Legislation updates since 2023-03-11

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• Senate Bill #1: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PEER-TO-PEER CAR SHARING PROGRAM
  Provides that peer-to-peer car sharing, peer-to-peer car sharing programs, and peer-to-peer car sharing program agreements are not considered rental vehicles.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #3: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- VIDEO LOTTERY GAMES, TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING
  Amends the definitions of "collegiate sports or athletic event" and "sporting event" within the chapter on "video lottery games, table games and sports wagering".
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-23: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #20: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT
  Adds a section which allows substitute teachers and post-retirement employees to exceed the ninety (90) day cap on post-retirement employment if certain conditions are met.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrence
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: House passed Sub A in concurrence
  • 2023-03-21: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2023-03-22: Signed by Governor
• Senate Bill #23: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
  Guarantees availability of coverage to eligible residents of state and does not limit or exclude coverage by imposing a preexisting condition exclusion.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #26: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HARM REDUCTION CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PILOT PROGRAM
  Extends the expiration date of the Harm Reduction Center Advisory Committee and Pilot Program by two years, from March 1, 2024, to March 1, 2026.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #28: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Increases the rate of reimbursement for in-network behavioral health care services below the medial commercial reimbursement rate and also Rhode Island Medicaid shall increase the rate of reimbursement.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #29: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF TIVERTON
  Validates and ratifies amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of Tiverton, adopted and approved on November 8, 2022.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
  • 2023-03-22: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #30: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Defines light duty, non-emergency, emergency and zero-emission vehicles and requires the state to convert its fleet of vehicles to no less than fifty percent (50%) of vehicles in those categories by the year 2031.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
• Senate Bill #39: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES
  Allows manufacturer-wineries to sell up to three (3) drinks of wine for on-site consumption or three (3) bottles of wine for off-site consumption or three (3) bottles of wine for off-site consumption.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #56: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- TAX RELIEF IN THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN
  Provides a tax abatement of up to $2,000 to Jamestown firefighters based upon years of service, quantity of calls responded to and number of training hours and is transferrable to a surviving spouse until remarriage or death.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #72: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION
  Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #93: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATE AID
  Provides PILOT to Exeter for state owned properties. Imposes no duty on Exeter to protect these properties. Requires payments to be used to create a police department or defray town expenses used to provide police protection.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
• Senate Bill #97: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT
  Requires department of health to establish an informal dispute resolution to address any changes to department of health violations.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #100: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- REGISTRATION OF NURSING ASSISTANTS
  Establishes home care nursing assistants licensed by the department of health to work exclusively in home care.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #102: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE -- PROMPT PROCESSING OF INSURANCE CLAIMS
  Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #110: AN ACT RELATING TO VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF BURRILLVILLE
  Amends the Burrillville Town Charter.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
  • 2023-03-22: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #114: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HISTORICAL AREA ZONING
  Allows the town of Bristol to appoint a second auxiliary member to its historical district commission.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
  • 2023-03-22: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #121: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- ADOPTION OF CHILDREN
  Creates a new section which provides a streamlined adoption process for children born through assisted reproduction and who need adoption to confirm, not establish, their legal parentage to protect them against discrimination in all jurisdictions.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #128: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS IN DISTRICT COURTS
  Establishes presumption for non-monetary bail for pretrial release of detainees. Provides that pretrial services unit prepare pre-arraignment report which may include an assessment utilizing a risk assessment tool to assist the court in establishing bail.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #130: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- ELECTIVE MEETINGS
  Mandates that on each primary for election of national convention delegates and elections for presidential preference primaries, that all public elementary and secondary schools be closed.
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
  • 2023-03-17: Referred to House State Government & Elections
• Senate Bill #132: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS
  Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #151: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF CORONA CORP.
  
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #165: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP
  Provides that a condo unit owners policy would be the primary insurance policy with respect to any loss covered by the association’s policy but not payable under the association’s policy because of the application of the deductible.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #171: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES
  Requires businesses that offer automatic subscription renewals/continuous service offers to provide consumers with notice to the consumer prior to their engagement in the contract along with notice of renewal of subscription/cancellation info. eff. 1/1/24
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #176: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- CONSUMER CREDIT HISTORY EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION ACT -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
  Prohibits employers from seeking/using credit reports in making hiring decisions concerning prospective employees, asking questions about the applicant's financial past during interviews or including credit history questions in their job applications.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #177: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE TWO (2) MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE ACT
  Mandates 20 students per classroom for kindergarten through second grade. Exceptions for emergencies and temporary situations, not to exceed 3 days and mid-year enrollments.
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
  • 2023-03-17: Referred to House Education
• Senate Bill #198: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- AQUACULTURE
  Requires all aquaculture leases in Sakonnet river area to be located at least one thousand feet (1,000') from the median high tide/tide line. Existing oyster farms would be exempt and this restriction would expire on July 1, 2025.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #220: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATE AID
  Secures general assembly appropriations in lieu of property taxes for state-owned properties within the town of Exeter.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
• Senate Bill #239: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Authorizes the town of Cumberland to exempt or stabilizes tax payments for real/personal property related to environmental remediation, historic preservation, affordable housing, manufacturing, commercial, residential, or mixed-use purposes.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage in concurrence
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: House passed in concurrence
  • 2023-03-21: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2023-03-22: Signed by Governor
• Senate Bill #240: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the town of East Providence to adopt a new tax rate applicable to Class 2 property that shall not exceed by two hundred percent (200%) the rate applicable to Class 1 property.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #241: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Authorizes the Woonsocket city council to increase the period of exemption or stabilization of taxes on qualifying property located in designated districts in the city from ten (10) years to twenty (20) years.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-22: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #286: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- NONPROFIT DENTAL SERVICE CORPORATIONS
  Requires carriers offering dental benefit plans to annually submit information which includes the current and projected medical loss ratio for claims for their plans. The medical loss ratio would be eighty-five percent (85%).
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #287: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Requires insurance coverage for at minimum ninety (90) days of residential or inpatient services for mental health and/or substance use disorders for American Society of Addiction Medicine levels of care 3.1 and 3.3.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #290: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004 -- HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT
  Requires a workgroup of health care providers and health insurers convened by the office of the health commissioner, to make recommendations regarding prior authorization policies.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #302: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- ABANDONMENT BY TOWNS
  Allows town of Narragansett to sell highway or driftway to abutting owner at fair market value.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
• Senate Bill #313: AN ACT RELATING TO HARRISVILLE FIRE DISTRICT
  Amends the Harrisville fire district charter to allow the district to provide rescue services in addition to fire suppression, medical and ambulance services.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #314: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF NORTH KINGSTOWN
  Validates and ratify amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of North Kingstown, which amendments were adopted and approved by the electors of the town of North Kingstown on November 8, 2022.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
  • 2023-03-22: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #336: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT
  Makes threats of mass violence and false reports of threats to educational, religious, social institutions or civic or fraternal associations a misdemeanor.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #358: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE-- COURTS -- DOMESTIC ASSAULT
  Provides the office of attorney general with the authority to prosecute any violation of a protective order.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #370: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION
  Provides for tiered and reduced penalties for the offenses of larceny, and shoplifting, classifies certain shoplifting offenses as petty misdemeanors and repeals habitual offender provisions.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #372: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - SEXUAL ASSAULT
  Establishes criteria for the criminal offense of sexual assault when the victim is in the custody of a peace officer/provides that a person convicted of custodial sexual assault would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #373: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Directs the department of corrections to collect information from individuals entering its custody: sex, race, nativity (country of origin), religion, and level of education.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #374: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- HOMICIDE
  Abolishes penalty of life without parole and amends/repeals all sections of general laws regulating prisoners serving a sentence of life without parole. It would have prospective and retroactive effect for any offense committed after January 1, 1991.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-17: Meeting postponed (03/21/2023)
• Senate Bill #375: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE
  Provides for release of misdemeanor arrestees without financial conditions, except for domestic violence or flight risk or obstruct of justice risk.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #376: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS--CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE
  Provides that prisoners who committed offenses prior to age 18 and sentenced as adults would be eligible for parole after completing 15 yrs of their sentence/does not lengthen their eligibility should prisoner be eligible for parole earlier than 15 yrs.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #381: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Provides immunity from liability for school employees whose position involves work with students for accidental injury or damage. Provides compensation for certain injuries received by school employees whose position involves work with students.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #387: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS IN DISTRICT COURTS
  Provides judges the discretion to make the time period of a filing under § 12-10-12, but in no event longer than the maximum jail sentence allowed by law.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #388: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- FAMILY COURT
  Only protective orders issued against adults are to be transmitted to A.G.'s B.C.I. for inclusion in the R.O.N.C.O. system. Protective orders against juveniles will be accessible to law enforcement.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #389: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
  Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies 20 years after sentence completed.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #393: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING
  Adds a rebuttable defense if any person shall die or sustain a personal injury while committing robbery of the owner, lessor, or occupant of a motor vehicle and that the owner or occupant of the vehicle acted in self-defense.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #398: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION
  Allows for the extension of child support obligations for non-custodial parents beyond emancipation if the children are attending a two or four year college and still live with the custodial parent until such children reach the age of 21.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #399: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS FINES COLLECTED
  Prohibits the state, municipalities, or courts from attempting to collect any motor vehicle violation fines or costs, after more than seven (7) years of the fine becoming final.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #400: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING
  Provides a rebuttable defense if any person shall die or sustain a personal injury while committing any violent criminal offense that individual is lawfully in a place they have a right to be, and acted in self-defense and reasonable belief of harm.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #402: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
  Grants immunity to commercial sexual activity persons if they are victims/witnesses of crime.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #404: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT
  Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #405: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION
  Requires courts to consider parental status of defendant at time of sentencing/unless parent poses a significant risk to community that outweighs harm of parent’s absence from child’s life, it shall impose sentence that does not include imprisonment.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #406: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #408: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Prohibits contracts with private, for-profit prison facilities or with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the purposes of housing and detaining people.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #410: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY CORPORATIONS
  Repeals the municipal detention facility corporations and prohibits the operation of private detention facilities and private public partnerships within the state. Those currently in operation may continue to do so until December 31, 2030.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #411: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION
  Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #432: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND SECURITY INTERESTS
  Allows on and after September 1, 2023, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms to include transfer-on-death language.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #434: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
  Provides that only facilities located within the state be eligible for permits to operate as official inspection stations for the inspection of vehicles.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #435: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES -- HAPPY HOUR
  Allows happy hour drink specials served in conjunction with the purchase of a food item, which would include appetizers or entrees prepared on premises.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #442: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND
  Names the Newport campus of the community college of Rhode Island the M. Teresa Paiva Weed campus.
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #462: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LYNN A. DELGADO
  
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #464: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- MUSICAL AND THEATRICAL PRODUCTION TAX CREDITS
  Add a "national touring production" to the productions that are considered an "accredited theater production" for purposes of musical and theatrical production tax credits and extends the sunset of the credits to July 1 2027.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #472: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GROCERY STORES
  Creates a new chapter related to grocery stores, specifically limiting the number of self-service checkout units.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #475: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSURANCE RATES
  Prohibits the consideration of an applicant's credit history in determining automobile insurance rates.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #477: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- CONSUMER CREDIT HISTORY EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION ACT -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
  Provides state employee public safety professionals with parity to municipal public safety employees in the state/municipal retirement systems effective July 1, 2023 with 10% contribution.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #502: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY
  Allows the department of environmental management to remove freshwater non-native and invasive aquatic plants and assist municipalities in preventing the growth and spread of these and other invasive species in the freshwater lakes and ponds.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #503: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TRANSFORMATION PLANNING
  Creates the "department of energy transformation planning" chapter within the division of public utilities to implement long-term distribution system planning.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #504: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RENEWABLE READY PROGRAM
  Establishes the renewable ready program which is designed to promote responsible siting and development of renewable energy on certain enumerated sites such as formerly contaminated sites. Projects would be funded through the infrastructure bank.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #506: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #510: AN ACT AMENDING CHAPTERS 106 AND 107 OF THE LOCAL ACTS OF 2021 BOTH ENTITLED “AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND FINANCING IN THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $5,760,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES IN THE CITY”
  Clarifies that premium received on the sale of bonds or notes shall be used for project costs.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
• Senate Bill #511: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Prohibits state agency contract for licensing of software applications designed for generally available desktop/server hardware cannot limit agency choice to install/run software o its hardware.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
• Senate Bill #533: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of PACE Organization of Rhode Island, provided that the organization is qualified as a tax-exempt corporation pursuant to 26 USC 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #555: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Transfers the tax exemption classification to a surviving spouse until remarriage or death.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #571: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Increases the personal needs allowances of nursing facility residents from fifty dollars ($50.00) to one hundred dollars ($100) per month.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #576: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Proposed Substitute
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended indefinite postponement
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended Substitute A be held for further study
• Senate Bill #578: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT
  Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #579: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ACT
  Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #583: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES
  Provides all Medicare recipients over sixty-five (65) years of age applying for Medicare supplement plan guaranteed issue rights regardless of medical or health or receipt of health care by the applicant.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #600: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Mandate that the clerk of the district court automatically also seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #602: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT
  Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #604: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - COURTS -- ABUSIVE LITIGATION
  Prohibits abusive litigation context of domestic violence or stalking and allow the court to dismiss a case upon finding, by preponderance of the evidence, that the person who filed the case is abusing the system.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #606: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
  Requires automatic expungement of records and records of conviction, if the conviction was for a non-violent misdemeanor, five (5) years after completion of the sentence.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #609: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #612: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MECHANICS' LIENS
  Provides the arbitrator in mechanics' lien actions submitted to arbitration the authority to make certain findings of fact regarding procedure compliance and amounts owed which findings would be binding in the mechanics' lien action.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #617: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SOLITARY CONFINEMENT REFORM ACT
  Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #620: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE TO IMPROVE THE LONG-TERM OUTCOMES AND REDUCE RECIDIVISM OF FEMALES WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE POPULATION
  Creates a 19 member task force whose purpose it would be to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism of females in the criminal justice system, and who would report back by February 5, 2024, and expire on April 5, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #621: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST
  Prohibits the civil arrest of any person who is attending court either on behalf of themselves or a family or household member. Any person who violates this act shall be subject to civil suit and for contempt of court.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #622: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE FROM THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DHS) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (DOC) ON CURRENT AND POTENTIAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR TRANSITIONING FEMALES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH PRE- AND POST-RELEASE
  
