Legislation updates on 2022-05-18

Records from before 2022 are currently hidden.
Show previous years

• Senate Bill #2178: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD -- SOLAR ENERGY ANALYSIS
  Requires the public utilities commission to establish a docket to review and analyze solar energy development in Rhode Island.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• Senate Bill #2242: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Repeals § 28-12-9 of the general laws which provides that the director of labor and training may approve of wages below the minimum wage for those persons whose earning capacity is impaired due to physical or mental disability.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Labor
• Senate Bill #2281: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE -- SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT
  Provides that the public schools shall be responsible for attendance data monitoring and detection of emergent truant behavior.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2282: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHING A CLASS SIZE MAXIMUM FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE TWO (2)
  Mandates public school classroom size be limited to twenty (20) students for kindergarten through grade two (2).
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2284: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires the RIDOE to create a model policy and timeline to assist local education agencies in implementing a dual language immersion program. This model policy and timeline to be sent to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2288: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Provides students attending public schools enrolled in grades K-12 with a students' bill of rights prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, gender, economic status or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disabilities.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2291: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Direct the council on elementary and secondary education to provide professional support and assistance to LEAs regarding effective ways to use data such as the LEA’s budget and demographics, school culture, and assessments to improve student performance.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2292: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY DISCLOSURE AND HOMEOWNERS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
  Grants residential purchasers of solar energy systems consumer protections related to disclosure and cancellation.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• Senate Bill #2294: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HURRICANE, STORM AND FLOOD STANDARDS
  Amends dam safety standards to require the state building code standards committee to take into account climate change effect on inundation areas below dams classified as high, significant, or low hazard.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• Senate Bill #2295: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- INSPECTION OF DAMS AND RESERVOIRS
  Authorizes DEM to assess penalties for non-compliance with emergency plans for significant/ high hazard dams with DEM/EMA developing system to issue severe weather advisories/watches/warnings.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• Senate Bill #2297: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION-PROTECTION FROM UNSAFE DAMS
  Establishes an orphan and insolvent dam fund for the repair or removal of high hazard or significant hazard dams with the right of subrogation.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2298: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PFAS IN DRINKING WATER, GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATERS
  Authorizes DOH to establish maximum contaminate levels of PFSA in drinking water and to set interim standards. Also requires DEM to set standards for PFSA in ground- and surface waters. Defines PFSA as hazardous substances.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• Senate Bill #2299: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL
  Restricts the use of neonicotinoids which are a class of insecticides.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommended indefinite postponement
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommended Substitute A be held for further study
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #2303: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS - CORROSION PREVENTION AND MITIGATION WORK REQUIREMENTS
  Requires all contractors and subcontractors who perform construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair or maintenance work, pursuant to public works contracts, to comply with industry standards for infrastructure corrosion prevention.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• Senate Bill #2315: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Provides that the town of Bristol would be authorized to exempt from taxation, or otherwise enter into payment in lieu of tax agreements regarding property in the town of Bristol of qualifying nonprofit, charitable organizations.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #2317: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT
  Requires the RI department of human services to develop a plan to streamline the application, certification and recertification process for SNAP beneficiaries aged sixty years and over.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2342: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the town of Middletown to adopt a new the tax classification plan to provide property tax relief to its residents.
  • 2022-05-18: Effective without Governor's signature
• Senate Bill #2411: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID
  Requires school lunch service contracts to provide for payment to school-lunch workers and aides for one hundred eight (180) days or the length of the contract for the school year, whichever is longer.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2418: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN
  Requires children who seek a special limited work permit to successfully complete a worker rights' training program established and funded by the department of labor and training.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Labor
• Senate Bill #2430: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT
  The Rhode Island Cannabis Act legalizes adult use of cannabis. It provides for licensing of cultivation, manufacture and retail sale of cannabis.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2434: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- CREDIT CARD LENDING
  Modernizes the Rhode Island credit card lending statute by amending the definition of “credit card plan”.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• Senate Bill #2435: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTEREST AND USURY
  Reduces the usury rate to twelve percent (12%).
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• Senate Bill #2443: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Owners of animals in RISPCA custody to pay for animal's care or animal may be forfeited.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Judiciary
