of its actual cash value. The legislation also adds specific provisions requiring insurers to honor consumer requests to pay directly to chosen rental car companies, auto body shops, and restoration companies up to $5,000. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurers use complete, industry-recognized repair manuals and software systems when assessing vehicle damage and requires licensed appraisers for vehicles with damage exceeding $2,500. These changes directly affect insurance companies, policyholders, and repair facilities by establishing clearer standards for claims handling and vehicle repair processes.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8232: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE FORMATION OF A REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT EMBRACING THE TOWNS OF FOSTER AND GLOCESTER

This bill updates the schedule for the Foster-Glocester regional school district's annual financial meeting, moving the date to March 24, 2026, and establishing that future meetings will occur on the third Tuesday in March each year. The legislation directly affects residents of Foster and Gloucester who are eligible to vote at these financial town meetings, ensuring they can participate in district budget decisions. Key provisions include setting a specific time and location for the meeting and allowing special meetings to be called by vote of the regional school district committee. The act also clarifies that all voters qualified for the preceding financial meeting in both towns may attend and vote at the regional school district financial meeting.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 3166: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY

Provides that motor vehicle rental companies be entitled to establish non-liability for toll violations, administrative fees, registration penalties, and fines by providing a rental or lease agreement as prima facie evidence against a lessee.

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 3047: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DISTRICT COURT PRACTICE

This bill modifies the fees and procedures for appealing certain district court decisions to the superior court in civil cases. It requires parties filing an appeal to pay a $75 filing fee, a minimum $25 in costs, and a $50 attorney fee to the opposing party within two days of judgment for general civil cases, or within five days for landlord-tenant disputes. The changes also adjust how costs are calculated and when appeals must be submitted, with the new rules taking effect on January 1, 2027.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 7642: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DISTRICT COURT PRACTICE

HB 7642 modifies appeal fee requirements for district court decisions. It requires a $50 attorney fee plus a $75 filing fee (including processing and technology fees) for most civil appeals filed within two days. Landlord-tenant appeals have a five-day window with the same fee structure. This directly affects individuals or entities appealing district court judgments in civil cases, as they must now pay these specific fees to initiate an appeal. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 7866: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT

HB 7866 raises the threshold for declaring a vehicle a total loss from 80% to 85% of its value, directly affecting insurance companies and vehicle owners during claims processing. The bill amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to update this percentage standard, requiring insurers to consider a vehicle a total loss only when repair costs exceed 85% of its value. This change aims to provide clearer criteria for total loss determinations without altering other claim settlement practices. The bill was introduced to the House Corporations committee on February 27, 2026, and remains pending.

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 8104: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGES OF REAL PROPERTY

HB 8104 restricts mortgage prepayment penalty rules to loans secured by owner-occupied properties containing one to four dwelling units. Under the new provisions, lenders must allow borrowers to pay off these mortgages without penalty after the first year, while limiting early prepayment fees to two percent of the remaining balance. The bill also permits lenders to offer alternative loan products with different prepayment terms, provided they clearly disclose the costs, obtain borrower consent, and ensure no penalties apply after sixty months. Additionally, lenders offering these alternative products must also make available a standard mortgage option that complies with the stricter prepayment limitations.