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #630: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DNA DETECTION OF SEXUAL AND VIOLENT OFFENDERS
  Requires the state crime laboratory to conduct an audit of DNA samples in the DNA databank to ascertain the rate of compliance with DNA recording requirements.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #631: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SOCIAL HOST REGULATIONS
  Creates a social host statutory framework to address the presence and consumption of controlled substances, including marijuana as it relates to minors, at social parties, gatherings and events.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #632: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- THIRD-PARTY LITIGATION FINANCING CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
  Comprehensively regulates the practices of third-party litigation financers in Rhode Island to provide transparency in litigation.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #633: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- JUDGMENTS, ORDERS, AND DECREES -- INTEREST IN CIVIL ACTIONS
  Provides that pre- and post-judgment interest on civil actions begin on the date of the filing of the civil action and be calculated based upon a rate equal to the coupon issue yield equivalent.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Resolution #634: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORMS ON BLACK RHODE ISLANDERS AND THE STATE
  Creates an eleven (11) member commission to study the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms on Black Rhode Islanders and the State, and would report back by February 5, 2024, and expire on April 5, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #635: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Increases the maximum amount maintained in a prisoners account from one thousand dollars ($1,000) to two thousand dollars ($2,000), with said funds to be turned over to the prisoner at the time of their release from incarceration.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #646: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS--CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PRIVATELY OWNED AND OPERATED DETENTION FACILITIES
  Prohibits the operation of privately run detention facilities. Those currently in operation may continue to do so until January 1, 2031.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #650: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- POLICE OFFICERS - COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING
  Requires police training on recognizing the possible existence of mental health disorders and substance use disorders and requires certified crisis intervention team training for all officers.
  • 2023-03-13: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• Senate Bill #653: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE
  Requires the clerk of the court to return any bail money posted to the defendant or the person who provided the bail money at the time of judgment of the case and that the money shall not be used to pay costs, fines or restitution or any other assessment.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #668: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES
  Prohibits manufacturers of alcoholic beverages from holding or having any interest in a wholesaler license.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #669: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Allows Providence board of licenses to grant an exemptions relating to issuance of a Class BL or Class BV alcoholic beverage retail licenses for 566 Plainfield Street & 777 Elmwood Avenue.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #672: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Authorizes DMV to issue one year renewal registrations for vehicles leased for thirty-six months and enables DMV to refund, to a registrant of leased vehicle, who cancels registration that portion of registration fee paid that represents 6 months of fee.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #675: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Allows holders of a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either a retail or wholesale establishment in the State of Rhode Island.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #677: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF GINA MARIE BACON
  
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #678: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE CELEBRATION OF SAINT PATRICK'S DAY AND RECOGNIZING THE CULTURAL AND HISTORIC LINKS BETWEEN IRELAND AND RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-16: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #679: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE CELEBRATION OF ST. JOSEPH'S DAY
  
  • 2023-03-16: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #680: SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MARCH 14, 2023, AS "BLACK MIDWIVES DAY" TO SHED LIGHT ON THE HISTORY, POLITICS, CULTURE, AND IDENTITY OF BLACK MIDWIFERY IN THE CONTEXT OF A NATIONAL CONVERSATION ABOUT MATERNAL HEALTH, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MIDWIFERY CARE AS AN ESSENTIAL STRATEGY IN REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY AMONG BLACK BIRTHING PEOPLE
  
  • 2023-03-16: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #681: SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING SENATOR DENNIS L. ALGIERE FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-16: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #682: SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING SENATOR MICHAEL J. MCCAFFREY FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-16: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #683: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Extends the moratorium on penalties related to COVID-19 modifications to food business or food service establishments to February 15, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-23: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #684: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIES -- NET METERING
  Defines core forest and preferred sites and provides that any net metering resource owned or operated by a renewable energy developer be treated as an eligible net metering system provided it is not in a core forest.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #685: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Further delineates the definitions of felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-22: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #686: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THREATS AND EXTORTION
  Establishes the criminal offense of menacing as a misdemeanor and punishable by a year in person or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #687: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- BENEFIT DETERMINATION AND UTILIZATION REVIEW ACT
  Prohibits health benefit plans reviewing prescriptions for opioid addiction treatment.
  • 2023-03-20: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2023-03-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #688: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH OF 2023, AS "NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-20: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #689: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH 25, 2023, AS THE 202ND ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES
  
  • 2023-03-21: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #690: SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING MARCH OF 2023 AS “NATIONAL READING MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-21: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #691: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH 2, 2023, TO BE "NATIONAL HOSPITALIST DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-21: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #692: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL J. SEPE
  
  • 2023-03-21: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-21: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #693: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BETTY JANE PERCIVAL
  
  • 2023-03-22: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #694: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF GAIL BREENE-DELMONICO
  
  • 2023-03-22: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #695: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ARTHUR F. TRAHAN, SR.
  
  • 2023-03-22: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #696: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- POWERS AND OPERATIONS
  Amends outdated provisions of the banking statutes and the home loan protection act, add consumer protections, including minimum capital requirements and limits on investments.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #697: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRODUCER LICENSING ACT (Amends provisions re insurance producer appointments and clarifies language re insurance claims adjusters.
  