• Senate Bill #2477: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH WATER SUPPLIERS
  Requires municipalities to cooperate and forge partnerships with water suppliers, within their jurisdiction, that assist or enable water suppliers to maintain, improve, backup and safeguard their water supply.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2480: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
  Provides the standards for reviewing applications for plans or work for the extension of supply or distribution mains or pipes. It also adds an appeal of a denial by a public water supply facility pursuant to the administrative procedures act § 42-35-15.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2485: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - RETIREMENT OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES - REEMPLOYMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS
  Exempts retired police officers from the seventy-five (75) day rule which restricts employment for retirement purposes, when they work private details for a nongovernmental entity.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2486: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIGNITY AT WORK ACT
  Establishes the Dignity at Work Act, to provide workers with more protection from bullying and harassment in the workplace.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Labor
• Senate Bill #2551: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- REBUILD RHODE ISLAND TAX CREDIT
  Defines "construction worker" and provides for wage and benefits in accordance with chapter 13 of title 37.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• Senate Bill #2570: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Provides that special education services would include speech-language pathology services, and would not stop because a child has reached nine (9) years of age.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2577: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Increases the maximum amount of days a retired teacher and athletic coach may substitute teach from 90 days to 120 days.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2606: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT
  Creates the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact allowing physicians to become licensed in multiple states and practice under the jurisdiction of the state in which the patient is located.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2613: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN
  Limits the accessibility of over-the-counter dietary supplements to prevent the misuse or abuse of such products and provides a conspicuously posted notice at the purchase counter of the possible side effects of the supplements.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/31/2022)
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (06/07/2022)
• Senate Bill #2616: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
  Creates entry-level licensing program to allow applicants as a mental health counselor assoc. or a marriage/family therapist assoc. to practice under supervision prior to becoming a licensed mental health counselor or a licensed marriage/family therapist.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2621: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998
  Changes the affordable housing eligibility standards for households in New Shoreham with gross household income of less than one hundred and forty percent (140%) of area median income.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Resolution #2648: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $17,700,000 FOR THE PURPOSES OF INCREASING HOME CARE PROVIDER REIMBURSEMENT RATES TO BE USED FOR WAGE PASS THROUGH TO DIRECT CARE STAFF AND FOR INCREASES IN PAYMENTS TO DIRECT CARE WORKERS HIRED BY CONSUMERS THROUGH SELF-DIRECTED CARE PROGRAMS
  This joint resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $17,700,000 in order to increase home care provider reimbursement rates, and for increases in payments to direct care workers.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House State Government & Elections
• Senate Bill #2664: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015
  Provides identity theft protections by requiring reporting of breaches by certain municipal and state agencies, and requires notice to collective bargaining agents where required and requires an explanation of remediation services.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
• Senate Bill #2666: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRAINING--DIGITAL CREDENTIALING
  Mandates the department of labor and training to require publicly funded workforce and training programs to supplement all paper-based credentials with verified electronic credentials.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Labor
• Senate Bill #2667: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL FISHING VEHICLES
  Requires the division of motor vehicles to develop a form for registration of and a license plate for commercial fishing motor vehicles.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2678: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING
  Establishes the office of early childhood development and learning to manage a statewide early learning system for children from birth through age five (5), and ensure all children enter school ready to learn.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House State Government & Elections
• Senate Bill #2679: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- EARLY LEARNING HUBS
  Establishes "early learning hubs" to serve as an intermediary among regional partners in order to coordinate support for early learning providers in the delivery of early childhood care and education.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2680: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PRE-KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION ACT
  Creates public, high quality pre-kindergarten education programs which are available to all children ages three (3) and four (4) throughout Rhode Island to increase children’s school readiness.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2681: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL ACT
  Provides that childcare is part of an early learning program and is an essential program supporting the state’s workforce and a strong state economy.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2691: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 2022 ENERGY STORAGE ACT
  Requires the PUC to initiate the process of evaluating the barriers to and opportunities for electric energy storage resources to be connected to the electric distribution system.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• Senate Bill #2705: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- JUSTICES OF THE PEACE -- UNIFORM LAW ON NOTARIAL ACTS