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #698: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS AND ESTHETICIANS
  Allows hairdressers to have apprentices. After a two (2) year apprenticeship, the apprentice would be eligible to apply for a hairdresser license pursuant to § 5-10-8.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #699: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION SERVICES TO VERY YOUNG CHILDREN
  Amends applicability and operational requirements of the chapter on Education Services to Very Young Children.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #700: AN ACT RELATING TO INCORPORATING THE RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
  Reduces the number of commissioners on the board of commissioners to no less than fifteen and would add a d/b/a Serve RI designation after commissions name.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #701: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - PUPIL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES
  "Pupil Transportation Vehicle" to be and constructed to seat not more than ten (10) passengers including the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight (8) passengers.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #702: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT COMPUTER DEVICE PRIVACY
  Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #703: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Provides amendments to multiple sections of law related to the marine fisheries council.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #704: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Amends the revenue decoupling reconciliation mechanism used by a gas distribution company for the purposes of revenue decoupling to not require that distribution be determined on a revenue-per-customer basis.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #705: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Amends the reimbursements to cities, towns and fire districts from state revenues for lost tax revenue due to any phase-out or reduction of the motor vehicle excise tax.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #706: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY
  Provides that occupants of state-owned group homes be given the right of first refusal to purchase the property subject to their lease.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #707: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE AND OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX
  Provides that the sale of cannabis be exempt from taxation under chapter 20 of title 44 relating to taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #708: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Provides for certain farm, forest or open space property to be withdrawn from classification for renewable energy production.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #709: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Provides that the maximum aggregate amounts for small purchases within the chapter on state purchases be adjusted to not exceed $25,000 for construction and $10,000 for all other purchases.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #710: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Includes the national guard in the definition of who is eligible for veterans' exemptions.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #711: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- REBUILD RHODE ISLAND TAX CREDIT
  Provides that prevailing wage requirements for rebuild Rhode Island and historic preservation tax credits do not apply to project applications submitted prior to January 1, 2023.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #712: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR FUEL TAX
  Provides that seventy-nine percent (79%) of one cent ($0.0079) of the gas tax be directly transferred to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority for the Elderly/Disabled Transportation Program.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #713: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION
  Streamlines tax incentive reporting by eliminating certain division of taxation reporting requirements and using alternative methods of reporting such as the tax division website.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #714: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
  Allows state employees the ability to make an after tax contribution to a qualified Roth contribution program as a part of a deferred compensation plan.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #715: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
  Makes statutory amendments throughout several sections of the general laws relating to the department of revenue changing the references of "collection unit" to "central collections unit."
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #716: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Eliminates the "until June 30, 2023" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #717: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE FOR WORKING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
  Removes requirement that an individual’s net accountable income does not exceed two hundred fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level and does not subject an eligible recipient to individual or family resource limits.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #718: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
  Provides that no employee or agent of the department of health participate in any healthcare facility inspection if the employee or agent has, in the past two (2) years, had an ownership or employment or consultant interest in the facility.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #719: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- MENTAL HEALTH LAW
  Amends provisions of law relative to the disclosure of confidential healthcare information and records and the disclosure thereof occurring through electronic means.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #720: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CITIZENS' COMMISSION FOR THE SAFETY AND CARE OF THE ELDERLY
  Amends several sections of law relating to safety and care for the elderly.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #721: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINERS
  Provides DOH multidisciplinary team review of drug overdose deaths may gather info of deaths from family willing to do so to help identify prevention/intervention strategies.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #722: AN ACT RELATING TO STATUTES AND STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Replaces terms "mentally retarded"/"retarded" or "alcoholic"/"drug abuser" used in general laws with "intellectual and/or developmental disability" or "person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability" or "person with substance use disorder."
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #723: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- MENTAL HEALTH LAW
  Includes licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), certified in psychiatric/mental health, as qualified to certify the need for mental health treatment in certain patients.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #724: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PFAS IN DRINKING WATER, GROUNDWATER, AND SURFACE WATER
  Provides that water supply systems that have PFAS contaminants that exceed the interim drinking water standard be required to enter into a consent agreement with department of health to implement treatment to reduce the levels of PFAS contaminants.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #725: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
  Establishes a safe and reasonable regulatory framework for companies and drivers providing non-emergency medical transportation services to a population of vulnerable passengers through coordination with the state's health and human service agencies.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #726: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Limits the copayment or coinsurance requirement on specialty drugs to one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for a thirty (30)-day supply.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #727: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Provides additional earned time for good behavior or program participation or completion for prisoners not serving a life sentence.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #728: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH CARE ADVOCATE
  Permits the health care advocate to receive confidential health care information with individual patient information but would prohibit the disclosure of the information, except pursuant to judicial process.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #729: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION
  Establishes an escrow account for tenants to deposit their rent whenever the leased property is not compliant with the lead hazard risk reduction provisions in state law.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #730: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CHILD SUPPORT INTERCEPT ACT
  Expands child support interception of insurance payments to include life insurance proceeds payable to non-custodial parents who are the beneficiaries of the policy.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #731: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- ABANDONMENT BY TOWNS
  Provides that road abandonments by municipalities be properly recorded in land evidence records.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #732: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- COUNTY GRAND JURIES
  Permits grand juries to issue reports and provides for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #733: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
  Amends the period for declarations of candidacy and changes the date of primary election.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #734: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDIT
  Provides that the chief of the office of internal audit, when carrying out official duties, shall have access to certain records relating to the purchase of services from vendors or contractors by public bodies.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #735: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY
  Extends the time for payment of toll violations from fourteen (14) days to thirty (30) days from the issuance of the violation.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #736: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS
  Includes the offense of second-degree sexual assault among the offenses to which there shall be no statute of limitations and provides for a ten (10) year statute of limitations for third-degree sexual assault.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #737: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS
  Provides for a single, increased range of penalties for all driving offenses which result in serious bodily injury or death.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #738: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Provides that Schedules I through V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act consist of drugs and other substances, by whatever official name, common or usual name, chemical name or name designated by the director of the department of health.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #739: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION
  Allows for a property owner who fails to comply with lead hazard mitigation provisions to be subject to damages and reasonable attorneys' fees.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #740: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- FORT ADAMS FOUNDATION
  Amends the composition of the Fort Adams foundation to include a representative from the division of parks and recreation in place of a member of the public.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #741: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Allows members of the state police to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for training.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #742: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS
  Designates a liaison position within the secretary of state's office to formulate communication between the department of state and the board of elections and adds accessible voting devices to the equipment maintained by secretary of state.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #743: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- PUBLIC UTILITIES
  Expands the crime of false reporting to include shootings or other dangerous events.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #744: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #745: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Prohibits sale of cosmetics that are developed or manufactured using animal testing.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #746: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRADE IN ANIMAL FUR PRODUCTS ACT
  Prohibits the sale/offer of sale/trade/distribution of fur products. Makes 3 violations of this chapter civil infractions punishable by civil penalty and the 4th violation a misdemeanor punishable by fine up to $500 or imprisonment for 30 days or both.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #747: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Amends the contents of what is to be displayed on a motor vehicle registration plate.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #748: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Provides free admission to any state owned recreational facility for Gold Star families with exceptions for docking slips.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #749: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE
  Provides that the fifth day in April in each year be designated as "Rhode Island Gold Star Spouses Day" with appropriate exercises in public places and with flags flown at half-staff over the state house.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #750: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Amends the registration requirements of street rods and custom vehicles.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #751: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES -- DRIVER PRIVILEGE CARDS AND PERMITS
  Reduces the fee for an original driver privilege card from fifty dollars ($50.00) to twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #752: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- ORGANIZATION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  Requires the secretary of state to maintain and provide to the public, an online directory of government officials and a limited number of printed government directories and eliminate the legislative manual used by the secretary of state.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #753: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT RECYCLING ACT OF 2023
  Establishes a system for the recycling of beverage containers working with the department of environmental management.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #754: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND DATA TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT
  Provides data privacy protections for the personal identifiable information of Rhode Islanders.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #755: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING
  Prohibits auto insurance companies from using certain race and geographical locations criteria when determining insurance rates.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #756: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - LAND SURVEYORS
  Grants a right of entry for professional land surveyors to enter upon or cross any lands, air space or water resources necessary to perform surveying services except public utility and/or wastewater treatment facilities upon prior notice.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #757: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY COUNCIL
  Amends the composition of the small business advocacy council to permanently provide for the vacancy of three unappointed seats.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #758: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS AND ESTHETICIANS
  Decreases the number of hours needed for the issuance of a license for hairdresser and cosmetician licensing from 1,200 hours to 1,000 hours.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #759: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GIFT CARD FRAUD
  Requires sellers of gift cards to post notice warning of scams/instructing consumers what to do as victims/train employees to identify/respond to fraud/violations punishable by a civil fine of $500.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #760: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- CONSUMER ENFORCEMENT OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE WARRANTIES
  Enhances the rights of consumers by adding the requirement that the vendor or manufacturer maintain records of any reported defects or repairs of a device, making it easier for a consumer to enforce their rights under the law.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #761: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE PAUL W. CROWLEY RHODE ISLAND INVESTMENT INITIATIVE
  Commencing in fiscal year 2023 that reconstitution and control of a school or district by the department of elementary and secondary education would not exceed 2 years except for a possible 6 month extension when substantial progress is achieved.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #762: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Amends the local share of education funding to be paid to charter public schools based on a comparison of performance data between the specific school from which the student is coming and the specific charter school that will be receiving the student.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #763: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires the departments of elementary and secondary education and health to adopt policies/ rules/regulations for the administration of seizure rescue medications for children who have been medically identified as having epilepsy/seizure disorder.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #764: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires all public schools to screen students for behavioral health concerns by June 30, 2024, and thereafter, all students in the third grade, eighth grade, and students who enroll from a district outside of the state.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #765: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS
  Requires all educator preparation programs to include lessons on cultural competency and how teachers shall meet the instructional needs of multilingual learners.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #766: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
  Prohibits colleges and universities from withholding a student’s transcript due to the student failing to pay any expenses owed to the college or university but permits the withholding of a student’s academic credits and grades or diploma or degree.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #767: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT
  Requires every school district/local education agency/city/town to report each fiscal year relating to funding/ administrative/program information from the American Rescue plan, elementary/secondary school emergency relief, and state/local recovery funds.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #768: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
  Requires that each child under the supervision of DCYF be provided a team of educational advocates which would be required to attend meetings on a regular basis to ensure the child’s educational planning, progress and success.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #769: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Creates a natural gas study and delineates the elements required for the natural gas test.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #770: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT
  Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #771: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LABOR STANDARDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
  Amends the definition of "covered project" having a total nameplate capacity of three megawatts (3 MW) down to one megawatt (1 MW).
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #772: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
  Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities. It also creates a non-binding advisory committee to replace CRMC.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #773: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
  Requires that procurement of certain services by quasi-public corporations be approved by the board of directors or a competitive bidding process.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #774: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $738,088 TO RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE
  This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $738,088 to Rhode Island College to fund Rhode Island College HSI status and student supports.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #775: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,500,000 TO THE HAUS OF CODEC
  Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $2,500,000 to the Haus of Codec to support unhoused members of the LGBTQ+ community through transitional housing, workforce training, mental health support, and daily nutrition.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #776: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Enables the city of East Providence to offer tax amnesty for two (2) separate sixty (60) day periods for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for waiver of interest and penalties on overdue tangible tax payments and motor vehicle tax payments.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #777: SENATE RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE LIFE OF AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO ANALYZE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING TAX EXEMPT PROPERTIES IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  This resolution reinstates the life and extends the reporting and expiration dates of the Commission to analyze and make recommendations regarding tax exempt properties, from April 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, and would expire on August 31, 2023.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #778: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND WOMEN'S EQUITY INCENTIVE ACT OF 2023
  Creates the Rhode Island Women’s Equity Incentive Act of 2023 offering tax credits up to $3,500 per employee per year to eligible businesses.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #779: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- CORE STATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES SYSTEMS
  Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #780: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES' HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY INCENTIVE GRANT
  Improves educational attainment related outcomes for current former foster youth at the post-secondary level from 14 yrs. to 21 years up to 26 years of age under certain circumstances from funds appropriated by the general assembly.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #781: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT
  Adjusts the state's monthly share of Supplemental Security Income to equal the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit in January of that calendar year.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #782: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  Appropriates two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000) for home and community based providers of health and human services to provide a ten percent (10%) rate increase to providers.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #783: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #784: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- QUALITY SELF-DIRECTED SERVICES
  Increases the hourly compensation for "individual providers" from no less than sixteen dollars ($16.00) on April 1, 2023, and gradually increase several times until June 30, 2024, when it would be nineteen dollars ($19.00) and continuing.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #785: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR FUEL TAX
  Creates a restricted receipt account wherein fifteen percent (15%) of revenue collected from the gasoline tax shall be deposited into the account each year and used for the implementation of capital improvements on local public ways in each municipality.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #786: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Establishes ongoing two percent (2%) regionalization bonus to Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #787: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows Bristol to adopt tax classification plan for tax relief for taxes assessed on 12/31/23 and any tax year thereafter.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #788: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX
  Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $800,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #789: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #790: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Requires private insurers to reimburse child care service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Childcare Services. This coverage would be effective January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #791: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  Authorizes the secretary of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to develop a sliding scale decrease in benefits as a beneficiary’s income increases up to two hundred fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #792: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- CERTIFICATION OF CHILDCARE AND YOUTH-SERVING WORKERS AND OPERATORS
  Repeals the provision that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their background checks.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #793: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Replaces 2016 opioids guidelines with the 2022 opioid guidelines. Exempts medical professionals from criminal and civil liability or disciplinary action for prescribing medically appropriate opioids.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #794: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT
  Allows ALFs to provide medical/skilled nursing care services to residents in assisted living setting, as their care needs change, rather than requiring transition to a skilled nursing facility when full-time skilled services are required for the resident.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Resolution #795: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO WRITE AN OLMSTEAD PLAN FOR RHODE ISLAND
  Creates a twenty-eight (28) member special legislative commission whose purpose it is to write an Olmstead Plan for RI, and who reports back to the General Assembly no later than January 3, 2024, and whose life expires on July 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #796: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CONTRACT WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
  Amends the current law so that a health insurer would not require a physician, to participate in "capitation," or any other "alternative payment model" that creates a financial incentive for a physician to limit medically necessary care.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #797: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES
  Provides special enrollment period for Medicare Part B. Prohibits carriers from imposing conditions on enrollees or discriminate on price based upon health status, claims experience or preexisting conditions. Sunsets on December 31, 2025.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #798: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Increases eligibility for the three (3) federal Medicare Savings Programs and eliminates the asset test for these programs.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #799: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #800: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Establishes transit-oriented housing development program to create a transit-oriented development district for development of housing funded by an annual tax on passenger vehicles registered in this state.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #801: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDNANCES
  Amends the zoning enabling statute to provide for the allowance of redeveloping more minimum housing options as permitted uses.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #802: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE
  Brings state law into federal compliance by prohibiting or otherwise lending this use of refrigerant designated as acceptable pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 7671k as long as the refrigerant is listed and installed in accordance therewith.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #803: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
  Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #804: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Requires landlords to register certain identifying information on a statewide registry and for pre-1978 properties, provide a valid certificate of conformance with the lead hazard mitigation act.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #805: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows Gregory A. Mancini, Esq., to join Semra Beric and James Silvia-Chandley in marriage on or about October 22, 2023, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #806: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Amends law on controlled substances to permit a person to possess less than 1 ounce of psilocybin and would allow psilocybin to be cultivated at a person’s residence for personal use.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #807: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - DEALERS', MANUFACTURERS', AND RENTAL LICENSES
  Provides additional relief for customers harmed by violations committed by motor vehicle dealers which relief would include restitution, incidental and consequential damages, exemplary damages and reasonable attorneys' fees.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #808: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Provides that landlords would pay interest on security deposits in residential landlord-tenant matters.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #809: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #810: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Expands the definition of "qualifying patient" to include any animal having a debilitating medical condition as determined by a veterinarian for purposes of a recommendation for medical marijuana.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #811: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SCREENING, DISCIPLINE AND DECERTIFICATION
  Creates an officer discipline board and provides law enforcement personal to comply with this act.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #812: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- JURY LISTS
  Allows persons who are on parole, a suspended sentence or on probation to serve on juries.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• Senate Bill #813: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Provides that any conviction of unnecessary cruelty to animals, malicious injury or killing of animals, or abandonment of animals, also carries the appropriate penalties pursuant to the domestic violence prevention act, where applicable.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #814: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
  Imposes a felony subject to a fine between $5,000 and $10,000, or imprisonment for no more than 5 years or both, on any person in a position of authority who fails to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect, child sexual assault or battery.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #815: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- OPEN MEETINGS
  Amends the Open Meetings law to permit members of some public bodies to participate using videoconferencing technology.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #816: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- UNPILOTED AERIAL VEHICLES
  Provides for the regulation of unpiloted aircraft systems in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #817: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Makes all sexual abuse or exploitation of a child causes of action not subject to statute of limitations whether lapsed or time-barred.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #818: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES--FOSTER PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS
  Requires preparation of an annual summary report of all findings documenting all reports of suspected and/or verified violations of this chapter.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• Senate Bill #819: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE APPRAISER CERTIFICATION ACT
  Requires real estate appraisers to include solar panels in the appraisal of any real estate along with the past 24 months of invoicing for net metering to determine any average income or balance due, except as prohibited under federal law or regulation.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #820: AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE
  Provides amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code for emerging technologies. Effective 1/1/2024.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #821: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKPLACE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY ACT
  Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #822: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS
  Increases the killed-in-line-of-duty benefit for active or retired police officer, capitol police officer, correctional officer, firefighter, crash rescue crew person, fire marshal or deputy fire marshal from 40% to 100% of the federal death benefit.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #823: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS ARBITRATION
  Expands the definition of correctional officer, to include any bargaining unit, in which correctional officers constitute a majority of the bargaining unit's membership.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #824: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION -- OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
  Establishes that any public safety official/enumerated employee, including essential state workers, who contract the Coronavirus (Covid-19) shall be entitled to a presumption that the infection was caused as a result of the performance of their job duties
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #825: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REAL JOBS RHODE ISLAND ACT
  Establishes a real job Rhode Island program, which is an industry-led system to advance the skills of the state's workforce to grow the state's economy and increase sustainable employment for middle-class families.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #826: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Raises the minimum wage for the years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, to $15.50, $17.00, $18.50, $20.00, and $21.00, per hour, respectively.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #827: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Raises minimum wage on January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter, by the percentage increase in the CPI-U, as published by the US Dept. of Labor Statistics, as of August of the previous year over the level as of August of the year preceding that year.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #828: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Eliminates repealed statute references and create a mechanism for employees to enforce their existing right to continuation of medical benefits.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #829: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Requires the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to prescribe or approve power-of-attorney forms to be used in connection with vehicle registrations.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Bill #830: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND SECURITY INTERESTS
  Enables Rhode Island licensed new motor vehicle dealers to conduct vehicle identification number inspections and submits them for an NCIC check by the chiefs of police or designees.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• Senate Resolution #831: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "TURNER SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #832: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARJORIE HOPE MARTIESIAN
  
  • 2023-03-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #833: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
  Extends the due date for the district action plan each and every year from September 1 to December 31, and further require that there are no fewer than five (5) school district education reviews annually beginning in academic year 2024-2025.
  • 2023-03-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Resolution #834: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY E. SMITH
  
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5010: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE -- THE PROMOTING ACCESS TO INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Requires that services provided by school social workers and certified school psychologists be included as health care related services eligible for federal Medicaid reimbursement.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5011: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5015: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Repeals the law that prevented municipalities from establishing their own minimum wage for their employees.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5017: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Unifies the weight limit of vehicles with special plates, including P.O.W. plates, National Guard plates, and disabled veteran plates, to 12,000 pounds.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-20: Withdrawn at sponsor's request (03/23/2023)
• House Bill #5033: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5040: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT
  Adds a section which allows substitute teachers and post-retirement employees to exceed the ninety (90) day cap on post-retirement employment if certain conditions are met.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrence
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: House passed Sub A in concurrence
  • 2023-03-21: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2023-03-22: Signed by Governor
• House Bill #5044: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HARM REDUCTION CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PILOT PROGRAM
  Extends the expiration date of the Harm Reduction Center Advisory Committee and Pilot Program by two years, from March 1, 2024, to March 1, 2026.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5046: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS
  Makes an assault on taxi drivers a felony punishable by up to three (3) years imprisonment and an assault with a dangerous weapon punishable by five (5) to twenty (20) years imprisonment.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5049: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Places a cap of twenty percent (20%) on increases in consecutive revaluations of real property in all cities and towns conducting revaluations commencing December 31, 2023, and every December 31 thereafter.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5050: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Amends the definition of public works so that it would include any public works projects performed for any city or town or quasi-municipal entity and the state and any quasi-state entity.
  • 2023-03-17: Committee transferred to House Labor
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5075: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
  Exempts used vehicles sold "for parts only" or purchased at end of their lease term by the current lessee that have a valid certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield, from the requirement that dealers of used vehicles conduct a new inspection.
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Bill #5076: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- RHODE ISLAND PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSURE COMPACT ACT
  Allows the state to become a member of the physical therapist licensure compact adopted by twenty-five (25) states in order to facilitate the interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5081: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION
  Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5087: AN ACT RELATING TO WATER AND NAVIGATION -- CIBA-GEIGY CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
  Requires the EPA to develop a plan for flooding on the Pawtuxet River, specifically at the site of the former Ciba-Geigy Chemical Company with regard to contaminants leaching into the Pawtuxet River and neighboring wells.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5088: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY-- REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Includes PVC pipe (polyvinyl chloride resin) that is abandoned, discarded, left lying on the ground or not stored in a covered facility in the definition of solid waste.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5090: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- DISPOSABLE FOOD SERVICE CONTAINERS
  Prohibits a covered establishment from preparing, selling, processing or providing food or beverages in or on a disposable food service container that is composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5091: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING
  Reduces equitable relationships between packaging producers and local governments and communities by establishing the Package Reduction and Recycling Program.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5111: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PRICE GOUGING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS PROHIBITED
  Makes it a felony to price gouge prescriptions or pharmaceuticals in time of a shortage.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5112: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Increases the penalties for driving so as to endanger, death resulting, by increasing the maximum term of imprisonment from ten (10) years to twenty (20) years, and the maximum term of license suspension from five (5) years to ten (10) years.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5113: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION
  Makes possession of a used catalytic converter a felony and requires recycling service providers to maintain certain records relative to catalytic converters.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5116: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- SHORE DEVELOPMENT
  Permits the director of the department of environmental management to recognize and identify public rights-of-way to shoreline and water access over land owned by a private party.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5124: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND LOBBYING REFORM ACT
  Prohibits lobbyists from making any political contributions to any member of the general assembly from January 1 through July 1 in any year, unless the general assembly adjourns for the year prior to July 1.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5126: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS
  Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, to allow for term limits for the general assembly members.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5142: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HIGH HEAT WASTE FACILITY ACT OF 2023
  Provides for a prohibition on any new high-heat waste facility.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5160: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- LICENSED ACTIVITIES -- LENDERS AND LOAN BROKERS -- CHECK CASHING
  Repeals the provisions of the general laws allowing deferred deposit providers, also known as "payday lenders."
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5162: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS AND ESTHETICIANS
  Allows hairdressers to have apprentices. After a two (2) year apprenticeship, the apprentice would be eligible to apply for a hairdresser license pursuant to § 5-10-8.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5164: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- RECEIPT OF TAXES, FEES, AND OTHER PAYMENTS BY CREDIT CARD
  Mandates credit card companies that collect any sales, hotel, or meals taxes for the state/any other tax for the state/ any tax for a municipality within the state to provide the dollar amount of the tax to the state or the municipality within 48 hours.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5170: HOUSE RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE PROVIDENCE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REVERSE THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE ALAN SHAWN FEINSTEIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THE CARL G. LAURO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND THE GILBERT STUART MIDDLE SCHOOL
  
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5173: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE LICENSING ACT
  Allows ALFs to provide medical/skilled nursing care services to residents in assisted living setting, as their care needs change, rather than requiring transition to a skilled nursing facility when full-time skilled services are required for the resident.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5174: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
  Provides a definition of the recognizable high tide line for the public's rights and privileges of the shore.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5175: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- ACCESSIBLE RESIDENCE MODIFICATIONS
  Allows health insurance plans to provide coverage for accessible residence modifications determined to be medically necessary.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5176: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide prescription benefits to cover epinephrine injectors and cartridges without copay or deductible.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5181: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Repeals the law that allowed employers to pay some of their minor employees and employees who are full time students and not attained the age of nineteen (19) less than minimum hourly wages, requiring them to be paid a minimum hourly wage.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5201: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS -- PRESUMPTION FOR HEART DISEASE AND HYPERTENSION
  Allows the presumption of in-the-line-of-duty illness unless contrary evidence is presented.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5206: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD LIMITS -- WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON ROUTE 114 A EAST PROVIDENCE
  Prohibits commercial motor trucks, with a gross weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds (26,001 lbs.) or more, from traveling on Route 114 A, East Providence between Pawtucket Avenue and the Massachusetts state line.
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Bill #5210: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LILA MANFIELD SAPINSLEY COMPASSIONATE CARE ACT
  Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5216: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from 5 years to 10 years.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5224: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS PERTAINING TO SERVICES AND COORDINATION OF STATE PROGRAMS RELATING TO OLDER ADULT RHODE ISLANDERS
  
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5227: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT
  Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5251: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires all public high schools to offer as part of the curriculum a nutrition food preparation and cooking course. Effective July 1, 2023.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5257: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- COUNTY GRAND JURIES
  Permits grand juries to issue reports and would provide for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5264: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Extends the moratorium on penalties related to COVID-19 modifications to food business or food service establishments to February 15, 2024.
  • 2023-03-16: House passed Sub A
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5279: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
  Prohibits discrimination in postsecondary education of students, faculty and staff based upon medical or religious vaccine exemptions.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5281: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5282: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Authorizes a pharmacist to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives, provided that the pharmacist has completed a training program approved by the state board of pharmacy.
  • 2023-03-14: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/15/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Proposed Substitute
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration
  • 2023-03-20: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/21/2023)
• House Bill #5283: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- MAMMOGRAMS AND PAP SMEARS -- COVERAGE MANDATED
  Mandates insurance coverage for any additional screenings deemed medically necessary for any person who has received notice of dense breast tissue.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-19: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/21/2023)
• House Bill #5284: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
  Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5285: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MECHANICAL TRADES
  Authorizes issuance of P.J.F. limited HVAC service person's license upon examination for work on or repair of electric wiring/equipment located on heating/AC systems.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5286: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- CANCER BENEFITS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS
  Expands the definition of fire fighter to a member of a fire department or a city, town or fire district emergency medical services unit.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5288: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Authorizes the town of Cumberland to exempt or stabilizes tax payments for real/personal property related to environmental remediation, historic preservation, affordable housing, manufacturing, commercial, residential, or mixed-use purposes.
  • 2023-03-13: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2023-03-14: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/16/2023)
  • 2023-03-16: Senate passed in concurrence
  • 2023-03-17: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2023-03-22: Signed by Governor
• House Bill #5291: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - PUBLIC NOTICE ACT
  Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated platforms selected by their city or town councils.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5292: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS ACT
  Authorizes municipalities to publish public notices in any newspaper in circulation in the municipality or on any other platform designated by ordinance.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5297: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS
  Prohibits prosecutions for violations in this state if violation arises from same facts or acts for which defendant has been acquitted in another jurisdiction, unless there exists new evidence substantially warranting prosecution in this state.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5302: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the Honorable Leonela Felix to join Kayla Simone K. Rosen and Michael Zachary Mezera in marriage on or about May 20, 2023, within the City of Providence, Rhode Island.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5331: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- CHECK CASHING
  Caps the APR for payday loans at 28%. Requires 90-day maturity date. Prohibits fees/interest payments in excess of 60% of principal. Requires monthly payments of no more than 25% of original principal amount.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5335: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- MILITARY SPOUSE LICENSURE
  Provides for improving license portability for military service members and their spouses who are relocated to Rhode Island.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5337: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING
  Prevents insurance companies from treating widowed persons differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining an insured's rate or classification respecting the operation of a personal motor vehicle. Effective 1/1/24
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #5339: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION SERVICES TO VERY YOUNG CHILDREN
  Amends applicability and operational requirements of the chapter on Education Services to Very Young Children.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5348: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RESTROOM ACCESS ACT
  Requires retail establishments with 3 or more employees on the premises without accessible public restroom to allow customers suffering from eligible conditions access to their employee restrooms.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5349: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES
  Amends the conditions upon which a nurse would be exempt from certain licensing requirements to include eligibility to practice before taking and receiving results of the NCLEX exam.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: House read and passed
• House Bill #5350: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Limits the copayment or coinsurance requirement on specialty drugs to one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for a thirty (30) day supply.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5351: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Mandates insurance policies, provides coverage to diagnose & treat infertility for women between 25 & 42 years, including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5352: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- THE TELEMEDICINE COVERAGE ACT
  Defines a patient-provider relationship as when the healthcare professional agrees to undertake diagnosis and treatment of the patient and the patient agrees to be treated.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5353: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO EXAMINE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMBAT THE RISING THREAT OF TARGETED VIOLENCE AGAINST FAITH COMMUNITIES
  Creates a 15 member commission to examine and make recommendations to combat the rising threat of targeted violence against faith communities, and report back to the House by February 7, 2024, and expire on May 7, 2024.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5358: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
  Imposes a felony subject to a fine between $5,000 and $10,000, or imprisonment for no more than 5 years or both, on any person in a position of authority who fails to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect, child sexual assault or battery.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5359: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT
  Prohibits the family court from detaining/committing any juvenile under the age of 14 years to the training school for any offense other than murder/first degree sexual assault or an attempt to commit such offenses.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5363: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
  Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5365: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS
  Provides for municipal and state police authorities to acquire and to utilize automated license plate readers. Further, the act identifies what data may be collected and in what ways the data can be used.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5366: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE SALES DISCLOSURES
  Increases the civil penalty from $100 to a maximum of $1,000, whenever a seller or their real estate agent fails provide a completed seller disclosure form to the buyer.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5371: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Allows individuals employed in domestic service or in or about a private home to be included as an employee, for purposes of minimum wages law.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5372: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Provides for contractor liability for debts owed to an employee or third party on the wage claimants behalf, incurred by a subcontractor.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5373: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS
  Extends IOD benefits to police officers/firefighters suffering from post-traumatic stress injuries/provides municipal police/firefighters retiring due to PTSI accidental disability retirement allowance.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5375: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT
  Provides that compact growth in municipalities cannot be mandatory and would require that an analysis be conducted by the secretary of housing addressing all issues relative to the housing crisis prior to any housing project promoting compact growth.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5378: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF NORTH KINGSTOWN
  Validates and ratify amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of North Kingstown, which amendments were adopted and approved by the electors of the town of North Kingstown on November 8, 2022.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5381: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- FORT ADAMS FOUNDATION
  Amends the composition of the Fort Adams foundation to include a representative from the division of parks and recreation in place of a member of the public.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5411: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5414: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS
  Clarifies the types of electrical services that require an electrical contractor's license.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5415: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- LICENSES GENERALLY
  Creates a Class B-W license to allow for the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores, convenience stores and markets throughout the state.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5419: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- AIRPORTS AND LANDING FIELDS
  Designates the appropriate authority on air space issues as the president and CEO of the Rhode Island airport corporation and aligns certain job titles with their proper responsibilities relative to aeronautics.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5420: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- UNPILOTED AERIAL VEHICLES
  Provides for the regulation of unpiloted aircraft systems in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5422: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Authorizes schools to issue an out-of-school suspension for students in grades six (6) and above, if they are found to be a threat to the physical safety or health of students, teachers, and administrators.
  • 2023-03-14: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/15/2023)
• House Bill #5426: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
  Aligns Rhode Island with current federal requirements on health insurers as established by the Affordable Care Act, Also prohibits annual and lifetime limits on coverage within health insurance plans issued within the state.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-19: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/21/2023)
• House Bill #5430: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- WHOLESALE PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTATION PROGRAM
  Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5431: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG COST PROTECTION
  Prohibits the state, ERISA or any health plans to purchase referenced drugs for a cost higher than the referenced rate.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5436: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ABUSE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
  Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5442: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
  Provides that any reports of investigations conducted by internal affair units or their equivalent are public records.
  • 2023-03-25: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5443: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Requires returns of a marriage certificate to be filed within two (2) business days after the ceremony, and validates the common practice of filing the return by mail.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5446: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Requires a contractor, subcontractor or public body to include offsite fabrication work in weekly certified prevailing wage records.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5447: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Increases the taxable wage base upon which employees make contributions to the TDI and TCI funds, increases individual benefit rates for lower wage individuals, and creates an opt- in option for self-employed workers.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5448: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the town council of New Shoreham to adopt a tax classification plan in accordance with the provisions of this section, to be applicable to taxes on or after the assessment date of December 31, 2023.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5449: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF STATE
  Requires the secretary of state to establish a registry for publication of municipal invitations for bids and requires that municipalities publish notice of invitations for bids with the registry.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5450: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Prohibits municipalities from charging any recycling fees.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5453: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- PERMANENT JOINT COMMITTEE ON NAMING ALL NEW BUILDINGS, BRIDGES, EDIFICES AND OTHER STATE CONSTRUCTIONS
  Renames the "Roosevelt Benton Youth Assessment Center" as the "Roosevelt Benton Center".
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5463: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Provides that the maximum aggregate amounts for small purchases within the chapter on state purchases be adjusted to not exceed $25,000 for construction and $10,000 for all other purchases.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5464: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY
  Extends the time for payment of toll violations from fourteen (14) days to thirty (30) days from the issuance of the violation.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5465: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE
  Provides that the fifth day in April in each year be designated as "Rhode Island Gold Star Spouses Day" with appropriate exercises in public places and with flags flown at half-staff over the state house.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/16/2023)
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5466: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- RHODE ISLAND VETERANS' HOME
  Requires that the administrator for the Rhode Island veterans' home be a licensed nursing home administrator and removes the requirement that the administrator be an honorably discharged veteran.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/16/2023)
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5467: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE VETERANS BENEFITS TO THE HMONG/LAOTIAN VETERANS WHO SERVED THE UNITED STATES IN THE "SECRET WAR" IN LAOS
  