  Codifies in the general laws the standards of conduct for notaries public in the state of Rhode Island by the secretary of state which came into effect on April 3, 2020. Takes effect on July 1, 2021; sunsets and expires on July 1, 2023.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• Senate Bill #2735: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Amends the total amount of expenses that may be charged to a utility for those expenses related to a commission or division initiated investigation of public utilities with gross intrastate operating revenues exceeding $400,000,000.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• Senate Bill #2740: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LABOR STANDARDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
  Adds a new chapter known as the Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• Senate Bill #2747: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
  Modifies appointment/removal process for URI board of trustees with all appointments by governor for 3 yr-terms with advice/consent of senate/URI president appoints faculty member/student to serve in non-voting/ex officio capacity.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2750: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- RHODE ISLAND UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT
  Eliminates the Rhode Island Underground Storage Tank financial advisory board and include the cleanup of residential heating oil tanks under the eligibility for reimbursement from the cleanup fund.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2771: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RELOCATION OF UTILITY SERVICES
  Amends the formula used to reimburse a utility facility or company for the cost of relocation necessitated by highway construction.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2814: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONTRACTORS' REGISTRATION AND LICENSING BOARD
  Revises the manner in which complaints against contractors are made, processed, investigated, and resolved in a more efficient and expeditious manner and makes various technical and grammatical corrections.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Corporations
• Senate Bill #2839: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL BUILDING CORPORATION
  Provides municipalities in the state with appropriate additional means to improve the health, living conditions, and welfare of their residents with expanded access to public educational, or child daycare centers, or public recreational facilities.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2841: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Establishes courses that include instruction in career and technical education programs.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2842: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- ELECTRONIC BOOK LICENSES TO LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS
  Requires publishers to provide electronic book licenses to libraries and schools on reasonable terms, when a publisher offers to license electronic books and digital audiobooks to the public in Rhode Island.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #2852: 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).
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2855: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE
  Increases the current levy on construction costs for residential building permits to be deposited into an exempt restricted receipts account to be used for training grants, including programs for local and state building officials and minority businesses.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2856: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE
  Amends and updates the qualifications for state and local building inspectors and officials aligning state law with federal law and also makes several technical corrections.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2880: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Delays the town of west Greenwich’s first statistical update following the 2019 revaluation from 2022 to 2023 and bases the update on valuations as of December 31, 2023.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #2898: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the city of Newport to adopt separate tax rates for non-owner occupied and owner occupied residential real estate.
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/31/2022)
• Senate Bill #2910: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires all public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island to provide at least one unit of instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander History and culture.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• Senate Bill #2927: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF WESTERLY TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,000 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 THROUGHOUT THE TOWN, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 35% FOR EXPENDITURES ELIGIBLE FOR STATE AID AND PROVIDED THAT THE AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE REDUCED BY ANY GRANT RECEIVED FROM THE SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY CAPITAL FUND
  Authorizes the Town of Westerly to issue bonds and notes in an amount not exceeding $50,000,000 to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities throughout the town.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2928: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF SCITUATE TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $750,000 TO FINANCE EQUIPMENT, REPAIRS AND/OR IMPROVEMENTS AT THE SCITUATE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
  Town of Scituate to issue not more than $750,000 bonds and notes to finance various improvements at the town of Scituate’s schools and constitutes an enabling act of the general assembly that is required pursuant to § 16-7-44.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #2929: AN ACT RELATING TO THE KINGSTON FIRE DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN
  Clarifies that qualification to vote in elections of the Kingston Fire District extends to those residents of the District qualified to vote in the town of South Kingstown elections.
  • 2022-05-18: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #2930: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS -- TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT-- LANDING FEE
  Increases the landing fee at the Port of Galilee in the town of Narragansett from thirty-five cents ($.35) to fifty cents ($.50).
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/24/2022)
• Senate Bill #2944: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PSYCHIATRY RESOURCE NETWORK FUNDING ACT
  Creates the Rhode Island Psychiatry Resource Network for the primary purpose of equitably determining and collecting assessments for the cost of Psychiatry Resource Network's in the state not covered by other federal or state funding.
  • 2022-05-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Resolution #2945: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING LAUREN AND ZACH BAIN, OWNERS OF LUCKY DOGS FARM, ON BEING NAMED THE RICHMOND GRANGE #6 2022, "AGRICULTURALISTS OF THE YEAR"
  