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/16/2023)
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5490: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RATE INCREASE MEETINGS
  Requires public meetings related to utility rates increases be conducted Monday-Thursday after 5:30 pm.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5491: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Creates a definition for "private entity" regarding net-metering.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5492: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- RIGHT TO EARN A LIVING ACT
  Establishes procedures to challenge agency regulations or public service restrictions that prevent persons from entering into businesses, professions or public services unless they serve legitimate public health, safety and welfare objectives.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-15: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/17/2023)
• House Bill #5493: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LABOR STANDARDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
  Amends the definition of "covered project" having a total nameplate capacity of three megawatts (3 MW) down to one megawatt (1 MW).
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5494: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  Amends the licensing statute to allow a graduate of a board approved physical therapy school to be reinstated upon a failed examination upon the filing and registering for a second or third examination.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5498: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Repeals the establishment of statewide academic standards for core subjects and the implementation into the curriculum of all public schools.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5499: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ANTI-BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
  Creates the anti-bullying bill of rights act which would strengthen protection for students in schools who are victims of bullying.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5502: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT RECYCLING ACT OF 2023
  Establishes a system for the recycling of beverage containers working with the department of environmental management.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5503: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES
  Requires DMV to make, for persons with autism, a operator's license that is clearly marked “autism”, decals that are clearly marked “autism” to be affixed to the vehicle, and blue envelopes that provide written information.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5506: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
  Allows health care facility to conduct research on patients subject to 21 C.F.R. Pt 50 and/or 45 C.F.R. Pt 46 (relating to the informed consent in clinical trials).
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5507: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADVISORY BOARD - GROUP PURCHASING BOARD FOR RX WE CAN AFFORD
  A prescription drug advisory board is created to evaluate drug prices in an attempt to make them more affordable.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5510: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Makes all sexual abuse or exploitation of a child causes of action not subject to statute of limitations whether lapsed or time-barred.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5517: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- ORGANIZATION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  Requires the secretary of state to maintain and provide to the public, an online directory of government officials and a limited number of printed government directories and eliminate the legislative manual used by the secretary of state.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5532: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE APPRAISER CERTIFICATION ACT
  Amends the Real Estate Appraiser Certification Act and the Real Estate Appraisal Management Company ("AMC") Registration Act.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5533: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- POWERS AND OPERATIONS
  Amends outdated provisions of the banking statutes and the home loan protection act, adds consumer protections, including minimum capital requirements and limits on investments, for currency transmitters, including crypto currency..
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5534: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS -- PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE
  Enables undocumented immigrants to obtain a professional license as long as all other requirements for licensure are met.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5535: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND DUMBWAITERS
  Provides for a registration process for private elevators to include a database of all private elevators to be maintained by the chief inspector.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5537: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND SECURITY INTERESTS
  Enables Rhode Island licensed new motor vehicle dealers to conduct vehicle identification number inspections and submits them for an NCIC check by the chiefs of police or designees.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5540: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Amends various sections of the public utilities and carriers statute, including the net metering definitions and policies as well as the renewable energy growth program purpose definitions, tariffs and incentive payments.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5543: AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE
  Provides amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code for emerging technologies. Effective 1/1/2024.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5544: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Amends the provisions of law relative to eligibility for attendance for kindergarten students.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5545: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- DISTRICT CHARTER SCHOOL
  Requires that certain quarterly reports required to be filed by district charter schools, mayoral academies and independent charter schools be submitted to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5546: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Allows schools to maintain on-site an undesignated supply of glucagon for emergency purposes. Provides for training of all school employees in the basics of diabetes care and allows for further training of delegated care aides for students with diabetes.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5547: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
  Requires the student advisory council to meet at least quarterly, provides the chairperson with equal voting powers as members on the council, and provides that a student under eighteen (18) years is exempt from the senate advise and consent process.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5550: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MERCURY REDUCTION AND EDUCATION ACT
  Prohibits the sale: eff. 1/1/24 of screw/bayonet base compact fluorescent lamps; eff. 1/1/25 of pin-base type compact and linear fluorescent lamps with civil penalties for violations.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5552: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
  Provides that no employee or agent of the department of health participate in any healthcare facility inspection if the employee or agent has, in the past two (2) years, had an ownership or employment or consultant interest in the facility.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5553: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS
  Provides that nursing home facilities that have achieved 70% compliance with the staffing requirements that commenced in January 2023, are granted a 12 month grace period to achieve 100% compliance without being penalized.
  • 2023-03-11: Withdrawn at sponsor's request (03/15/2023)
• House Bill #5554: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription asthma inhaler to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5555: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Adds a new section which sets forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation drug therapies.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5556: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- UNIFORM TELEHEALTH ACT
  Allows an out-of-state health care practitioner to provide telehealth services to a patient located in this state if the services are consistent with the practitioner's scope of practice and state and federal professional standards.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5557: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- MILK SANITATION CODE
  Permits and legalizes the sale of raw milk.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5570: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS
  Provides for a ten (10) year statute of limitations for the violation of second degree sexual assault.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5572: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT
  Requires conduct that creates an actual public disturbance that includes a gathering of people drawn to and watching the conduct, stopping, impeding or causing traffic, or creating similar public disturbances in order to constitute disorderly conduct.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5578: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES
  A judge would have discretion to allow a hardship exception to keep license plates of a person convicted of this offense.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5584: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HEALTHY AND SAFE FAMILIES AND WORKPLACES ACT
  Amends the definition of employee to remove apprenticeships and interns and any other individuals pursuant to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. Section 203 et seq.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5587: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Sets the minimum wage for public school crossing guards at eighteen dollars ($18.00) per hour and also defines a crossing guard as a person who safely assists school students to cross the street.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5588: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Raises minimum wage on January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter, by the percentage increase in the CPI-U, as published by the US Dept. of Labor Statistics, as of August of the previous year over the level as of August of the year preceding that year.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5589: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Raises the minimum wage for the years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, to $15.50, $17.00, $18.50, $20.00, and $21.00, per hour, respectively.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5590: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Commencing 1/1/24, gradually increases the minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities from the current ($3.89) to ($14.95) by 1/1/28 and on 1/1/29 the minimum wage shall be no less than the minimum wage established by the minimum wage law.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5591: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Eliminates repealed statute references and create a mechanism for employees to enforce their existing right to continuation of medical benefits.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5592: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- INSPECTION OF PERSONNEL FILES
  Amends the definitions of the inspection of personnel files. The act would also amend the penalties by increasing them to not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500).
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5594: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Requires a contractor, subcontractor or public body to include offsite fabrication work in weekly certified prevailing wage records.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5595: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Provides that offsite fabrication work for public works projects be subject to the prevailing wage and reporting requirements thereto.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5597: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- ABANDONMENT BY TOWNS
  Allows town of Narragansett to sell highway or driftway to abutting owner at fair market value.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5598: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES
  Limits the annual fees in the city of Providence for overnight parking permits to fifty dollars ($50.00) for residents and one hundred dollars ($100) for non-residents.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5601: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Repeals § 3-7-19 which prohibits retail liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200’) of schools and religious institutions.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5602: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Enables all municipalities to offer tax amnesty for two (2) separate sixty (60) day periods during fiscal years 2024 or 2025 for the waiver of interest and penalties on overdue tangible tax payments.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
  • 2023-03-24: Proposed Substitute
• House Bill #5603: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Allows the host city or town to impose a two percent (2%) tax on the endowment of a private institution of higher education, to be used only for the host's public school district.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5604: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- TAX SALES
  Require in-person bidding at tax sales.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5606: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CITIZENS' COMMISSION FOR THE SAFETY AND CARE OF THE ELDERLY
  Amends several sections of law relating to safety and care for the elderly.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5607: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Changes the definition of "street rod" motor vehicle to include a reference to its registration certificate and not its title. It also changes the meaning of "custom vehicle" by adding a reference to its registration certificate.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5614: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND LOBBYING REFORM ACT
  Expands the lobbying reform act to apply to persons who lobby municipal government executives and legislative bodies, as well as local fire districts.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-15: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/17/2023)
• House Bill #5615: AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARIES
  Includes all books, periodicals and papers in the keeping of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society to be placed under the care of the state librarian.
  • 2023-03-13: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/14/2023)
• House Bill #5617: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- RHODE ISLAND VETERANS' HOME
  Changes the service requirement for admissions to RI Veterans' Home from 90 days to 2 years, and gives priority to veterans defined as war veterans.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/16/2023)
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5656: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- TREE WARDENS
  Requires an electric distribution company, pursuant to a vegetation management plan approved by the DPUC, to carry out vegetation management activities for vegetation clearing around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5658: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- COUNSELING COMPACT
  Adopts a counseling compact for the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-19: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/21/2023)
• House Bill #5660: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE
  Brings state law into federal compliance by prohibiting or otherwise lending this use of refrigerant designated as acceptable pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 7671k as long as the refrigerant is listed and installed in accordance therewith.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5661: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Provides that utility services not be terminated for the period from November 1 to April 15 to property being used as a warming center, drop-in center, shelter, or similar facility providing emergency services to drop-in residents or unhoused individuals.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5663: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- SOLAR PANELS
  Requires that all sales representatives selling or leasing solar panels are licensed by the department of business regulation and that a statement be provided to homeowners setting forth pertinent information pertaining to the solar panels.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5664: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIMITED-LIABILITY COMPANY ACT
  Permits a member or members of a limited-liability company to avoid dissolution by buying the units owned by the other member or members seeking dissolution.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/17/2023)
• House Bill #5665: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- NEWPORT AND BRISTOL COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU
  Creates a doing business as for Discover Newport as a short title for the bureau.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5666: HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
  RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5667: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
  Requires the council on elementary and secondary education to adopt standards which take into consideration the time and cost of transporting students across municipal boundaries and promotes maximum efficiency in other programs.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5668: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Would require public school districts to take certain actions to promote notice and disseminate information regarding the district’s special education local advisory committee.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5669: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5670: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST PREVENTION ACT
  Requires all school districts to have an athletic training, or similarly trained person, at all recreational and athletic events of the school district.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5671: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Repeals the requirement that the school committee policy manual be kept in the school library, public library and administrative building and require that the manual be available on the school district website.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5672: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS
  Mandates that food service establishments only provide single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments to a customer upon request.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5673: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMPREHENSIVE PFAS BAN ACT OF 2023
  Prohibits the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or "PFAS" in various products including carpets, cookware, cosmetics, ski wax, and various other items.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5675: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SOLAR PANEL DISPOSAL
  Requires disposal of solar panels at the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation facility along with the payment of a disposal fee.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5677: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ACT
  Provides that dental services and treatment rendered to patients in Rhode Island would be reimbursed by standards governed by the general laws of Rhode Island.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5678: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004 -- HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT
  Regulates price increases for prescription drugs.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5679: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG SALES REPRESENTATIVE DISCLOSURE ACT
  Requires prescription drug manufacturers to file a detailed, updated list of each pharmaceutical sales representative engaged by the manufacturer and to pay an annual fee for each name on list.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5680: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Prohibits healthcare entities from interfering with a patient's right to choose to obtain a clinician-administered drug from their provider or pharmacy of choice.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5681: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
  Requires any person who transports a patient by a stretcher in a vehicle to be licensed as an emergency medical services provider through the director of health.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5682: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINERS
  Provides DOH multidisciplinary team review of drug overdose deaths may gather info of deaths from family willing to do so to help identify prevention/intervention strategies.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2023-03-17: Placed on House Calendar (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #5683: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires individual or group health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary dental implants.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5687: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- MENTAL HEALTH LAW
  Amends provisions of law relative to the disclosure of confidential healthcare information and records and the disclosure thereof occurring through electronic means.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5688: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
  Provides for a parents' bill of rights related to the health, education and welfare of their minor children.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5698: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMPUTER CRIME
  Allows for a civil action against parents of a student who demonstrate willful or wanton disregard for the duty to supervise their child who has committed the offense of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5699: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- THE MATTHEW O'GARA ACT OF 2022
  Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum five (5) years in incarceration, a minimum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and a minimum license revocation of five (5) years.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5700: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM
  Defines an obstruction to a public right-of-way to include signage that deters the public from using a public right-of-way and subjects such violation to a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5701: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Clarifies that the use of a wireless communication device for the purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to the vehicle and not held in the motorist’s hand.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Proposed Substitute
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Bill #5704: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT
  Makes threats of mass violence and false reports of threats to educational, religious, social institutions or civic or fraternal associations a misdemeanor.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5707: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Requires employer to furnish items and conditions of employment and a pay stub explaining how wages were calculated/reasons for deductions/allows the employee to file a court action against employer for violation.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5708: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Requires employers in Rhode Island with thirty (30) or more employees would be required to list competitive salary ranges on their job postings on the company's hiring page or third-party websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed or other job boards.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5709: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WAREHOUSE WORKER PROTECTION ACT
  Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5711: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- WORKERS' COOPERATIVES
  Clarifies the role of a workers' cooperative to allow it to operate as a hiring hall under certain circumstances.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5712: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Includes non-owner-occupied residential properties used for short-term rentals for tourist or transient use to be assessed as Class 2 properties on or after the assessment date of December 31, 2023.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5713: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the waiver of interest on overdue taxes for commercial properties.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5714: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ORDINANCES
  Enable cities and towns to require notification to the municipal building department and residences within 1,000 feet of a residence being listed for short term rental for tourist or transient use through a hosting platform.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5715: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ORDINANCES
  Requires that all cities and towns file all ordinances and amendments to those ordinances with the secretary of state. Such ordinances or amendments to those ordinances would become effective upon filing with the secretary of state.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5717: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Prohibits a city of town from requiring residents to pay for curbside mattress pickup or disposal.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5720: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Amends the contents of what is to be displayed on a motor vehicle registration plate.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5724: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VITAL RECORDS
  Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5725: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS - CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE ROADS
  Requires the department of transportation to establish a schedule of all landscaping and mowing of lawns on state roads, and provide a copy of said schedule to the department of public works in any city or town where the state road is located.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5727: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAFEGUARD RHODE ISLAND AGAINST NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  This resolution creates an eleven (11) member special legislative commission to study and provide recommendation to safeguard Rhode Island against nuclear weapons.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5728: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EXTENSION OF VETERANS' BENEFITS
  Includes Hmong or Lao veterans who served in military operations in support of the United States during the Vietnam Conflict any time between 2/28/1961 to 5/7/1975 within the definition of "active conduct of and/or fighting in the Vietnam Conflict".
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/16/2023)
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5731: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PARTS
  Defines a used part and creates standards for use of used parts in damaged motor vehicles, for motor vehicle replacement parts.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5732: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GIFT CARD FRAUD
  Requires sellers of gift cards to post notice warning of scams/instructing consumers what to do as victims/train employees to identify/respond to fraud/violations punishable by a civil fine of $500.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5733: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- POWERS AND OPERATIONS
  Prohibits financial institutions from investing in private detention centers or any entity that owns or invests in a for-profit institution that owns or contracts with a government entity to manage or run a prison.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5735: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Prohibits Retailer’s Class B, C, N and other liquor licenses from being issued to retailers operating within two hundred feet (200’) of pre-kindergarten schools and establishments.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5736: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
  Requires the department of administration to provide a list of certified minority and women-owned business enterprises to each prospective contractor of a construction project.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5738: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Requires that schools develop a program for in-school suspension that sets aside and equips a specialized learning areas in each school.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5739: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires that both curriculum and teaching practices in Rhode Island schools protect and respect the civil rights of all members of the school community.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5740: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
  Assigns additional duties to the commissioner of on postsecondary education, including preparing strategic plan for public higher education provides for equitable distribution of public funds and adopts an outcomes based model.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5741: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
  Incorporates the department of elementary and secondary education’s SurveyWorks school climate indicators for evaluating the performance of LEAs and individual public schools.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5743: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS
  Repeals the certificate of need process statutes which are used by the department of health to determine the need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5744: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires coverage for the treatment of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection, commencing January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5747: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2023.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5748: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
  Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises to 20% and of that, require a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and that a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5753: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SMALL BUSINESS TANGIBLE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Exempts from taxation up to a maximum of $250,000 of tangible personal property of small businesses. Allows cities, towns, fire districts to increase tax rates on property assessed over excess $250,000.
  • 2023-03-13: Withdrawn at sponsor's request (03/16/2023)
• House Bill #5754: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real, tangible and personal property of Wood River Health Services, Inc., a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, with locations in Westerly and Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5756: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN
  Prohibits the distribution, transfer, or possession of any material that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5757: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT
  Increases minimum sentence for first and second degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault and first 5 years for second degree sexual assault, not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5763: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT ACT
  Creates the "equity impact statement act", requiring that all legislation submitted in the general assembly include an equity impact statement.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5764: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND INCLUSIVE HOME DESIGN ACT
  Establishes the Rhode Island Inclusive Home Design Act as a new article in the state building code.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5765: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES
  Creates a pilot program for the thirty-three (33) hour driver education program to be offered in an online and virtual format, effective October 1, 2023 and would sunset on October 1, 2025.
  • 2023-03-13: Withdrawn at sponsor's request (03/14/2023)
• House Bill #5769: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES
  Includes the governor’s commission on disabilities in the decision making process for the disability parking enforcement enhancement program and requires an annual report be submitted to the governor’s commission.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommends passage
  • 2023-03-24: Placed on House Calendar (03/29/2023)
• House Resolution #5770: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE
  Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5772: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Requires parental consent prior to conducting an initial evaluation or making an initial placement of a student in a special education program, as well as prior to changes being made to any IEP services or placement.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5773: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE PAUL W. CROWLEY RHODE ISLAND STUDENT INVESTMENT INITIATIVE
  Requires the council on elementary and secondary education to ratify any collective bargaining agreement entered into on behalf of the Providence public school district.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5774: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FAILING SCHOOL CHOICE ACT
  Establishes the Failing School Choice Act, to permit students at failing schools to enroll in any public school. It also establishes the Rhode Island education revitalization fund to provide funding to the school choice program.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5775: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
  Permits local communities to adopt an all-charter school public school model for public education.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5776: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID
  Provides for a Kosher option for school lunches for public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island upon the request of the local school districts.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5777: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO BILINGUAL EDUCATION ACT
  Creates a new chapter for the support and access to bilingual education. It creates a dual language program fund to be administered by the department of education. Local education agencies would be eligible to apply to the department for funding.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5779: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
  Requires the executive director of the coastal resources management council to hire a hearing officer if the position is vacant for more than sixty (60) days after the effective date of this act.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5782: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Subjects to taxation real property owned by non-profit institutions of higher education/nonprofit hospitals also amends charters issued by the general assembly to non-profit institutions/hospitals.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5783: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Authorizes the city of Providence to enter into a thirty (30) year tax exemption agreement relating to the Port of Providence.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5784: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FORESTRY AND FOREST PRODUCT OPERATIONS
  Sales tax exemption for commercial forest product operations. Creates motor vehicle forestry plate registration.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5785: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Prohibits contracts with private, for-profit prison facilities or with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the purposes of housing and detaining people.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5786: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY CORPORATIONS
  Repeals the municipal detention facility corporations and prohibits the operation of private detention facilities and private public partnerships within the state. Those currently in operation may continue to do so until December 31, 2030.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5831: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE
  Provides that liability insurance coverage would be provided for loss of the use of a rental motor vehicle, with limitations.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5833: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT
  Requires hosting platforms offering short-term rental of residential property for tourist or transient use to disclose on listings the current, valid registration number.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5834: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- STATE FUNDS
  Requires persons or entities receiving government funds to disclose the names of their contractors and subcontractors.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5835: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - REGULATION OF SALES TAX CREDITS
  Requires the attorney general’s office to regulate the sale of tax credits, including such actions as establishing qualifications and a certified list of those authorized to act as brokers and salespersons of tax credits.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5836: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND ECONOMIC GROWTH BLOCKCHAIN ACT
  Establishes an economic growth blockchain act, which would regulate virtual and digital assets, and establishes depository banks for these purposes.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-16: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/17/2023)
• House Bill #5841: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PURCHASE AND SALE OF PRECIOUS METALS
  Mandates bill of sale for transacted catalytic converter, changes requirement to three years for report, and would make a conviction of § 6-11.1-7 a felony.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5842: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND CATALYTIC CONVERTER INTERSTATE COMPACT
  Establishes an interstate compact regulating purchase dealing in catalytic converters and sets licensing and reporting requirements for each sale or purchase of converters.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5843: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW
  Provides that the "meetings" requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982 and permits remote participation in condominium meetings.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5844: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- UNIVERSAL REGULATORY SANDBOX ACT
  Establishes a Regulatory Sandbox program designed to provide a depository for ideas in a regulatory approach.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-15: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/17/2023)
• House Bill #5845: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Allows the commission to defer or suspend any fees/charges collected for demand-side management or renewables and notifies the governor, speaker of the house, and the senate president of the commission's decision to suspend any fees/charges.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5847: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Creates an income-sensitive tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5848: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWER OF ADMINISTRATION
  Provides amendments to the procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5849: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Amends the revenue decoupling reconciliation mechanism used by a gas distribution company for the purposes of revenue decoupling to not require that distribution be determined on a revenue-per-customer basis.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5850: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 2023 ENERGY STORAGE ACT
  Requires the office of energy resources to initiate the process of developing one or more programs, and associated funding mechanisms, for electric energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5851: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SOLAR NEIGHBORHOODS ACT
  Mandates that certain new residential building construction include solar power capabilities pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the state building code commission.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5852: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATEWIDE MUNICIPAL SOLAR PERMIT
  Requires as part of the solar permit application an assessment on carbon-neutral, a solar permit would only be approved if it was carbon neutral based on the assessment.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5853: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIES -- NET METERING
  Defines core forest and preferred sites and provides that any net metering resource owned or operated by a renewable energy developer be treated as an eligible net metering system provided it is not in a core forest.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #5854: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Allows holders of Class P license to purchase from either a Class A alcohol retail or wholesale establishment in the state and permit wholesalers to refuse to fill orders, set minimum quantities or dollar amounts as a requirement of filling an order.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5855: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS PRACTICES ACT
  Amends the definition of unfair claims settlement practices by insurers & motor vehicle damage appraisers, and creates a chapter providing for the appraisal of damaged motor vehicles, when the insurer & the insured cannot agree on the amount of the loss.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5856: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SEIZURE SAFE SCHOOLS ACT
  Requires the departments of elementary and secondary education and health to adopt policies/rules/regulations for the administration of seizure rescue medications for children who have been medically identified as having epilepsy/seizure disorder.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5857: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMS CONCUSSION ACT
  Updates repealed chapter by requiring school district to develop concussion guidelines; students/parents brochure; removal/return procedures after student removal/return to practice/competition; mandatory training for coaches/officials.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5858: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FAILING SCHOOL CHOICE ACT
  Establishes the Failing School Choice Act and permits students at failing schools to enroll in any public school and also establishes the Rhode Island education revitalization fund to provide funding to the school choice program.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5859: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Prevents the state or any governmental entity from infringing on the fundamental rights of parents in the upbringing of their children.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5860: AN ACT RELATING TO INCORPORATING THE RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
  Reduces the number of commissioners on the board of commissioners to no less than fifteen and would add a d/b/a Serve RI designation after commissions name.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5861: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PFAS IN DRINKING WATER, GROUNDWATER, AND SURFACE WATER
  Provides that water supply systems that have PFAS contaminants that exceed the interim drinking water standard be required to enter into a consent agreement with department of health to implement treatment to reduce the levels of PFAS contaminants.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5862: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- NON-FLUSHABLE WIPES
  Provides for the establishment of labeling requirements to enable consumers to easily identify proper disposal methods for non-flushable wipes.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5867: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LONG-TERM CARE COORDINATING COUNCIL
  Provides that the lieutenant governor serve as the chairperson of the long-term care coordinating council and provides that a quorum of the council consist of twelve (12) members of the council.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee postponed at request of sponsor
• House Bill #5868: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES
  Allows RNs to perform cosmetic/aesthetic dermatological procedures prescribed/ordered by licensed health care practitioner.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5869: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
  Sepsis and septic shock best practices for hospital and emergency care facilities.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5870: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF NURSING SERVICE AGENCIES
  Establishes a cap on the rates that nursing service agencies can charge; protects clients from having their staff recruited/hired by a nursing service agency while providing services to them; updates training, report and other administrative details.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5871: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS
  Amends the law on nursing home minimum staffing requirements in order that any penalty incurred in calendar year 2022 would be abated.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5872: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Regulates the marketing of prescription drug manufacturers using direct-to-consumer marketing strategies including coupons, discount cards and similar offers, to provide information about lower cost alternatives.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5873: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5874: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- HEARING AID DEALERS AND FITTERS
  Defines an audiologist as an individual licensed to practice audiology by the department of health.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5876: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES -- HIV/AIDS
  Permits a licensed pharmacist to prescribe, dispense or administer HIV prevention drugs to an individual who is HIV negative, does not report any signs or symptoms of acute HIV infection, and does not report taking any contraindicated medication.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5877: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MEDICAL SPAS SAFETY ACT
  Provides that a cosmetic medical service would be performed by a qualified licensed or certified non-physician only if the services have been delegated by a medical director responsible for on-site supervision of the services.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5881: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- POLICE OFFICERS - COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING
  Requires police training on recognizing the possible existence of mental health disorders and substance use disorders and requires certified crisis intervention team training for all officers.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5890: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Clarifies and separate the different criminal penalties for first and subsequent convictions for reckless driving.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5895: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THREATS AND EXTORTION
  Establishes the criminal offense of menacing as a misdemeanor and punishable by a year in person or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5897: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN
  Transfers jurisdiction of child endangerment offenses from the family court to the superior court.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5901: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING
  Creates a mandatory jail sentence of ten (10) years for two (2) or more people who break into a business with the intent to steal.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5903: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- PUBLIC UTILITIES
  Expands the crime of false reporting to include shootings or other dangerous events.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5904: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
  Establishes a safe and reasonable regulatory framework for companies and drivers providing non-emergency medical transportation services to a population of vulnerable passengers through coordination with the state's health and human service agencies.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5909: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - COURTS - SUPERIOR COURT
  Mandates superior court establish a felony drunk driving calendar and promulgate a strict time line attorney general to file an information or indictment against any defendant and set strict schedule for exchange of discovery and scheduling a trial.
  • 2023-03-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5910: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- JURY LISTS
  Amends the jury list and jury qualification statutes to add individuals receiving public assistance benefits to the list of individuals sent to the state's jury commissioner on a yearly basis.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5911: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS
  Includes the offense of second-degree sexual assault among the offenses to which there shall be no statute of limitations and provides for a ten (10) year statute of limitations for third-degree sexual assault.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5913: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Amends the current time frame for automatic sealing of criminal cases in the district court.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5914: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION RESTRICTIONS ON REAL PROPERTY
  Requires conservation and preservation restrictions to be liberally interpreted in favor of the grants awarded.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5918: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION
  Creates a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal. This act would not apply to assistance/service animals.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5919: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Provides that any conviction of unnecessary cruelty to animals, malicious injury or killing of animals, or abandonment of animals, also carries the appropriate penalties pursuant to the domestic violence prevention act, where applicable.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5920: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Amends the statutory penalties for a second and third possession of marijuana offense to conform to the penalties promulgated in the Rhode Island cannabis act.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5921: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Amends the statutory penalties for possession of marijuana offenses to conform to the penalties promulgated in the Rhode Island cannabis act.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5924: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1990 -- THE CROWN ACT
  Defines the terms "race and ethnicity" to include ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, and ethnic background and inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5925: AN ACT RELATING TO SPORTS, RACING, AND ATHLETICS -- DIVISION OF GAMING AND ATHLETICS LICENSING
  Removes requirement that the Rhode Island state police or the department of attorney general complete the nationwide criminal records check for any license application, permit and/or registration, require applicant to apply for nationwide criminal records
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-20: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/22/2023)
• House Bill #5927: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENTS PRACTICES
  Expands the definition of employee to include individuals under appointment or contract of hire or apprenticeship, volunteers or unpaid interns and decreases from 4 to 1 the number of employees required to trigger the designation of employer.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5928: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Effective January 1, 2024, increases the minimum hourly wage to fourteen dollars and fifty cents ($14.50) to sixteen dollars and seventy-five cents ($16.75) the next year, the next year to nineteen dollars ($19.00).
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5929: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
  Forbids an employer to require an employee to execute a nondisclosure agreement or non-disparagement agreement, regarding alleged violations of civil rights or criminal conduct, as a condition of employment.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #5930: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
  Incorporates the federal affirmative action and nondiscrimination obligations of federal contractors and subcontractors regarding individuals with disabilities and further expands the existing disability enterprises program.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5931: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HAZARD PAY AND PROTECTION FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
  Creates hazard pay for essential services during a public health crisis as issued by the governor.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5932: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HOISTING ENGINEERS
  Amends the examination requirements for a hoisting engineers license.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5933: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- POSTING OF VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES
  Requires employers in the state with more than 50 employees to display a poster containing basic information on veterans' benefits and services which would be created and distributed by the DLT in consultation with the office of veterans services.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5934: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- ORGANIZATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES
  Requires that if state employee unions are engaged in contract negotiations and/or utilizing the dispute resolution process, all terms and conditions in the collective bargaining agreement shall continue to remain in effect.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Resolution #5935: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO INCREASE DIVERSITY ON PROJECTS COVERED BY THE STATE PREVAILING WAGE RATE LAW
  Creates a eleven (11) member Affirmative Action legislative special task force to study and provide recommendations to increase diversity on projects covered by the state prevailing wage rate law, and who would report back to the House of Representatives
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5936: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRAINING TO DEVELOP AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PLAN TO INCREASE STATEWIDE DIVERSITY AMONG WORKERS EMPLOYED ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
  
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5942: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE
  Amends the state building code with regard to buildings and structures owned by a municipality upon any land owned by the state.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5943: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  Authorizes municipalities to regulate the use of quadricycle passenger vehicles within their borders, provided there is approval by the local police chief.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5944: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RELIEF OF INJURED AND DECEASED FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS
  Allows the presumption of in-the-line-of-duty illness unless contrary evidence is presented.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #5945: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY FACILITY SITING ACT
  Increases the membership of the energy facility siting board from 3 to 5 members and would revise the process of energy facility siting to mandate inclusion/participation of the host community of the facility as well as of the public and cities and towns.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5946: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS IN GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION
  Relieves property owners from implementing lead hazard mitigation for pre-1978 rental dwelling units that are comprised of two (2) or three (3) units, one of which is occupied by the property owner.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5947: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real, tangible and personal property of micro-businesses. This act also defines a micro-business as having ten (10) or fewer employees.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5948: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Transfers the tax exemption classification to a surviving spouse until remarriage or death.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5949: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Requires municipalities to mandate that all developers and contractors, applying for tax stabilization, hire 20% women, 25% minorities, and 51% percent RI residents, and it applies the same percentages to the total hours worked.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5950: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Provides for certain farm, forest or open space property to be withdrawn from classification for renewable energy production.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5951: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Includes the national guard in the definition of who is eligible for veterans' exemptions.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5952: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE ROADS
  Permits the department of transportation to paint the center yellow lines red, white and blue for the purpose of celebration upon request of the city or town council.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-19: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/23/2023)
• House Bill #5953: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- PERMANENT JOINT COMMITTEE ON NAMING ALL NEW BUILDINGS, BRIDGES, EDIFICES AND OTHER STATE CONSTRUCTIONS
  Would designate a fishing site at Black Point in Narragansett as the "Stephen J. Medeiros Fishing Area at Black Point".
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5954: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION FEES
  Permits disabled veterans to be issued several disabled veteran plates, permits plates to be transferred to their spouse or caretaker during the veteran's life and would allow disabled veteran plates to be issued for a commercial vehicle of any size.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5964: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- DAY CARE PROGRAMS STATE PURCHASES
  Provides preference to businesses which possess a stated child care policy for its employees who contract with a governmental body for state purchases.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5965: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES--FOSTER PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS
  Requires preparation of an annual summary report of all findings documenting all reports of suspected and/or verified violations of this chapter.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5966: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
  Creates the position of a full-time staff attorney for the CRMC. The staff attorney reports directly to the executive director and is not permitted to engage in the practice of law. The staff attorney may not represent the council.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5967: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY
  Provides that occupants of state-owned group homes be given the right of first refusal to purchase the property subject to their lease.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5973: HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PURSUE A BROAD RANGE OF MEASURES TO REDUCE THE DANGER OF NUCLEAR WAR, TO SIGN AND RATIFY THE TREATY ON THE PROHIBITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (TPNW), TO MAKE NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT THE CENTERPIECE OF OUR NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY, AND TO SPEARHEAD A GLOBAL EFFORT TO PREVENT NUCLEAR WAR
  