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (05/19/2022)
• Senate Resolution #2946: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING BECKY BURTON ON BEING NAMED "TEACHER OF THE YEAR" BY THE RICHMOND GRANGE #6
  
  • 2022-05-18: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (05/19/2022)
• Senate Resolution #2947: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RIPTA) TO REINSTATE ITS NONSTOP EXPRESS BUS SERVICE TO SOUTH COUNTY BEACHES
  
  • 2022-05-18: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
• Senate Bill #2948: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF NURSING SERVICE AGENCIES
  Establishes maximum rate for services provided to client by a nurse may not exceed 200%.
  • 2022-05-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #2949: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSE OF ACTION
  Removes the statute of limitations for actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would make eligible previously time barred actions.
  • 2022-05-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• House Bill #6667: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS -- TRAUMA INFORMED SCHOOLS ACT
  Same as 21H-5936 -- Establishes the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools throughout the state.
  • 2022-05-18: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #6669: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  Same as 21H-6129 -- Authorizes a licensed physical therapist to perform physical therapy services to a student while in school without a prescription or referral, in accordance with the student's IEP or IFSP.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #7062: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
  Provides that in developing alternative-learning plans, consideration shall be given to the difficulties and interruptions students experience because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #7093: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the town of Middletown to adopt a new tax classification plan to provide property tax relief to its residents.
  • 2022-05-18: Effective without Governor's signature
• House Bill #7117: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STATE DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
  Requires district and independent charter schools to use a random selection process to select eligible public school students who would be invited to attend the charter school and allows a parent to decline the invitation.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Resolution #7118: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE EFFECTS AND IMPACT THAT HYBRID AND VIRTUAL LEARNING EMPLOYED DURING THE PANDEMIC HAS HAD ON THE ACHIEVEMENT RATES OF CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12TH GRADE
  Creates a 15 member commission to study, identify gaps, and provide plans to counter the impact of hybrid and virtual learning on achievement rates of children grades K-12th, and would report back by July 31, 2023, and expire on September 30, 2023.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Bill #7167: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
  Directs school districts experiencing high rates of student absenteeism to establish attendance support teams to address this absenteeism.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Bill #7213: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MERIT SYSTEM
  Allows a classified employee to seek elected office provided that they resign their position upon being elected.
  • 2022-05-18: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #7503: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE
  Requires coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including, but not limited to, the use of intravenous immunoglobin therapy.
  • 2022-05-18: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #7528: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
  Provides that only facilities located within the state be eligible for licenses to operate as official inspection stations for the inspection of vehicles.
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed
• House Bill #7540: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- AQUACULTURE-EMERGENCY CLOSURE
  Allows the director of the department of environmental management to issue an emergency order requiring the temporary or permanent suspension of aquaculture activities in an affected area.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #7593: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT
  The Rhode Island Cannabis Act legalizes adult use of cannabis. It provides for licensing of cultivation, manufacture and retail sale of cannabis.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Resolution #7784: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
  Creates 10 member joint commission to study and make recommendations for efficient/effective governance of kindergarten through sixteen public education system, and reports back to the Senate and House by March 1, 2023, and expires on July 1, 2023.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Bill #7872: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
  Creates entry-level licensing program to allow applicants as a mental health counselor assoc. or marriage/family therapist assoc. to practice under supervision prior to becoming licensed a mental health counselor or licensed marriage/family therapist.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Bill #7905: 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.
  • 2022-05-18: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #7940: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF COMMERCE
  Provides that the deputy secretary of commerce and housing become the secretary of housing and retains all the powers and duties of the deputy secretary of commerce and housing.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• House Bill #7942: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Revise and clarifies the definition of an accessory dwelling unit in the zoning enabling act. Also permits certain accessory dwelling units to be counted towards low and moderate income housing requirements.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• House Bill #7945: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
  Amends the composition of the state housing appeals board by adding one member from the Center for Justice and one member Direct Action for Rights and Equality, as well as two (2) alternates selected by the governor.
  • 2022-05-18: Proposed Substitute
• House Bill #7949: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
  Revises the comprehensive permitting process and the appeals process in regard to low and moderate income housing. It also adds two (2) additional alternates to the state housing appeals board.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (05/19/2022)
• House Bill #8062: 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 1, and further require that there are no fewer than five (5) school district education reviews annually beginning in academic year 2025-2026.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #8078: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Allows the district court to designate the date of the hearing in eviction matters filed under the residential landlord and tenant act.
  • 2022-05-18: House passed Sub A
• House Bill #8132: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Requires teachers and coaches of a child as a volunteer or for compensation to comply with criminal records review process.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• House Bill #8133: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL
  Creates task force to study the issue of PFAS in firefighter gear, to monitor development of alternatives to this gear, develop timeline for replacing gear statewide and to develop strategy for funding the replacement gear from state or federal funds.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #8205: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- DAM PERMITS
  Requires dam owner/operator with storage capacity over 1,400 normal storage acre feet of water to obtain DEM permits to raise/lower water level. Not applicable to public water supply system dams.
  • 2022-05-18: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #8257: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $235,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF NEW ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN, AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEMOLITION, ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL COSTS; PROVIDED THAT, THE AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF CERTAIN GRANTS RECEIVED FROM STATE BOND PROCEEDS, FROM THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR FROM THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY
  
  • 2022-05-18: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #8258: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
  Amends the composition of the Advisory Council on Alzheimers Disease Research and Treatment" to include 6 additional members and renames the council the "Advisory Council on Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders."
  • 2022-05-18: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #8259: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION
  This act is the annual workers' compensation omnibus.
  • 2022-05-18: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Resolution #8260: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE INVALUABLE SERVICE OF DONNA O'CONNOR, M.ED., RN, TO THE PATIENTS AT RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL AND STUDENTS IN PROVIDENCE'S SCHOOL DISTRICT
  
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed
• House Resolution #8261: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF VIOLET BARRACKS
  
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed
• House Resolution #8262: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER BURL RICHARD PEGDEN, USN RET.
  
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed
• House Resolution #8263: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF STATE POLICE K-9 RUBY
  
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed
• House Resolution #8264: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING DR. TIMOTHY J. BABINEAU ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LIFESPAN
  
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed
• House Resolution #8265: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JAMES ORRIS BARNHILL
  
  • 2022-05-18: House read and passed