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6024: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW
  Provides that the "rights of secured lenders" provision from § 34-36.1-2.19 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982 and creates a process for condominium associations to notify unit mortgage holders for certain association actions.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6028: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS
  Provides for a single, increased range of penalties for all driving offenses which result in serious bodily injury or death.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6031: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- COUNTY GRAND JURIES
  Permits grand juries to issue reports and provides for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6034: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
  Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6042: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - LAND SURVEYORS
  Grants a right of entry for professional land surveyors to enter upon or cross any lands, air space or water resources necessary to perform surveying services except public utility and/or wastewater treatment facilities upon prior notice.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6047: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Includes the Block Island Utility District as one of the electric companies that are exempt from offering retail access from nonregulated power producers to all customers.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #6048: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Replaces time to time language with staggered for acquisitions, commission would review the acquisition plan, and requires annual review. Repeals §§ 39-1-27.3.1 and 39-1-27.8.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #6050: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIMITED -LIABILITY COMPANY ACT
  Replaces the existing limited liability company act with a newer and updated model act.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6051: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Establishes a process public school districts must follow as part of the phase-out or closure of a public school building.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2023-03-25: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6052: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
  Adds the Rhode Island teacher of the year as an additional ex officio member of the council on elementary and secondary education as well as the board of education.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6053: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE PAUL W. CROWLEY RHODE ISLAND STUDENT INVESTMENT INITIATIVE
  Requires new instruction and annual reports dealing with student mental health throughout the state.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6054: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MINIATURE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTAINER ACT OF 2023
  Creates a refundable twenty-five cent ($0.25) deposit for miniature alcoholic beverage containers, often referred to as "nips."
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6055: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION PROGRAM
  Requires the DEM adopt motor vehicle emissions standards based on California's promulgated standards; provided that, the California standards achieve greater motor vehicle pollution reductions than the federal standards as required by § 31-47.1-1(a).
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #6058: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Increases the amount of allowable units per acre for all projects subject to inclusionary zoning as well as other incentives and subsidies to offset differential costs of below-market units.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6059: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Amends certain general laws relative to zoning ordinance variances, special use permits, modifications thereto and also amends provisions relative to substandard lots of record and the merger of such lots.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6060: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- SUPERIOR COURT
  Establishes a land use court within the superior court, effective January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6061: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND
  Amends the provisions relative to the subdivision of land and the application process requesting relief from zoning ordinances and the review process thereof.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6064: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
  Prohibits arrest of any person engaged in commercial sexual activity or massage without a license if they report to law enforcement, enumerated criminal offenses to include assault, sexual assault, homicide, robbery, larceny and the like.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6065: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  Limits governor's emergency declaration to 60 days unless extended by the general assembly and prohibits eliminating religious exemption regarding mandatory health injections or inoculations and an unlawful employment practice.
  • 2023-03-13: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6066: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- OBSCENE AND OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS AND SHOWS
  Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person’s employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6067: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- LIMITED GUARDIANSHIP AND GUARDIANSHIP OF ADULTS
  Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6070: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES
  Provides updates and clarifications to the current penalties for driving after denial, revocation, or suspension of an individual’s license.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6072: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMMITMENT OF ALCOHOLICS OR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS
  Allows police officers to be included as persons eligible to petition to have an alcoholic or person with a substance use disorder involuntarily committed to a treatment facility.
  • 2023-03-25: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #6073: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF NURSING SERVICE AGENCIES
  Establishes a cap on the rates that nursing service agencies can charge; protects clients from having their staff recruited/hired by a nursing service agency while providing services to them; updates training, report and other administrative details.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6074: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS
  Provides that nursing home facilities that have achieved 90% compliance with the staffing requirements that commenced in January 2023, are granted a 12 month grace period to achieve 100% compliance without being penalized.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6076: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires health insurance contract plans or policies to provide coverage for the licensed practice of naturopathy as provided in chapter 36.1 of title 5 effective January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6077: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- HABILITATION PROCUREMENT PROGRAM
  Provides that persons with disabilities be afforded participation opportunities in state funded and state directed public construction projects.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6078: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Raises the minimum wage for the years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, to $15.50, $17.00, $18.50, $20.00, and $21.00, per hour, respectively.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6079: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION -- BENEFITS
  Prevents employers from discriminating against an employee because the employee has exercised a right and worker's compensation benefits.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6080: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COVID-19 VACCINATION MANDATE PROHIBITED
  Prohibits a private employer from mandating a COVID-19 vaccination upon any full-time, part-time, or contract employee without providing individual exemptions that allow an employee to opt out of such mandate.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6081: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
  Provides amendments relative to low- and moderate-income housing and modifies and clarifies the procedure for review of applications to build such housing.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6082: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Amends several sections of law relating to zoning ordinances to provide uniform zoning standards for accessory dwelling units.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6083: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
  Amends several sections of law relating to low-and moderate-income housing and the application, appeal, and judicial review process.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6084: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Creates the transit oriented development pilot program to encourage residential housing near convenient public transportation.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6085: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT
  Amends the required contents of a comprehensive plan providing that the "implementation program" component of the requirements include a 5 year strategic plan to ensure that the comprehensive plan goals and policies are implemented in a timely fashion.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6086: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT
  Amends certain notification procedures relating to comprehensive planning and land use, subdivision of land and zoning ordinances.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6087: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Prohibits the requirement that a fee be paid for a rental application for real property.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Resolution #6088: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES AND AMENDING THE PURPOSE, NAME, AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING ACT
  This resolution would expand the purpose, amend the name and membership, and extend the reporting and expiration dates of the Commission from April 12, to June 7, 2025, and would expire on June 28, 2025.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Resolution #6089: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES, AND REQUIRING REAPPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ENTIRE AREA OF LAND USE, PRESERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT, AND REGULATION
  Extends the reporting and expiration dates and requires a letter of continued interest to the speaker for reappointment of membership, to the commission to study the entire area of land use from 6/8/23 to 6/8/25 and would expire on 6/30/25.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6090: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Provides that adaptive reuse for the conversion of commercial property into residential or mixed-use developments shall be a permitted use and allowable by specific and objective provisions of a zoning ordinance, subject to certain restrictions.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6091: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ORDINANCES
  Allows cities and towns to create and enforce ordinances related to the sale of tobacco products; provided the regulations are at least as stringent as state law.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6093: AN ACT IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 492 OF THE PUBLIC LAWS OF 2006 AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE CENTRAL COVENTRY FIRE DISTRICT
  Amends the Central Coventry Fire District Charter to provide for purchasing, installing, operating and maintaining street lighting and the funding for its debt.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6094: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee postponed at request of sponsor
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6095: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Amends the general law relative to levy and assessment of local taxes.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6096: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SHORT-TERM RENTAL COMMUNITY IMPACT FEE
  Enables cities and towns to impose an impact fee of 2% on the total consideration charged for occupancy of a house, condominium, or other resident dwelling that is rented in its entirety for less than 31 consecutive days.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6097: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT
  Removes the municipal preemption on prohibiting the offering of residential units for tourist or transient use through a hosting platform, and take effect upon passage.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6098: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MERIT SYSTEM
  Requires the personnel administrator, any time any state agency has fifty (50) position vacancies or more, to administer civil service exams to fill those positions at least three (3) times per year.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6099: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MERIT SYSTEM
  Temporarily exempts applicants for employment with the department of human services from completing the civil service exam until July 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-15: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6100: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  Directs the department of human services to temporarily waive any civil service exam required by the department to obtain a license, for one year.
  • 2023-03-13: Withdrawn at sponsor's request (03/15/2023)
• House Bill #6102: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTORCYCLE DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM
  Community College of Rhode Island motorcycle course to accommodate person's with disabilities.
  • 2023-03-14: Meeting postponed (03/14/2023)
  • 2023-03-14: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2023)
  • 2023-03-17: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6127: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS -- TOWN FORESTS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SYSTEMS
  Requires one acre or more public parks to have ADA public restrooms or (2) port-a-potties by July 1, 2025 enforced by DEM.
  • 2023-03-16: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6128: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT
  Requires every school district/local education agency/city/town to report each fiscal year relating to funding/ administrative/program information from the American Rescue plan, elementary/secondary school emergency relief, and state/local recovery funds.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6138: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND
  Provides that degrees from the Community College of Rhode Island be awarded by the board of education, with the approval of the president and the faculty senate.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6140: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
  Under certain circumstances, provides immunity from arrest and prosecution for prostitution, procurement of sexual conduct for a fee, loitering for prostitution and soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/22/2023)
  • 2023-03-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6141: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- WORK ON HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS
  All laborers, mechanics, and workers who are required to work on Sundays and/or holidays would be paid by their employers at least one and one-half (1½) times the normal rate of pay.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6142: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DOMESTIC WORKERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
  Establishes a bill of rights for domestic workers and provides for a minimum set of benefits relating to working conditions, hours worked and time off from work.
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6147: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS REGULATION
  Establishes the Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Exchange.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6150: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PREVENTION OF HIV INFECTION
  Requires coverage for the treatment of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for treatment of HIV infection, commencing January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/21/2023)
  • 2023-03-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #6151: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Provides time limitations on the collection or hauling of from large trash receptacles (dumpsters) refuse within one hundred feet (100') of a dwelling unit between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) pm and eight o'clock (8:00) am.
  • 2023-03-17: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/23/2023)
  • 2023-03-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #6152: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF KARRIE ANN DISANTO
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6153: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR OUTSTANDING 2022-2023 SEASON, AND WISHING THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS AT THE NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL FOUR
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6154: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING DR. ANTHONY A. CALDAMONE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6155: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE CELEBRATION OF ST. JOSEPH'S DAY
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6156: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6157: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6158: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT
  
  • 2023-03-16: House read and passed
• House Bill #6159: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #6160: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL
  Amends the definition of "under the direct supervision" to include a competent person acting under the control of a certified or licensed applicator who is available when needed, even though not physically present when pesticide is applied.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #6161: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SOLITARY CONFINEMENT REFORM ACT
  Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6162: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Amends the uniform controlled substances act and reclassifies simple possession of 28 grams or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #6163: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE TO IMPROVE THE LONG-TERM OUTCOMES AND REDUCE RECIDIVISM OF FEMALES WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE POPULATION
  Creates a 19 member task force whose purpose it would be to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism of females in the criminal justice system, and who would report back by February 5, 2024, and expire on April 5, 2024.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #6164: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE FROM THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DHS) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (DOC) ON CURRENT AND POTENTIAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR TRANSITIONING FEMALES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH PRE- AND POST-RELEASE
  
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6165: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Enables the city of East Providence to offer tax amnesty for two (2) separate sixty (60) day periods for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for waiver of interest and penalties on overdue real property tax payments.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6166: AN ACT RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE OAKLAND--MAPLEVILLE #4 AND THE NASONVILLE FIRE DISTRICTS INTO THE BURRILLVILLE FIRE DISTRICT
  Authorizes, subject to voter approval, the merger and consolidation of the Oakland-Mapleville Fire District #4 and the Nasonville Fire District into a district to be called the "Burrillville Fire District."
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6167: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows Bristol to adopt tax classification plan for tax relief for taxes assessed on 12/31/23 and any tax year thereafter.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6168: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HOUSING PRODUCTION REVOLVING FUND
  Creates the Housing Production Revolving Fund through the issuance of $50,000,000 in housing bonds by the department of housing to provide affordable housing for low income households and provide a $500,000 annual appropriation from the general assembly.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6169: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM
  Permits a parent or caretaker relative of a family applying for child care assistance to qualify for child care assistance without first establishing paternity, or enforcing child support and medical support orders.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6170: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- POSTSECONDARY TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR SHORTAGE TEACHING FIELDS
  Creates a postsecondary tuition assistance for shortage teaching fields.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6171: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX -- CAPITAL GAINS
  Amends the capital gains tax rates and holding period from 5 years to 1 year. Imposes a non-owner occupied tax on homes assessed at more than $1,000,000.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #6172: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO SOJOURNER HOUSE IN RHODE ISLAND
  Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $3,000,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.
  • 2023-03-17: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #6173: HOUSE RESOLUTION WELCOMING THE GOLDEN RULE SAILBOAT TO RHODE ISLAND IN SUPPORT OF A NUCLEAR-FREE WORLD
  
  • 2023-03-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6174: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING JOZIAH FRY OF JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY AND NATHAN LACKMAN OF RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE ON WINNING THE NCAA DIVISION III WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
  
  • 2023-03-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6175: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH OF 2023, AS “NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2023-03-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6176: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE THEODORE F. LOW, FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  
  • 2023-03-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6177: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH 25, 2023, AS THE 202ND ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES
  
  • 2023-03-21: House read and passed
• House Bill #6178: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE
  Incorporates ethical energy standards to the 2021 Act on Climate.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #6179: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE – MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES
  Provides all Medicare recipients over sixty-five (65) years of age applying for Medicare supplement plan guaranteed issue rights regardless of medical or health or receipt of health care by the applicant.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6180: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6181: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SCREENING, DISCIPLINE AND DECERTIFICATION
  Creates an officer discipline board and provides law enforcement personal to comply with this act.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6182: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
  Amends the definition of "low and moderate income housing" to include housing secured by a federal government voucher or subsidy.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6183: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT
  Authorizes municipalities to establish rules and regulations and issue licenses for short-term rentals.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6184: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF WARREN
  Validates and ratifies amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of Warren, adopted and approved on November 8, 2022.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6185: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Amends the election laws to change certain deadlines for declarations of candidacy, party disaffiliation and submission of nomination papers for special federal elections.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6186: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- REBUILD RHODE ISLAND TAX CREDIT
  Provides that prevailing wage requirements for rebuild Rhode Island and historic preservation tax credits do not apply to project applications submitted prior to January 1, 2023.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6187: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX
  Exempts new entities in the first two (2) years of existence from paying the minimum tax if annual net taxable income is less than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6188: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- QUALITY SELF-DIRECTED SERVICES
  Increases the hourly compensation for "individual providers" from no less than sixteen dollars ($16.00) on April 1, 2023, and gradually increase several times until June 30, 2024, when it would be nineteen dollars ($19.00) and continuing.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6189: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TUITION WAIVER PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN IN RHODE ISLAND FOSTER CARE
  Establishes the Tuition Waiver Program for Children in Rhode Island Foster Care program.
  • 2023-03-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #6190: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BETTY JANE PERCIVAL
  
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6191: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6192: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6193: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARJORIE HOPE MARTIESIAN
  
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #6194: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING LA FRANCOPHONIE FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AT THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023
  
  • 2023-03-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #6195: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF SISTERS, INC.
  
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #6196: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT
  Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2023)
• House Bill #6197: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT
  Prohibits discrimination based on housing status, define "assistance animal", make it unlawful to issue discriminatory notices or statements relating to the sale, rental or leasing of housing and to delete an unconstitutional provision.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6198: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- FAMILY COURT
  Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6199: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST
  Prohibits the civil arrest of any person who is attending court either on behalf of themselves or a family or household member. Any person who violates this act shall be subject to civil suit and for contempt of court.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6200: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
  Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights providing greater accountability in the disciplinary process, the chief of police authority to impose discipline after the finding of a violation, appellate rights to the accused officer.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6201: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION
  Allows for a property owner who fails to comply with lead hazard mitigation provisions to be subject to damages and reasonable attorneys' fees.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #6202: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- CONTRACTORS BONDS
  Provides that upon application, and good cause, the state may waive the bonding requirement for certified minority business enterprises or women owned businesses.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/29/2023)
• House Bill #6203: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- OPTIONAL RETIREMENT FOR MEMBERS OF POLICE FORCE AND FIREFIGHTERS
  Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and fire fighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1st following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2023-03-24: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/28/2023)
• House Bill #6204: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARIES FOR ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
  Makes it easier for candidates for the presidential preference primaries to obtain a place on the ballot.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6205: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Increases the personal needs allowances of nursing facility residents from fifty dollars ($50.00) to one hundred dollars ($100) per month.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6206: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6207: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES - RETIREMENT SYSTEM - CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS
  Awards all pension system members 3% COLA applied to first $50,000 of retirement allowance annually exp.1/1/24 provided prior year investment return gains 10% or more until fund is 80% funded.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6208: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES -- VIOLATIONS
  Removes the required one hundred fifty dollar ($150) reinstatement fee after a license revocation or suspension as well as the three hundred fifty dollar ($350) fee for certain driving under the influence traffic violations.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6209: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX
  Allows cannabis establishments, as defined pursuant to § 21-28.11-3, to claim any deduction to income that would be allowable under the laws of the United States but for 26 U.S.C. § 280E.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #6210: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE
  Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to WaterFire Providence.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #6211: JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE STATE TO ENTER INTO A FINANCING AGREEMENT RELATING TO SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET
  Authorizes the state to finance the construction of a new high school and facilities and all expenses incident thereto.
  • 2023-03-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance