Legislation updates since 2021-01-17

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• Senate Bill #1: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Gradually increase the minimum wage from eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50) per hour to fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour, over 4 years.
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/27/2021)
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-22: Meeting postponed (01/27/2021)
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-03: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate passed as amended (floor amendment)
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House Labor
• Senate Bill #2: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NURSING HOME STAFFING AND QUALITY CARE ACT
  Mandates minimum staffing levels and standards for quality care for nursing homes and their residents.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-01-26: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-04: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #3: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Prohibits insurance companies from varying the premium rates charged for a health coverage plan based on the gender of the individual policy holder, enrollee, subscriber, or member.
  • 2021-01-19: Placed on Senate Calendar (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-01-27: Referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
• Senate Bill #4: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- THE TELEMEDICINE COVERAGE ACT
  Amends the provisions of the telemedicine coverage act and provide coverage for telemedicine under Rhode Island Medicaid.
  • 2021-01-19: Placed on Senate Calendar (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Senate voted to recommit to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Proposed Substitute
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2021-02-12: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
  • 2021-02-26: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #5: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
  Requires individual health insurers, large group health insurers and small employer health insurers to provide coverage for ten (10) categories of essential health benefits listed in the act.
  • 2021-01-19: Placed on Senate Calendar (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Senate passed Sub A
  • 2021-01-27: Referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
• Senate Bill #6: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS
  Department of health to promulgate rules and regulations for essential caregivers at nursing homes during a declared emergency.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #13: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Provides that the council on elementary and secondary education would not grant approval for the creation or expansion of any new charter school until after the 2022, 2023, 2024 school year.
  • 2021-01-18: Meeting postponed (01/20/2021)
  • 2021-01-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/27/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Proposed Substitute
  • 2021-01-27: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House Finance
• Senate Bill #14: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS - SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the governor to designate any person to solemnize a marriage within the state of Rhode Island on a particular day and within a particular city or town.
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/28/2021)
  • 2021-01-28: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Proposed Substitute
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2021-02-16: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Senate passed Sub A
  • 2021-02-25: Referred to House Judiciary
• Senate Bill #16: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - HARM REDUCTION CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PILOT PROGRAM
  Creates pilot program to establish harm reduction centers where use of pre-obtained controlled substances may occur under supervision of health care professionals
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Proposed Substitute
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2021-02-12: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Senate passed Sub A
  • 2021-02-25: Referred to House Health & Human Services
• Senate Resolution #17: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONDOLENCES AND RECOGNIZING THE 400,000 AMERICANS WHO HAVE PASSED AS A RESULT OF COVID-19
  
  • 2021-01-19: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-01-19: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #18: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
  
  • 2021-01-19: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-01-19: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #19: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT-ELECT JOSEPH BIDEN, JR., AND VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT KAMALA HARRIS
  
  • 2021-01-19: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-01-19: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #20: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF STEPHEN P. BRUN
  
  • 2021-01-19: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-01-19: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #21: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- RHODE ISLAND FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS ACT
  Limits the amount of fees charged by a third-party food delivery service to fifteen percent (15%).
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/12/2021)
  • 2021-02-12: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #22: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Amends the maximum allowable capacity for net metering systems in the Block Island Utility District and Pascoag Utility District.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #23: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY SERVICES - TOWN OF NEW SHOREHAM
  Provides New Shoreham has the exclusive authority to prescribe rules and regulations pertaining to the operation, licensing, and regulation of transportation network service companies and their services when TNCs are operating in the town of New Shoreham.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/12/2021)
  • 2021-02-12: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #24: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT -- NONPROFIT CORPORATION ACT -- LIMITED-LIABILITY COMPANY ACT
  Removes the 10 year period within which time the secretary of state's office is authorized to withdraw a certificate of revocation for all Rhode Island business corporations, foreign corporations, nonprofit corporations and limited liability companies.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #25: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NONREGULATED POWER PRODUCER CONSUMER BILL OF RIGHTS
  Excludes municipal and government bodies that aggregate electrical loads for residential retail customers from the requirement that a new contract is required when there is a change of terms for electric-generation services.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #26: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Creates the uniform natural gas leaks classification act which classifies gas leaks into different grades and identifies the steps and procedures to be taken and provides a reporting requirement for a gas company subsequent to a leak.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #27: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES
  Establishes rules and regulations concerning the use and registration of personal delivery devices and mobile carrying devices.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/12/2021)
  • 2021-02-12: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #28: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY SERVICES--WHEELCHAIR LIFT EQUIPMENT VEHICLES
  Requires ride sharing services to provide wheelchair lift equipment vehicles as part of their fleet; establishes accessibility program for persons with disabilities in unserved or underserved geographic areas of the state.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/12/2021)
  • 2021-02-12: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #29: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENDORSE THE NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE BANK
  
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #30: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- AIR QUALITY IN SCHOOLS
  Requires the department of health, in conjunction with the department of environmental management, to conduct indoor and outdoor air quality tests in all public and private schools throughout the state on an annual basis.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #31: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--THE NATHAN BRUNO AND JASON FLATT ACT
  Creates the "Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act" which requires training of teachers/students/school personnel regarding suicide awareness and prevention, and the establishment of a conflict resolution process between teachers or school personnel/students.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #32: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT PRIVACY ON SCHOOL-OWNED TECHNOLOGY
  Establishes certain student privacy rights in regard to take-home technology devices from school.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #33: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION ACCOUTABILITY ACT
  Requires that the board of education incorporate additional questions into its annual assessment of schools and related surveys and provide annual reports to the house of representatives and the senate.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #34: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Allows students in public schools to possess and use sunscreen without a physician's note or prescription, if the product is regulated by the FDA for over-the-counter use.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #35: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- THE OCEAN STATE CLIMATE ADAPTATION FUND
  Establishes the Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund. Enables municipalities and the state to apply for grants to improve public safety and community climate resilience for coastal habitats, as well as river and stream floodplains.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #36: 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.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #37: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT
  Creates the "Plastic Waste Reduction Act" designed to reduce the use of plastic bags by retail establishments by offering recyclable bag options and providing penalties for violations.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #38: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BALLOONS
  Prohibits the release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #39: SENATE RESOLUTION PROTECTING AND ENSURING FARMLAND PRESERVATION
  
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #40: AN ACT RELATING TO ENABLING THE STATE LOTTERY DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO CONTRACT WITH IGT GLOBAL SOLUTIONS CORPORATION AND TWIN RIVER
  Enables the state lottery division of the department of revenue to enter into a contract extension with IGT Global Solutions Corporation and contract extensions with Twin River and affiliates of Twin River.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #41: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASELOAD ESTIMATING CONFERENCES
  Requires the participation and input of the EOHHS, DHS, DCYF and BHDDH in medical assistance and public assistance caseload estimating conferences and the generation of monthly data to the members of the case load estimating conference.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #42: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Defines light duty, non-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 2029.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #43: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Requires the contracting department of the department of human services or the department of administration to pilot at least one contract for professional or technical services using automatic verification software to verify hours billed under contract.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #44: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER/EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ENABLING LEGISLATION
  Allows municipalities to establish a program providing property tax exemption to active duty individuals who volunteer services as a firefighter or emergency medical technician.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #45: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STAY INVESTED IN RI WAVEMAKER FELLOWSHIP
  Expand the Wavemaker Fellowship Program to include public school teachers in the high-need fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #46: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Creates an agreement to limit corporate incentives.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #47: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- THE HEALING ART OF ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE
  Changes title of chapter 37.2 of title 5 and throughout, replacing the words "Oriental medicine" with "Chinese medicine". Allows individuals who are otherwise certified, to practice acupuncture & Chinese medicine using Chinese medical diagnostic methods.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-12: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-25: Referred to House Health & Human Services
• Senate Bill #48: AN ACT RELATING TO FOODS AND DRUGS -- THE UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Expands drug awareness programs to high schools, directs funding from certain civil fines and mandates establishment of criteria for funding.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Resolution #49: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND STATE AUDITOR GENERAL TO CONDUCT OR OVERSEE A STUDY OR AUDIT ON THE PRIVATIZATION OF RHODE ISLAND'S MEDICAID PROGRAMS
  
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #50: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN
  This act would ratify the town of Jamestown Home Rule Charter amendment to Section 219 of the charter adopted at a November 3, 2020 referendum, concerning the process and procedures by which voter initiative can be activated.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-04: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #51: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD LIMITS -- MIDDLETOWN
  Prohibits the operation of through commercial vehicles on Turner Road in Middletown.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #52: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF COVENTRY
  Validates and ratify amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of Coventry, which amendments were adopted and approved by the electors of the town of Coventry on November 3, 2020.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-04: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #53: AN ACT RELATING TO AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF WESTERLY TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $2,000,000 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 IN THE TOWN
  
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-04: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-24: Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• Senate Bill #54: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - COURTS - FAMILY COURT
  Family Court to hear abuse allegations for immigrants up to 21 years of age.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #55: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HOSPITAL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT
  Establishes procedures for employees to file complaints with hospital or director of department of health, for assaultive behavior or other violation of law occurring on hospital grounds and require hospitals to institute safety training for employees.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #56: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - PRESERVATION OF FAMILIES WITH DISABLED PARENT ACT
  Precludes a parent's disability from serving as the sole basis for the state to institute an investigation of the disabled parent's family.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #57: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL STATE OFFICES
  Requires a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of secretary of state, attorney general or general treasurer if more than one year is left in the term of office.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #58: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Imposes a two hundred fifty dollar ($250) substance abuse education assessment for any conviction of driving under the influence or a violation for refusal to submit to a breathalyzer.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #59: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - STATEWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
  Establishes a statewide public safety computer aided dispatch records management system.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #60: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING
  Permits campaign funds to be used to pay all childcare expenses that are incurred as a direct result of campaign activity.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #61: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURERS' REHABILITATION AND LIQUIDATION ACT -- INSURANCE RECEIVERSHIP MODEL ACT
  Adopts a portion of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model act with respect to receiverships, specifically with regards to how derivative contracts are treated in cases of insurance receiverships.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Meeting postponed (02/11/2021)
• Senate Bill #62: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ACT
  Requires health insurers to accommodate the request for communication in the form and format requested by the insured.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #63: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT
  Requires that the secretary of EOHHS, the secretary of commerce of the commerce corporation and the commissioners of elementary and secondary education and postsecondary education be appointed subject to the approval of the senate.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/28/2021)
  • 2021-01-28: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate passed as amended (floor amendment)
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House State Government & Elections
• Senate Bill #64: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SPEED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM
  Authorizes the use of automated traffic-speed camera-enforcement systems on all state and local roads within the state, not just in school zones
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #65: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT - OFFENSES AND PENALTIES
  Excludes the possession of buprenorphine from those controlled substances that can result in criminal penalties.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #66: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - RHODE ISLAND EARLY EDUCATOR INVESTMENT ACT
  Requires the children’s cabinet, in conjunction with the department of education, to develop and implement strategies to improve the compensation of early educators.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #67: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE EMBLEMS
  This act would designate "Northern Star Coral" as the official state coral.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #68: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- HOLLEY LANDING
  Renames the landing in South Kingstown known as Wordens Pond Landing to Holley Landing.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #69: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- WINE DIRECT SHIPPER LICENSE
  Creates a wine direct license for licensed producers to directly ship limited wine to residents of RI over the age of twenty one (21).
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #70: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF MIGRANT, LLC
  
  • 2021-01-19: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-22: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-01-27: Referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommends passage in concurrence
  • 2021-02-19: Placed on House Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House passed in concurrence
  • 2021-02-25: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2021-02-26: Transmitted to Governor
• Senate Resolution #71: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF DEACON ANTHONY E. MUSCATELLI
  
  • 2021-01-19: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-22: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #72: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL SENATE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE EFFECT AND PROCEDURES FOR THE REORGANIZATION OF THE RHODE ISLAND COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (CRMC)
  Extends the reporting and expiration dates for the commission to study the effect and procedures for the reorganization of the CRMC from June 9, 2020, to June 1, 2022, and would expire on January 3, 2023.
  • 2021-01-19: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-22: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-26: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #73: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - THE HAROLD M. METTS SCHOOL SAFETY ACT OF 2021
  Prohibits possession of firearms on school grounds except for peace officers, retired law enforcement officers, persons under contract to provide school security services, and unloaded firearms in locked containers or a locked rack on motor vehicles.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #74: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows David Raymond Thibodeau, Jr., to join Staci Rae McCabe and Brendan Edward Curran in marriage on or about June 5, 2021, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/28/2021)
  • 2021-01-28: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House Special Legislation
• Senate Resolution #75: SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING JASON CARROLL ON BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE BROWN UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL OF STUDENTS IN APRIL OF 2020
  
  • 2021-01-26: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-01-26: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #76: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires that commencing with the graduating class of 2022 and all subsequent graduating classes thereafter, all high school students attending public schools shall fulfill at least one-half credit or course requirement in civics education.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #77: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Increases the minimum wage commencing January 1, 2022, in accordance with an amount equal to the total percentage increase in the consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for the four (4) previous fiscal years.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #78: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE
  Establishes a statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #79: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Removes the requirement that the scholarship program cease with the enrollment of the high school graduating class of 2021 at the community college of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Resolution #80: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF TIMOTHY J. MILLS
  
  • 2021-01-26: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-29: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #81: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF PET CONNECTION, LLC
  
  • 2021-01-26: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-29: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-04: Referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage in concurrence
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on House Calendar (03/02/2021)
• Senate Resolution #82: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM WALSH CORCORAN
  
  • 2021-01-26: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-29: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-01-29: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #83: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TO ADJUST PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES THAT ARE HARMING RHODE ISLAND’S SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
  
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #84: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Establishes the duty of the commission and the division of public utilities to ensure affordability and sustainability for basic care necessities.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #85: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Requires that benchmarks specific to each local education authority (LEA) be developed by the department of education to improve cost controls, efficiencies and program effectiveness.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #86: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Provides that feminine hygiene products be provided in all public schools.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #87: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFIED NURSE-TEACHER
  Requires that only certified nurse-teachers may be employed as school nurses in elementary and secondary schools.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #88: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RIGHTS AND DUTIES TEACHERS GENERALLY - SEPTEMBER 11 CLASSROOM MOMENT OF SILENCE
  Allows teachers in all grades to provide the opportunity for students to observe a brief moment of silence on every September 11.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #89: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Prohibits the use of a school district's listserv to distribute any political advertisement, invitation, and/or propaganda.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #90: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Adds to the determination of the need to support high-need students the following factor: Whether the student is an English language learner as defined by the department of education's regulations.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #91: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #92: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - PAYMENTS TO FIRE COMPANIES
  Provides for an appropriation of state funds to cities and towns who are members of the Narragansett Bay marine task force (NBMTF) for the maintenance of boats providing services to Narragansett Bay.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #93: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
  
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #94: 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.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #95: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- STATE BUDGET
  Requires that the governor submit a zero-based budget to the general assembly. The zero-based budget shall be phased in over a five (5) year period.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #96: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Prohibits cities and towns from performing spot assessments that increase the assessment value of properties that have sold, except in accordance with their revaluation or update schedule.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #97: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Establishes a surtax on the business corporation tax for publicly traded corporations subject to SEC disclosure and reporting requirements, if corporation's ratio of compensation for its CEO to median worker is equal to or greater than 100 to 1.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #98: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- VETERANS' HOME IN HOUSE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
  Requires the general assembly to appropriate necessary funds for the furnishing of in-house occupational and physical therapy services for all residents of the Bristol Veterans' home.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #99: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX
  Reduces the minimum corporate tax from four hundred dollars ($400) to two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the year beginning on January 1, 2021, and would abolish the minimum tax for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #100: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Directs department of administration to promulgate regulations giving preferences in the awarding of state contracts to certain business enterprises.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #101: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HEALTH CARE FOR FAMILIES
  Creates the "Medicaid Employer Assessment".
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #102: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- EXEMPTIONS
  Includes the real and tangible personal property of The Providence Community Health Centers, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island, on the list of properties exempt from taxation.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #103: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Authorizes cities/towns to establish a property tax credit program in exchange for volunteer service by persons over age 60 up to $1,500 calculated by multiplying service hours by the state minimum wage per hour.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #104: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Requires schools to comply with recycling and composting laws and promotes the donation of unspoiled nonperishable food by schools. Requires the use of share tables at all schools.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #105: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT
  Requires the department of environmental management to create environmental justice areas.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #106: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT RECYCLING ACT OF 2021
  Creates a refundable four cent ($0.04) deposit for non-reusable beverage containers. A ten cent ($0.10) handling fee would be paid by distributors.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #107: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PFAS IN DRINKING WATER, GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATERS
  Requires 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.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #108: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES -- HIV/AIDS
  
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-12: Placed on Senate Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-25: Referred to House Health & Human Services
• Senate Resolution #109: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING AN IMPROVED "MEDICARE FOR ALL" SINGLE PAYER PROGRAM THAT WOULD PROVIDE UNIVERSAL, COMPREHENSIVE AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
  
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #110: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PFAS IN FOOD PACKAGING
  
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #111: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- GENETIC COUNSELORS LICENSING ACT
  Provides a statutory framework for the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #112: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ELECTRONIC MONITORING IN NURSING AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
  Allows for the use of electronic monitoring of a resident’s room or private living unit within a nursing home or assisted living facility.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #113: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $17,840,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION, REHABILITATION, IMPROVEMENT, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AUDITORIUM AND CLASSROOM IMPROVEMENTS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ROOFS, FLOORS, HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, PLAYGROUNDS, ATHLETIC FACILITIES, PARKING AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, 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
  Authorizes the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $17,840,000 for school improvements.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-10: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-11: House passed in concurrence
  • 2021-02-11: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2021-02-12: Signed by Governor
• Senate Bill #114: AN ACT RELATING TO COVENTRY SEWER AUTHORITY
  Prohibits the town of Coventry from assessing the costs of repaving the roadway upon the completion of any sewage works upon the land owners.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #115: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Authorizes tax assessors in the cities and towns to use the last statutory update or revaluation as the assessed valuation upon which to levy taxes regarding their real property.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #116: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Provides a procedure for homeowners to submit to a municipal zoning board of review or municipal official or agency for a review to determine whether or not a proposed use under this chapter requires a special use permit.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #117: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY
  Provides that a safety barrier or safety netting would be erected on the Mount Hope Bridge, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, and the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, no later than January 1, 2023.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #118: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES – GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Reduces the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor from one year to three hundred and sixty-four (364) days, and would apply to all persons sentenced after its effective date.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #119: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
  Requires the office of the attorney general to issue a report containing the total cases charged with a firearm in all Rhode Island courts and a list of cases charged with a firearm which have been disposed during the calendar year.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #120: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS
  Requires that motor vehicle accident reports be transmitted by the law enforcement agency or their contract agent within fourteen (14) days of preparing the report to the department of transportation.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #121: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT
  Prohibits discrimination in housing against those persons who have a lawful source of income.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #122: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY--POLICE RELATIONSHIP ACT OF 2015
  Data collection on police traffic stops and/or searches. Requires appointment of community review board.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #123: AN ACT RELATING TO PROBATE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE -- RHODE ISLAND UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER ON DEATH ACT
  Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #124: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
  Restores aggregate contributions limits of not in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) within a calendar year.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Resolution #125: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO
  This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #126: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ANATOMICAL GIFTS
  Require that all applicants for driver's licenses and registry-issued identification cards automatically become organ donors unless they execute a declination card.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #127: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY SITING
  Requires carbon-emissions-reduction goals be considered in energy plant siting proceedings.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #128: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN--CONFINEMENT IN MOTOR VEHICLES PROHIBITED
  Repeals the requirement that law enforcement officers issue only warnings of the risks to persons leaving a child under the age of seven (7) unattended in a motor vehicle.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #129: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Repeals authority to local authorities to issue concealed carry permits to, repeals provisions allowing minors to carry firearms, requires national background check for permit, repeals provisions allowing permits to be issued to law enforcement officers.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #130: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - PRIMARIES
  
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #131: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #132: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- HEMP GROWTH ACT
  Authorizes cities and towns to enact ordinances to address and protect their citizens' public safety and welfare from the impact of hemp cultivation and any of its derivative products.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #133: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- SMALL CLAIMS AND CONSUMER CLAIMS -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS
  Increases the maximum amount to be recovered in civil court action as a small claims from two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) to seven thousand dollars ($7,000).
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #134: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS -- ELECTRONIC INFORMATION AND DATA PRIVACY ACT
  Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #135: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Prevents the director of the department of corrections from restricting in-person visitation of inmates in the event that the department implemented electronic visitation or contact, such as skype, between inmates and visitors.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Resolution #136: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND REVIEW RHODE ISLAND'S MINIMUM WAGE
  Creates an 11 member commission whose purpose it would be to study Rhode Island’s minimum wage, and who would report back to the Senate no later than May 4, 2021, and whose life would expire on January 4, 2022.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #137: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- TAX CREDIT FOR WAGE PAYMENTS
  Provides tax credit for businesses as minimum wage bench marks are reached or adopted in the future.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #138: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- OVERTIME WAGES
  Exempts certain executive, administrative, and professional employees from overtime pay if their weekly wages exceed one thousand thirty-six dollars ($1,036), an increase from the current two hundred dollars ($200).
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #139: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Defines and recognizes the existence and potential liability of lead entities concerning the payment of wages.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #140: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
  Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight
• Senate Resolution #141: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO
  This joint resolution would provide for the publishing and submission to the electors a proposition of amendment to the constitution of the state for a line item veto.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight
• Senate Bill #142: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- REGULATION OF SALES
  Allows the sale of alcoholic beverages on New Year's Day by retail Class A licensees.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #143: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS --MINIMUM WAGES
  Provides increases to the minimum wage in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and implements a permanent formula to provide annual adjustments to the minimum wage thereafter.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-01: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #144: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JOHN BRITTO
  
  • 2021-02-02: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-02: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #145: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF JANUARY 31 THROUGH FEBRUARY 6, 2021, TO BE PHYSICIAN ANESTHESIOLOGISTS WEEK IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-02: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-02: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #146: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF GEOFFREY S. WESTON
  
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #147: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING JANUARY OF 2021 AS "RHODE ISLAND SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #148: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF PROVIDENCE RIVER BOAT CO.
  
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
  • 2021-02-11: Referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• Senate Bill #149: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Repeals the provisions of § 16-7-34.3 reimbursing state for conventional public housing students and adds similar language to § 16-7.2-6 providing permanent foundation education aid funding for services to students in conventional public housing.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #150: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT
  Requires that the board of elementary and secondary education adopt a competency-based/proficiency-based learning policy whereby students can earn credits through demonstration of competency.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #151: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Allows a school district to conduct instruction through virtual education up to five (5) days when schools have been closed due to inclement weather, emergency or any nonscheduled school closings.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #152: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires feminine hygiene products be provided in all universities and colleges at no cost to students.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #153: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Amends the method for the calculation of the permanent foundation education aid to school districts, and would make an adjustment based upon students residing in qualified low-income housing.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #154: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ECONOMIC AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE ACT OF 2021
  Establishes a fee on companies that sell fossil fuels in Rhode Island and establishes a fund to disburse the collected funds.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #155: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS
  Prohibits a food service establishment from providing a consumer with a single-use plastic straw, unless the consumer requests such a straw.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #156: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Allows deduction up to $15,000 of taxable portion of retirement income from federal adjusted gross income effective January 1, 2022.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #157: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Increases the exemption for retirement income from state income tax from fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) commencing on January 1, 2022.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #158: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND LIVABLE HOME MODIFICATION ACT
  Establishes Rhode Island Livable Home Modification Grant to eligible homeowners and renters to retrofit their residence to nationally recognized accessibility standards.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #159: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PERSONAL INCOME TAX - MILITARY RETIREMENT
  Excludes $25,000 of eligible military retirement income paid by state federal government to persons 60 years or older effective 2022 from state income tax.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #160: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Modifies the maximum tax on qualifying low-income property from eight percent (8%) of the previous year's gross scheduled rental income to ten percent (10%) of the prospective year's gross scheduled rental income.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #161: JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE A REFERENDUM TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION FOR BLANKET AUTHORITY FOR THE GENERAL TREASURER TO REFINANCE BONDS
  Joint resolution authorizing treasurer to refinance bonds.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #162: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HOME COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY
  
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #163: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
  
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #164: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under six thousand pounds (6,000 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #165: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand one hundred pounds (8,100 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #166: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Provides that pharmacists shall disclose lesser price drug substitutions unless directed otherwise by the doctor. Exempts pharmacists automatically charging the lowest available price.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #167: 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.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #168: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2022, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #169: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LABORATORIES
  Creates a comprehensive system to promote and regulate the effective and competent administration of medical laboratories by focusing on the training, qualifications and licensure of their practitioners.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #170: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Limits health insurance carriers that provide coverage for prescription insulin drugs used to treat diabetes to fifty ($50) dollars for a copayment for a thirty (30) day supply of medically necessary insulin.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #171: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND RARE DISEASE MEDICATION ACCESSIBILITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND REINSURANCE ACT
  Establishes within the executive office of health and human services a program, informed by an advisory council, to assure equitable financing and facilitate access to medication for rare diseases.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #172: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES
  Creates a voluntary mechanism for municipalities to use to dedicate a park, conservation or other land they own as public trust land in perpetuity to protect and preserve its future use.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #173: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES
  Requires parking lots to designate parking spaces for electric vehicles/installation of charging stations for new existing public/private parking lots with fines for parking violations/compliance. Effective 7/1/21.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #174: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NEW HOME BUYERS FIRE PROTECTION ACT
  
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #175: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- ABANDONMENT BY TOWNS
  Allows the town of Middletown to sell an abandoned highway or driftway to the abutting property owner making the abandonment request at fair market value.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #176: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Amends the definition of firearms to include tasers, as well as define taser and stun gun.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #177: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SOCIAL HOST REGULATIONS
  Authorizes the imposition of civil and criminal penalties against any person(s) who purchase, furnish, procure marijuana or permit marijuana to be used by others.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #178: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Permits manufacturing or commercial concerns to apply to commerce corporation for exemption or stabilization of taxes when moving to another municipality if could reasonably and efficiently relocate outside state and that relocation would be advantageous.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #179: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS -- TRAUMA INFORMED SCHOOLS ACT
  Establishes the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools throughout the state.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #180: JOINT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO PREPARE AND BUDGET THE STATE’S SHARE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE METACOMET GOLF COURSE
  
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #181: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
  Repeals the state voter identification law.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #182: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS
  Requires all public employees to furnish their name and their job title, upon request.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #183: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Imposes a moratorium on non-essential evictions/mortgage foreclosures during a state of emergency declared by the governor relating to residential property and establishes an eviction diversion program to resolve landlord-tenant eviction disputes.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #184: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS
  Removes the requirement that mail ballot voters sign necessary mail ballot documents be notarized and/or signed in the presence of two witnesses.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #185: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS -- EARLY VOTING
  Authorizes early voting for registered and eligible electors, in all elections for the twenty (20) days before an election at designated city and town locations, with advance public notice regulated by rules promulgated by the state board of elections.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Resolution #186: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF THE TRAUMA INFLICTED ON CHILDREN WHO ARE EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE
  Creates a 13 member commission to study the impact of the trauma inflicted on children exposed to violence, and report back by February 8, 2022, and expire on May 8, 2022.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #187: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
  Authorizes the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, to appoint an executive director of coastal resources management to act as a liaison to the director of the department of environmental management to plan and manage coastal resources.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #188: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Amends the uniform controlled substances act and reclassifies simple possession of ten grams (10g) or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor punishable as a two (2) year misdemeanor rather than a felony.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #189: 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.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #190: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' LICENSE -- SAFE ROADS AND MANDATORY INSURANCE
  
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #191: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE GENERALLY - CAUSES OF ACTION
  Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #192: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Requires person who is owner, employee, or who has third-party management interest in any medical marijuana entity or license to submit to criminal identification records check. Any person who pled to felony offense shall have application denied.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #193: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES AND MISAPPROPRIATIONS
  Requires that penalties or restitution payments for larceny of a campaign account or campaign expenditure reporting violations be deposited into the Rhode Island crime victim compensation program fund and not into the candidate's campaign account.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #194: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY FACILITY SITING ACT
  Increases membership from 3 to 5 members/revises siting process to mandate public/municipal participation.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #195: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Increases the criminal penalties for wage theft and employee misclassification.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-25: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/02/2021)
• Senate Bill #196: 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.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #197: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - VIDEO-LOTTERY GAMES, TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING
  Establishes player self-exclusion program with winnings collected from self-excluded players going to RICPG for research/education/prevention of teenage gambling addiction.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #198: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Allows business vehicles which are owned by an entity which a veteran owns, and is registered and authorized to conduct business in the state of Rhode Island, to register such business vehicles with veteran plates.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #199: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES - BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES
  Modifies limitations on quantities of malt beverages and distilled spirits that can be sold at retail by certain licensed breweries and distilleries for off-premises consumption.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #200: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Creates a special motor vehicle registration plate for recipients of the United States Bronze Star Medal.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Resolution #201: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7TH THROUGH THE 14TH OF 2021, TO BE "CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-08: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #202: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JAMES P. MCSTAY
  
  • 2021-02-10: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-10: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #203: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CLAIMS ADJUSTERS
  Authorizes department of insurance, within the DBR, in lieu of passing in-state licensing examination, to recognize the competence of an applicant for an insurance claims adjuster license, through an out-of-state proctored examination.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #204: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Requires that electrical distribution companies submit a time of use rate plan to the PUC setting forth high and on-demand times. The time of use rate plans are to be implemented on or before January 1, 2022.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Resolution #205: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND 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 and provide judicial enforcement of this provision.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #206: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
  Permits dockside sale of fish by commercial fishing license holders.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #207: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES
  Requires state to reimburse the city/town for any costs associated with transporting children placed in foster care by RI-licensed child-placing agency or RI governmental agency to an educational facility outside the regional transportation district.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #208: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS -- TRAINING AND EVALUATION -- EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS
  Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to implement an assessment and evaluation system that applies to both teachers and administrators and is aligned with the state's standards.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #209: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ACCESS TO ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Updates Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #210: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - CURRICULUM
  Requires the department of elementary and secondary education, in collaboration with the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation, to make educational resources available regarding litter prevention and recycling awareness to elementary school students.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #211: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Establishes courses that include instruction in career and technical education programs.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #212: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION – REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 – THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Seeks to advance economic development by guaranteeing students the right to enroll in approved career technical educational programs and allows them to enroll outside the district of residence if their district does not offer a duplicate program.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #213: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAYS TO EARNING A BACHELOR'S DEGREE ACT
  Creates the Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act, to enable an individual to earn a bachelor’s degree at public higher education institutions throughout the state by earning credits through apprenticeships.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #214: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - CURRICULUM (SEE TITLE 19 CHAPTER 97 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Provides for a minimum standard for the public education system.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #215: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES
  Requires the department of elementary and secondary education and the DCYF to each pay 50% of the out-of-district transportation costs for children allowed to remain in the school where the child is enrolled at the time of placement.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #216: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES
  Requires state to reimburse the city/town for any costs associated with transporting children placed in foster care by RI-licensed child-placing agency or RI governmental agency to an educational facility outside the regional transportation district.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #217: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STAFFING
  Requires all public schools in grades kindergarten through twelve (12), to have at least one full-time certified school social worker for every four hundred (400) students.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #218: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts reusable bags not including paper or plastic bags from the state sales tax.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #219: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HOUSING CONSTRUCTION
  Creates the housing jobs department and a series of other initiatives designed to create jobs in housing construction, specifically affordable and low-income housing, green and solar energy jobs and programs for low-income individuals.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #220: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT RECYCLING ACT OF 2021
  Creates a refundable ten cent ($0.10) deposit for non-reusable beverage containers. A four cents ($0.04) handling fee would be paid by distributors.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #221: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Increases the state earned-income credit as of January 1, 2022, to eighteen percent (18%) of the federal earned-income credit, not to exceed the amount of state income tax.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #222: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
  Allows annual regionalization bonus at 2% of state's share of foundation education and formula by removing sunset provision.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #223: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM
  Amends the current law so that monthly payments of child support (and payment of any arrearages) be exempt from income in determining an applicant's qualifications for The Rhode Island Works Program.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #224: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $140,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 75% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE AND 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
  Authorizes Providence to issue not more than $140,000,000 bonds to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities throughout the city of Providence.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #225: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- DEFINITION OF CORPORATE NET INCOME
  Repeals a state corporate income tax deduction to allowable income for federal tax purposes for investment property held for at least seven (7) years.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #226: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM
  Provides for adjustments to the payment standard for cash assistance.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #227: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - SALES AND USE TAXES - LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Eliminates the sales tax on taxi services and pet care services.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #228: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- QUASI-PUBLIC CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACT
  Requires quasi-public corporations to use all funds and property to perform the function or service for which the quasi-public corporation was created.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #229: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION – REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX
  Increases the housing resources restricted receipts account by $.60 previously retained for state use.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Resolution #230: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ASSESS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MEDICARE-FOR-ALL SINGLE PAYER PROGRAM IN RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #231: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN
  Allows pregnant women with an annual family income above the applicable Medicaid income limit to be eligible to purchase health insurance through one of the Medicaid managed care plans.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #232: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  Includes in the practice of physical therapy the ordering of diagnostic imaging (x-ray imaging) to be performed by other health care professionals.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #233: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM
  Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program which shall be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP)
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #234: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAM
  Mandates the rules and regulations of the department of health pertaining to newborn screening to include at a minimum, newborn screening tests for all disorders and conditions listed in the current federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #235: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  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.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #236: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - PHARMACIES
  Requires pharmacists to advise of cheaper generic alternatives and advise when a drug would cost less if paid out-of-pocket without insurance.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #237: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Increases the maximum tax for qualifying low-income housing from eight percent (8%) to ten percent (10%) of the property's previous year's gross scheduled rental income.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #238: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Permits a municipality, in which twelve percent (12%) of the housing in a municipality qualifies for low-income housing, to charge a tax up to ten percent (10%) of the current year's gross scheduled rental income.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #239: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation real property acquired or leased by a railroad entity used in the boarding or disembarking of railroad passengers or supporting passenger railroad operations and services.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #240: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF BARRINGTON
  Ratifies and validates Barrington Home Rule Charter amendments approved by electors at 11/3/20 election.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #241: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- CRANSTON STREET ARMORY FOUNDATION
  Establishes the Cranston Street Armory Foundation to restore, renovate, reconstruct and allow public use and access to the historical Cranston Street Armory structure.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #242: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real property of Ocean State Community Wellness, Inc., a qualified tax-exempt corporation under § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, for the property located at 7450 Post Road, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #243: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
  Allows mobile and manufactured homes which are a part of a mobile and manufactured home park to be counted as low and moderate income housing for purposes of compliance with the requirements of the city's or town's comprehensive land use plan.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #244: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- EXCAVATION NEAR UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
  Requires any public utility or its contractor to reimburse an excavator for lost time expense incurred, including manpower and equipment from the utility's incorrect marking of underground utilities.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Resolution #245: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY JUSTICE REINVESTMENT PROPOSALS AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING THE INCARCERATION OF WOMEN
  Creates a 13 member commission to study justice reinvestment proposals and provide recommendations for reducing the incarceration of women, and would report back five months after passage, and expire on January 5, 2023.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #246: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY – NONDISCRIMINATION IN ACCESS TO ANATOMICAL GIFTS AND ORGAN TRANSPLANT ACT (ISAAC'S LAW)
  Prohibits discrimination against a potential organ transplant recipient based solely on a physical or mental disability.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #247: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - MAIL BALLOTS
  Creates early in-person voting and online applications for mail ballots. It removes the two (2) witnesses' notarization of voter signature for mail ballots.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #248: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS – POWERS AND OPERATIONS
  Prohibits financial institutions from investing in private detention centers or continuing to invest with any institution, company or subsidiary of a company that owns or contracts with a government entity to manage or run a prison.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #249: 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. The act would also provide that a person convicted of custodial sexual assault would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #250: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- ADOPTION OF CHILDREN
  Reduces age from 25 to 18.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #251: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS - CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS - STATION HOUSES FOR WOMEN
  Requires that as of January 1, 2022, all inmates whom menstruate shall have access to feminine hygiene products at no cost to the inmate.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #252: 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 prescription for medical marijuana.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #253: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND SANCTUARY STATE ACT
  Designates schools, places of worship and courts as sensitive locations and would require that a judicial warrant be obtained before federal immigration authorities could be granted access to those premises to enforce immigration laws.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #254: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL--ELIMINATION OF POST-USE POLYMERS AND RECOVERED FEEDSTOCKS USED IN ADVANCED RECYCLING PROCESSES FROM SOLID WASTE
  Exempts post-use polymers and recovered feedstocks used in advanced recycling processes from the definition of solid waste.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #255: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  Limits the governor to one thirty (30) day renewal of a declaration of emergency without a joint resolution of the general assembly.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #256: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE
  Increases the maximum fine amount for those found guilty of unprofessional conduct by the board of medical licensure and discipline from $10,000 to $30,000 and would establish a new chapter of the general laws.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #257: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION
  Provides for a reduced penalty for the offense of larceny, and further provides for a tiered penalty system for the offense of shoplifting.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #258: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ORDINANCES
  Allows cities and towns to create ordinances to regulate the use and sales of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #259: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- AIRPORTS AND LANDING FIELDS
  Adds airspace to the land the DOT can acquire that is necessary for a suitable airport or to preserve, maintain, or restore approach. Additionally this act would add the term “Approach, approach zone, approaches” to section 1-2-3.1.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #260: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CEMETERIES -- CEMETERY PERPETUAL FUNDS REPORTING
  Requires 25% of price of cemetery lot be deposited in perpetual care fund (PCF). PCF to file annual report with AG.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #261: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS
  Exempts volunteer fire companies under the supervision, control, or jurisdiction of another public body from certain posting requirements of the open meetings act.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #262: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
  Amends the deceptive trade practices chapter to clarify the law's exemptions and enhances the attorney general's authority to seek civil penalties for violations of the law.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #263: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN
  Raises the legal age for persons to purchase or be sold or delivered certain tobacco products, electronic nicotine-delivery systems and liquid nicotine containers from eighteen (18) years of age to twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #264: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- THE ELDER ADULT FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION PREVENTION ACT
  Requires employees of regulated financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of elder adults to the office of healthy aging and provide authority to the regulated financial institution to place a temporary hold on transactions.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #265: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING
  Provides for increases in the amount of foundation level school support that a community would receive, based upon a community's ability to meet and surpass its minimum low- and moderate-income housing requirements.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #266: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the Honorable Maryellen Goodwin to join Katiuska Pérez and Brian Parker in marriage on or about September 3, 2021, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-25: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/02/2021)
• Senate Bill #267: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - EQUALITY IN ABORTION COVERAGE
  Provides for abortion coverage in the Medicaid program and repeal the abortion coverage exclusion for state employee insurance plans.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #268: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS -- ROOFING CONTRACTORS
  Amends the registration and licensure requirements of roofing contractors.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #269: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES--OVERTIME
  Exempts the Central Coventry Fire District from the application of the firefighters' overtime law for five (5) years beginning on July 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #270: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
  Comprehensively addresses wage discrimination, based on sex by expanding employee protections and the scope of the remedies available to employees who have experienced wage discrimination.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-25: Placed on Senate Calendar (03/02/2021)
• Senate Bill #271: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  Requires state contracted human services providers to pay their employees a starting hourly wage of no less than 155% of the state minimum wage.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #272: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES ACT
  Changes the definition of employee and employer for purposes of the fair employment practices act, while expanding personal liability for violations.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #273: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- WORK ON HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS
  Repeals § 25-3-7 of the general laws which gives the director of the department of labor and training the authority to exempt certain classes of employees from receiving overtime pay for Sunday and holiday work.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Resolution #274: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE (GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO APPEAR JOINTLY ON THE BALLOT)
  Submits constitutional amendments to voters that the governor and the lieutenant governor form a joint candidacy.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #275: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- MILITARY SPOUSE LICENSURE
  Provides issuance of occupational licenses for military members and spouses stationed in Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #276: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Authorizes the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to issue special license plates to Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #277: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Allows the Westerly Town Council to issue a Class B liquor license for premises located at 169 and 177 Main Street, despite its location within proximity to a school church.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #278: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE -- USE OF ANIMALS IN MEDICAL TRAINING
  Prohibits a medical training program from using live animals if another accredited training program in the same medical discipline does not use animals or if an alternative teaching method exists.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #279: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- FILING OF ASSUMED NAME
  Requires a person or persons who transact business under a trade name to register with a municipality, provides more extensive information when filing and to notify the municipality when the trade name is changed or discontinued.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #280: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Changes the tax classification for cable television assets.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Resolution #281: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE OFFICE OF THE POSTSECONDARY COMMISSIONER FORM A WORK GROUP TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH REVIEW INTO HOW RHODE ISLAND CAN PROTECT STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS
  
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #282: 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.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #283: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY
  Provides for school construction projects approved after July 1, 2020, that Rhode Island based architectural businesses be used or the project is only eligible to receive five (5) incentive points.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #284: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
  Establishes a group to develop a tuition formula for schools sending students to technical programs.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #285: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL-TO-CAREER TRANSITION ACT OF 1996
  Implements an individual career and academic plan graduation requirement for each student enrolled in public schools in the sixth through twelfth grade, starting with students entering the sixth grade in the 2023-2024 school year.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #286: 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.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #287: 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).
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #288: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Makes permanent the exemption from taxation for certain residential property developments which have not been completed or, if completed, have not been sold and occupied.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #289: AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- OFFICE OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES -- STATE AID TO LIBRARIES
  Amends various sections relating to libraries to remove outdated provisions and update language to reflect current practices affecting library technology.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #290: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FOUNDATION LEVEL SCHOOL SUPPORT
  Act provided increased school ho using aid for communities that utilize resident architectural firms for services included in new school or renovation project.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #291: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY – RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION
  Provides that any operational surplus of the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation shall be automatically transferred, on an annual basis, to a restricted receipt account for the sole purpose of waste management infrastructure.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Resolution #292: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $100,000 TO YEAR UP PROVIDENCE
  
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #293: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - MUNICIPAL INCENTIVE AID
  Authorizes the general treasurer to withhold state aid to municipalities which do not meet certain requirements regarding locally-administered pension plans and, if applicable, funding improvement plans.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #294: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- TAX AMNESTY
  Creates a ninety (90) day tax amnesty program in the state fiscal year 2021-2022
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #295: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - THE RHODE ISLAND MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM
  Removes the prohibition on state appropriations to the municipal infrastructure grant program, and authorize the state planning council to evaluate, approve and issue such grants, subject to the appropriations provided to the program.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #296: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RETIREMENT OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES--MIDDLETOWN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT
  Allows the town of Middletown to enroll its full-time police officers hired on or after July 1, 2021, in a defined contribution plan established by the town and prevents newly hired police officers from becoming members of the retirement system.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #297: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Relieves regulatory burden by authorizing submission of certified payroll using federal forms for all public works.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #298: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts from sales tax the trade-in values of motorcycles.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #299: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - SALES AND USE TAXES - LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks weighing fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.) or less from sales and use tax.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #300: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - STAY INVESTED IN RI WAVEMAKER FELLOWSHIP
  Repeals the provisions of the Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowship, and establish the Stay Invested in RI Tax Credit to provide eligible taxpayers with a tax credit for educational loan repayment expenses.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #301: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Increases the amount of exemption from sales tax for clothing including footwear from two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to one thousand dollars ($1,000).
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #302: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- STEP THERAPY PROTOCOLS
  Requires health insurers that issue prescription drug coverage to use step therapy protocols.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #303: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - INTERSTATE COMPACT TO AWARD PRIZES FOR CURING DISEASES
  Adopts Interstate Compact to Award Prizes for Curing Diseases with a commission established upon enactment by 6 states to award prizes successful disease cures.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #304: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNANTICIPATED OUT-OF-NETWORK BILLS FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES
  Protects people with health insurance from surprise medical bills for emergency and other services by requiring a non-participating health care provider to bill an insured party only for a co-payment, or deductible.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #305: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ALCOHOLISM
  Requires the dept of behavioral healthcare/developmental disabilities/hospitals to coordinate with the DOH to propose revisions to chapter 1.10 and 10.1 of title 23, including updates and revisions of statutory language and evidence-based best practices.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #306: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - UNIFORM CONTROL SUBSTANCES ACT
  Requires that professionals authorized to prescribe opioid drugs discuss addiction risks and when appropriate alternative treatments with patients upon the second refill and/or upon the third prescription.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #307: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING AND PLANNING BOARDS
  Amends the voting requirements of planning and zoning boards.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #308: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Increases penalties for animal cruelty.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #309: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Prohibits a person convicted of unnecessary cruelty to animals from owning or exercising control of an animal for life and be subject to fine of $1000 for each violation of this act.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #310: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS – PUBLIC RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
  Establishes public records administration program for the custody/disposal of state public records assisted by an advisory commission.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #311: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF GAME
  Prohibits captive hunting and the possession, the sale, breeding or importation of any mammal for the purpose of captive hunting.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #312: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - PROBATION AND PAROLE SUPPORT
  Repeals court costs against all defendants who plead nolo contendere, guilty or are found guilty of certain crimes.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #313: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LITTER CONTROL AND RECYCLING
  Prohibits littering upon private property owned by another person.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #314: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Grants a judge or magistrate the discretion to impose the requirement of blood and/or urine testing or the use of the ignition interlock system.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #315: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE
  Amends the conditions of bail and recognizance to permit the release of a person charged with a misdemeanor without financial conditions.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #316: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS--CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE
  Upon request of a parolee, enables the parole board to terminate a parolee's supervision and legal custody order in accordance with guidelines it is authorized to promulgate. Prisoners with a life sentence for first and second degree murder are excluded.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #317: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION
  Requires that the judicial nominating commission be composed of at least three (3) members of color.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #318: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND RULES OF THE ROAD
  Provides for specific fines and sanctions to operators of motor vehicles who fail to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vulnerable road user causing injury, serious injury, or death to the vulnerable road user.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #319: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Authorizes a law enforcement or animal control officer to hold an animal confined in a motor vehicle up to seventy-two (72) hours pending a district court hearing.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #320: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Provides for a reduction in the minimum number of special plates to be ordered from the DMV to one hundred fifty (150) sets upon payment of a conditionally refundable fee of three thousand dollars ($3,000).
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• Senate Bill #321: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HEALTH AND SAFETY
  Updates and modernize the Department of Environmental Management’s ability to enforce environmental laws, and more specifically modifies practices regarding a Notice of Violation.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #322: 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.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #323: 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.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• Senate Bill #324: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- HEALTHY BEVERAGE ACT
  Creates the "Healthy Beverage Act" which requires that children's meals offered by restaurants include certain healthy beverage options if beverage is automatically included in the meal.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #325: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF CUMBERLAND TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND/OR NOTES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,500,000 TO FINANCE THE DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR AND EQUIPPING OF RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FACILITIES IN THE TOWN
  Authorizes the town of Cumberland to issue general obligation bonds and notes not to exceed $2,500,000 for the development/improvement/repair/alteration/construction/renovation/equipping of recreational areas and facilities in the town.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
• Senate Bill #326: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Adds one new income tax bracket for purposes of state income taxation.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #327: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SUGARY DRINKS TAX
  Imposes a tax of .015 cents/per oz on the sale of bottled sugary drinks/syrups/powders from which a sugary drink may be derived with tax collected deposited into the Retail SNAP Incentive Fund effective 1/1/22.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #328: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2021 TO BE CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
  
  • 2021-02-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #329: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22 THROUGH FEBRUARY 26, 2021, TO BE "PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK IN RHODE ISLAND"
  
  • 2021-02-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #330: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 177TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2021
  
  • 2021-02-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #331: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BIENVENIDO R. GARCIA
  
  • 2021-02-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Resolution #332: SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2021, AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-23: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-23: Senate read and passed
• Senate Bill #333: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS--CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE
  Grants juveniles sentenced as adults parole eligibility after completing fifteen (15) years of sentence with prospective/retroactive. Effective January 1, 1991.
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #334: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RESIDENCE OF THOSE IN GOVERNMENT CUSTODY ACT
  Requires that the state use the actual residences of persons in government custody for census and redistricting purposes. Such information would be determined by the DOC and the secretary of state, and forwarded to the United States census bureau.
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Resolution #335: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF REVEREND FATHER FRANCIS GIUDICE, PASTOR EMERITUS OF SS. PETER AND PAUL CATHEDRAL, PROVIDENCE
  
  • 2021-02-25: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/02/2021)
• Senate Resolution #336: SENATE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE SENATE FOR YEARS 2021-2022
  
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight
  • 2021-02-25: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• Senate Bill #337: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
  Suspends minimum tax imposition upon corporations/limited-liability companies in tax years where corporate charter/centificate of organization is revoked by secretary of state until tax year of reinstatement in good standing.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #338: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--ENFORCEMENT AND COLLECTION
  Provides that any person who has a retail sales permit would not be required to pay a separate registration fee to make sales at flea markets; provided, however, the person would remain responsible to pay all taxes due as a result of sales at a flea mkt.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #339: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- APPLIANCE AND EQUIPMENT ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS ACT OF 2021
  Establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for appliances and specified equipment purchased or installed after January 1, 2023.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #340: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW - GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS - INTERNET PRIVACY AND SECURITY
  Establishes that manufacturers of devices capable of connecting to the Internet equip the devices with reasonable security features.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #341: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTEREST AND USURY
  Reduces the usury rate to twelve percent (12%).
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #342: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS -- NET NEUTRALITY
  Requires Internet service providers to follow Internet service neutrality requirements.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #343: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- FILING OF ASSUMED NAME
  Makes amendments necessary to use the term "trade name" rather than "assumed name", for purposes of the commercial law chapter on filing an assumed name, and provides for the administration and regulation of the use of trade names.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #344: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES--SMALL BUSINESS--OMNIBUS
  Omnibus act regarding caterers, hide and leather inspection, constables, sterilization of bedding, mixed-martial arts and pool halls.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #345: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND ECONOMIC GROWTH BLOCKCHAIN ACT
  Establishes an economic growth blockchain act, set regulations for the sale of hemp, regulate virtual and digital assets and establish depository banks for these purposes.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #346: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES -- INSPECTIONS
  Authorizes the Exeter town sergeant or designees to conduct division of motor vehicles vehicle identifying number and odometer inspections.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #347: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- COVID-19 PANDEMIC INSURANCE RECOVERY ACT
  Allows businesses that had an insurance policy in place for business interruption as of March 9, 2019 to recover from their insurance companies for a COVID-19 business impact.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• Senate Bill #348: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Prohibits total education paid to any local education agency from being reduced by more than one percent (1%) of the municipal education appropriation in the previous year.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #349: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FINANCIAL LITERACY
  Requires the council on elementary and secondary education, in consultation with the RI department of education, to develop and approve statewide academic standards for the instruction of consumer education in public high schools no later than 12/31/2021.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #350: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Modifies the amount of education aid determined for each school district with respect to high-need students.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #351: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Requires department of elementary and secondary education to include amount of state and local share of education funding calculated for each local agency receiving state aid, requires cities and towns to appropriate sufficient funds to meet their share.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #352: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Provides that therapies and behavioral health services would be deemed essential special services that need to be provided to students with disabilities during times of a declared state of emergency.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #353: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Requires the general assembly to establish an education aid fund to be administered by the department of education for increases in enrollment of at least twenty five (25) students.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #354: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE CIVIC LITERACY ACT
  Requires the implementation of the civic literacy act for all students between the 8th and 12th grades.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #355: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires the department of education to create a model policy and timeline to assist local education agencies in implementing a dual language immersion program.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #356: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SEIZURE SAFE SCHOOLS ACT
  Requires elementary/secondary schools to have at least 1 school employee trained to administer/assist with the self-administering of seizure rescue medication prescribed to treat seizure disorder systems and the use of prescribed electrical stimulation.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Education
• Senate Bill #357: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BIODIESEL PRODUCTS
  Amends the compliance standards for heating oil biobased products providing minimum standards for the percentage of biobased product that certain types of heating oil must contain.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
• Senate Bill #358: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Taxpayers requesting an extension of time to pay state taxes must declare the reasonable amount of tax due in a taxable year.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #359: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Allows a deduction from federal adjusted gross income for interest payments on outstanding student loans.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #360: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS 2013
  Repeals the sunset provision which ends historic preservation tax credits by June 30, 2021 or upon the exhaustion of the maximum aggregate credits, whichever comes first.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #361: AN ACT RELATING TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS -- STATEWIDE REFERENDUM
  Provides for $1,000,000 in bonds to improve local roadways, pedestrian spaces, bikeway paths and municipal parks.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #362: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Adds one new income tax bracket for purposes of state income taxation.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #363: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- NORTH SMITHFIELD - HISTORIC RESIDENCE TAX CREDIT
  Allows North Smithfield historic residence owners to become eligible for state historic residence tax credits.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #364: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Entitles dairy farms to the exemptions from taxation granted to farmland, forestland, or open space.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #365: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX
  Provides that a portion of the real estate conveyance tax be apportioned to a newly established restricted receipt account known as the housing production fund.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #366: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - STATE AID
  Amends the computation of relative wealth of municipalities for the purpose of distributing state aid by eliminating the requirement that certain exemptions include tax treaties that are conditioned on being in force on May 15, 2005.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #367: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Increases the tax rates for individuals, bankruptcy estates, trusts and estates.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #368: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts certain equipment procured or rented by a contractor performing construction work for the state, any city or town or any quasi-public entity from the sales and use tax.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #369: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Changes the date on which an individual in the town of Exeter may file for an exemption for being a person over the age of sixty-five (65) or fully disabled.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #370: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Creates a new income tax bracket of 6.99% on taxable income over five hundred thousand dollars. Any tax collected on this income deposited into restricted receipt account and expended on education for grades kindergarten through twelfth grade.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #371: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND PAY FOR SUCCESS ACT
  Creates a five (5) year pilot program entitled, pay for success, an intervention program that would assist homeless individuals with the goal towards improving financial and social outcomes.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #372: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX AND FRANCHISE TAX
  Refunds the minimum tax paid by corporations with annual gross income of less than four hundred dollars ($400); but caps the amount refunded at four hundred dollars ($400).
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #373: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  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.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #374: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $85,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN, AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 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
  Authorizes the town of South Kingstown to issue not more than $85,000,000 bonds and notes to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #375: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Authorizes fire districts to provide for an exemption, from fire taxes, for volunteer firefighters.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• Senate Bill #376: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS
  Authorizes municipalities to tax school tuition and school meals. Contains exemptions from taxation.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #377: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR FUNDING OF A NONPROFIT AGENCY, INSPIRING MINDS, INC., TO BENEFIT PROVIDENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
  Allocates fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) from the general fund to the nonprofit agency Inspiring Minds, Inc., to train volunteers to provide personalized attention to Providence elementary school students.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Bill #378: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES
  Increases the reimbursement rates to be paid by the department of human services and the department for children, youth, and families, for licensed child care centers and family child care homes.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #379: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Requires auditor general to conduct audit of Medicaid programs administered by MCOs.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #380: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS
  Requires at least one oral and maxillofacial surgeon on the Rhode Island board of examiners in dentistry.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #381: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Provides that health insurance policies that provide prescription drug coverage not include an annual or lifetime dollar limit on drug benefits.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #382: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- MILITARY SPOUSE LICENSURE
  Provides issuance of occupational licenses for military members and spouses stationed in Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #383: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Insurance coverage for prostate/colon cancer screening.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #384: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Excludes chronic intractable pain from the definition of acute pain management. Prescribes new guidelines for treatment based upon 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #385: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 911 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER ACT
  Establishes an emergency telephone system call review and quality improvement and would require at least one 911 system operator trained in telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation be on duty at all time.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #386: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IN CHILDREN RELIEF FUND
  Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Bill #387: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - PHARMACIES
  Increases the state board of pharmacy from nine (9) to eleven (11) members by adding two (2) pharmacy technicians.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
• Senate Resolution #388: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE LICENSING OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS
  
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #389: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES
  Requires motor vehicle parking spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of three (3) and baby strollers.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #390: AN ACT RELATING TO THE OAKLAND - MAPLEVILLE NUMBER 4 FIRE DISTRICT
  
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #391: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
  Increases the number of members of the transit authority from eight to nine and would make the mayor of Providence or designee an ex officio member with voting privileges.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government
• Senate Bill #392: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW -- RESALE OF UNITS
  Allows a condominium association to impose a fee of up to one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) for preparation of a resale certificate.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #393: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION – CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OF VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS
  Requires state and national criminal background checks person volunteering or interning at any elementary or secondary educational institution. It would also waive fees for background checks employment with salary of less than forty thousand dollars.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #394: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Provides for a safety inspection of the Wyatt Detention Facility twice a year.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #395: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESTRICTIVE HOUSING ACT
  Creates a comprehensive scheme to help the department of corrections make appropriate least restrictive placements of prisoners within its facilities.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #396: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- VICTIMS' RIGHTS
  Establishes a sexual assault survivors' bill of rights and provide protections to victims including the right to counsel, the right to a counselor and impose time requirements state labs in delivering and testing forensic evidence.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #397: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Expands the criminal and civil protections to lawful users of medical marijuana. This act also provides for civil damages to be imposed upon violators of these protections.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #398: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- MARRIAGE LICENSES
  Repeals the provision of law granting minors the ability to obtain a marriage license, and would require a person to be of full legal age, at least eighteen (18) years of age to obtain a marriage license.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #399: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY CORPORATIONS
  Prohibits the operation of private detention facilities and private public partnerships within the state and prohibits the housing of Rhode Island prisoners in other states as well as hold out-of-state prisoners in Rhode Island facilities.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #400: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT
  Prohibits contracts with private, for profit, prison facilities or with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #401: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY ADMINISTRATION -- SECURITY
  Makes changes to the motor vehicles laws by repealing the sections that require the filing of security or bond with the DMV following a motor vehicle accident in which the operator of the vehicle does not have insurance.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #402: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE –- FIELD TRIALS AND SHOOTING PRESERVES
  Defines captive hunting as a hunt that occurs within a structure designed to restrict the free movement of animals and prevents the animal from escaping and would prohibit captive hunting within the state of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #403: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Extends the "lookback" period for third and subsequent offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under §31-27-2.1 from 5 years to 10 years.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #404: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT--UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC
  Criminalizes and sets mandatory minimum sentences for the unlawful interference with traffic upon the federal and state highways of this state.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #405: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Allows individuals, who have not reached the age of eighteen (18) years, to vote in a primary election, as long as the voter will be eighteen (18) as of the date of the general or special election.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #406: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Felony to store firearms unlocked.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #407: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- DRY DOCK FACILITIES
  Amends the lien and notice procedures for facility operators of dry dock facilities.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #408: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- HOTELS
  Requires all hotels to make a good faith effort to post human trafficking awareness signage and provide all employees with human trafficking awareness training.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #409: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES--VIOLATIONS
  Requires that the license plates of a vehicle be confiscated by a police officer if the owner was arrested for driving while their license was suspended, revoked or cancelled for refusing to submit to a chemical test or for operating under the influence.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #410: 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.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #411: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT
  Increases the age of children able to utilize a recorded forensic interview for cases of sexual abuse in grand jury testimony -- child assault from age fourteen (14) to age eighteen (18).
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #412: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
  Requires the department of children, youth and families to report all suspected cases of child sexual abuse to the children's advocacy center.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #413: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS
  Requires applicants to pass test to include topics on fair housing and requires 24 hours of continuing education.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #414: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- LARGE CAPACITY FEEDING DEVICE BAN OF 2021
  Bans firearm magazines that hold ten (10) or more rounds.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #415: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULT WEAPONS
  Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act would be "grandfathered" subject to certain registration provisions.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #416: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Prohibits obtaining/purchasing/transferring a firearm on behalf of another person if other person prohibited from possessing firearm with increase in penalties for those offenses and applications amended to state number of firearms purchased.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #417: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Defines rifle and shotguns as weapons and makes unlawful possession of a loaded rifle/shotgun in public with exceptions punishable up to five (5) years in prison or a $5,000 fine.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #418: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RESIDENCE OF THOSE IN GOVERNMENT CUSTODY ACT
  Requires the state to use the actual residence of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes and residences would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #419: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Defines "electric arm" subjects to various protections of firearms/removes stun gun from the prohibited weapons list.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #420: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Requires the sealing of any district court file, where a resolution of a trespass and eviction complaint results in a verdict for the tenant and no appeal is taken.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #421: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- IMMIGRATION STATUS
  Prohibits a landlord from asking about the immigration status of a tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of residential rental property.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #422: AN ACT RELATING TO FIDUCIARIES -- UNIFORM DIRECTED TRUST ACT
  Permits the settlor of a trust to designate a trust director who shall be a person other than the trustee to direct actions relative to a trust and pursuant to any power of direction.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #423: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARY ELECTION DATES
  Requires that the primary election date, typically the eighth Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections, shall be held on the Wednesday immediately following Labor Day, only if the eighth Tuesday immediately follows Labor Day.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #424: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE AND SALE
  Provides that fifty dollars ($50.00) of the filing fee paid to the HUD-approved agency for the mediation conference involving the mortgagee and mortgagor, shall be paid to the Rhode Island Legal Services.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Resolution #425: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY VOTER FRAUD
  Creates a 7 member special legislative commission whose purpose it would be to study and provide recommendations to prevent voter fraud, and who would report back to the Senate no later than February 7, 2022, and whose life would expire on April 7, 2022.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Resolution #426: JOINT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION OF STATES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO SET A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF TERMS THAT A PERSON MAY BE ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TO SET A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF TERMS THAT A PERSON MAY BE ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE
  
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Resolution #427: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS -- A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE (MAJORITY VOTE REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL OFFICERS' ELECTION)
  Amends the constitution to require elections of general officers to be by majority vote.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #428: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Requires office of diversity, equity and opportunity to create material for annual government employee training.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #429: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- BUILDING SERVICE WORK
  Requires that janitors and security guards employed, pursuant to state contracts worth more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) of janitorial or security services, be paid a standard compensation rate.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #430: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REAL JOBS RHODE ISLAND ACT
  Establishes the Real Jobs Rhode Island program in order to create an industry led system to advance the skills of the state’s workforce, grow the state’s economy and increase sustainable employment for middle class working families.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #431: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- HOLIDAY AND SUNDAY WORK
  For purposes of overtime pay on Sundays and holidays, removes health care and maintenance workers from the definition of employees not entitled to overtime pay, thereby enabling them to collect overtime pay.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #432: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FREEDOM TO TRAVEL AND WORK ACT
  Establishes an occupational regulatory framework by authorizing the issuance of occupational licenses and government certifications by recognition for qualified worker applicants from other states.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #433: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- ESTABLISHING THE "COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS ACT"
  Establishes the commuter transportation benefit act. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees provide a pre-tax transportation fringe benefit program or provide transportation to the employees.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #434: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HEALTHY AND SAFE FAMILIES AND WORKPLACE ACT
  Grants paid sick leave and safe leave benefits to construction employees who work under multi-employer collective bargaining agreements.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #435: AN ACT RELATING TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
  Incorporates the federal affirmative action and nondiscrimination obligations of federal contractors and subcontractors regarding individuals with disabilities, utilization goal of three percent (3%) for employment of qualified individuals.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #436: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Increases taxable wage base for employee contributions to TDI/TCI fund/individual benefit rates for eligible individuals/maximum caregiver weeks/creates new credit for low wage tax payers not income eligible to receive benefits. Effective 1/1/22.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #437: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  For proposed wages, workers' compensation, temporary disability and unemployment benefits this act creates a new definition for "employee".
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Resolution #438: JOINT RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES RELATING TO THE LABOR OF PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE
  
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Labor
• Senate Bill #439: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Requires Class B licensees to offer to the public the opportunity to purchase and consume food in conjunction with the sale of alcoholic beverages, at all times while alcohol is consumed on the premises.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #440: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Allows the Providence board of licenses to grant an exemption from restrictions with regard to the proximity to schools and churches relating to issuance of a Class BV alcoholic beverage retail license for property located at 601 Hartford Avenue.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #441: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RECOGNITION OF NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES
  Provides official recognition to Seaconke Wampanoag native American tribe.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #442: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- THREE WHEEL VEHICLES
  Provides that three (3)-wheeled motorcycles be included under the licensing requirements of the department of motor vehicles.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
• Senate Bill #443: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE HOSPITAL CONVERSIONS ACT
  Requires the transacting parties/new hospital seeking conversion to supply additional information in application for review by the DOH/DAG relating to staffing levels/pension plans/community impact.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill #444: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - INTEREST CHARGES ON OVERDUE PROPERTY TAX
  Establishes a statewide limit of twelve percent (12%) per year on interest charged by cities and towns on delinquent taxes.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to Senate Finance
• Senate Resolution #445: SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ANTONIO P. TREBISACCI, JR.
  
  • 2021-02-25: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5000: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - GENERAL STATE OFFICERS
  Enables the general assembly, while in grand committee, to fill a vacancy in the office of the lieutenant governor.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5001: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT -- UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC
  Criminalizes and sets mandatory minimum felony sentences for the unlawful interference with traffic upon the federal and state highways of this state.
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5002: HOUSE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2021 AND 2022
  
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-01-22: Scheduled for consideration (01/26/2021)
  • 2021-01-25: Proposed Substitute
  • 2021-01-26: Committee recommended indefinite postponement
  • 2021-01-26: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2021-01-26: Placed on House Calendar (01/28/2021)
  • 2021-01-28: House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
• House Resolution #5003: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules to permit up to ten (10) co-sponsor names to be included on all bills and resolutions.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5004: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  Amends Rule 11 of the House of Representatives Rules so that each member would be entitled to membership in at least two (2) standing committees, but any member may waive this requirement upon written notice to the Speaker of the House.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5006: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules to permit remote voting for house committees and would permit written, in person or video testimony.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5007: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules by removing the consent requirements of the majority and minority leaders for suspension of a rule.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5008: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules by removing the requirement that a bill not be discharged until after the fiftieth legislative day.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5009: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules to require that bills passed out of committee be placed on the floor calendar within seven (7) days.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5010: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules to provide that bills that are held for further study may be reconsidered unless the prime sponsor consents to the bill being permanently held for further study.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5011: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules to remove appropriations and budget bills from the exemptions to the filing requirements of rule (7)(d).
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5014: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- BUS LANE TRAVEL FINE
  Creates a new traffic offense, with a fine, for traveling in a bus lane.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5015: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $140,000 TO URBAN VENTURES
  Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of one hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000) to Urban Ventures for operations and to implement activities assisting small businesses within the state of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5016: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- EXEMPTIONS
  Includes the real and tangible personal property of The Providence Community Health Centers, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island, on the list of properties exempt from taxation.
  • 2021-02-04: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5017: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Adds a definition to the term "manufacture" in the medical marijuana chapter.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5018: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5019: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ASSESS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN IMPROVED MEDICARE-FOR-ALL-TYPE SINGLE PAYER PROGRAM IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  Creates a 19 member commission to study and assess implementing an improved Medicare-for-all-type single payer program in RI, and who would report back to the Senate and House 1 year from the date of passage, and expire 2 years from the date of passage.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5020: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
  Allows persons with multiple misdemeanors and felonies to seek expungement of up to six convictions provided that convictions for multiple alcohol related offenses or domestic violence offenses and crime of violence are not eligible.
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Resolution #5022: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND 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
  
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-09: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/10/2021)
• House Resolution #5023: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution would amend the house rules by providing term limits for house leadership positions.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5024: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $17,840,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION, REHABILITATION, IMPROVEMENT, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AUDITORIUM AND CLASSROOM IMPROVEMENTS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ROOFS, FLOORS, HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, PLAYGROUNDS, ATHLETIC FACILITIES, PARKING AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, 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
  Authorizes the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $17,840,000 for school improvements.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-05: Placed on House Calendar (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: House read and passed
  • 2021-02-10: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-10: Senate passed in concurrence
  • 2021-02-11: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2021-02-12: Signed by Governor
• House Bill #5025: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- NORTH SMITHFIELD - HISTORIC RESIDENCE TAX CREDIT
  Allows North Smithfield historic residence owners to become eligible for state historic residence tax credits.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5026: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICE CREDITS
  Allows teachers, who are at the top step maximum salary, to retire early.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5027: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
  Incorporates SurveyWorks school climate indicators for evaluating the performance of LEAs and individual public schools.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5028: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE CIVIC LITERACY ACT
  Requires the implementation of the civic literacy act for all students between the 8th and 12th grades.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5029: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Provides that employers pay essential health care facility employees at a rate of one hundred fifty percent (150%) of their regular pay during a declared public health emergency.
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Withdrawn at sponsor's request (02/24/2021)
• House Resolution #5030: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING RHODE ISLAND'S ATTORNEY GENERAL TO REVIEW THE RECENT INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES BY THE KENT COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY AND THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5031: AN ACT RELATED TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  Requires the department of transportation, along with the division of motor vehicles and the office of energy resources, to develop, no later than January 1, 2022, a plan for statewide electric vehicle charging station infrastructure.
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5032: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS
  Requires that all meetings closed to the public be audio recorded by audio tape or other audio recording device.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-09: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/10/2021)
• House Resolution #5033: HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019 AND 2020
  This resolution amends the house rules providing that the Speaker would, in his or her discretion, require that members comply with any public health safety measure recommended by the RI DOH while in attendance at any session or committee of the House.
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5034: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS - SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the governor to designate any person to solemnize a marriage within the state of Rhode Island on a particular day and within a particular city or town.
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5035: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY--EMERGENCY GENERATORS REQUIRED
  Requires elderly housing complexes of more than 100 residential units provide emergency generators to power all common areas and residential units in building effective 1/1/22.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5036: HOUSE RESOLUTION HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2019-2020
  Amends the Rules of the House for the Years 2019 and 2020 by establishing a procedure for the discipline of a member.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to House Rules Committee
  • 2021-01-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/21/2021)
  • 2021-01-21: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5037: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - BORN-ALIVE INFANT PROTECTION ACT
  Enacts the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act and provide for the duties and obligations of medical personnel in certain circumstances.
  • 2021-01-19: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5038: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE GENERALLY - LEVY AND SALE ON EXECUTION
  Exempts from attachment five hundred dollars ($500) in savings or deposits in financial or banking institutions.
  • 2021-01-21: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5039: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- EXPLOSIVES, FIREWORKS, AND PYROTECHNICS
  Prohibits the use of display fireworks/aerial consumer fireworks without a permit between 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day and would make a violation of this permit requirement a civil violation punishable by a fine of $75.00 and court costs.
  • 2021-01-21: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-19: Placed on House Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5040: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL ABUSER REGISTRY ACT
  Creates the "animal abuser registry act" which would require all persons convicted of felonies involving animal abuse, to register with an online registry to be established and maintained by the department of public safety.
  • 2021-01-21: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5041: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS
  Requires drug manufactures to establish fund and manage state approved drug take back programs, free of charge to the consumer and pharmacy.
  • 2021-01-21: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5042: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING AND THANKING MAYOR JOSEPH J. SOLOMON, SR., FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF WARWICK AND THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5043: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING AND THANKING MAYOR JAMES DIOSSA FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF CENTRAL FALLS AND THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5044: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SHIRLEY ANN WASHBURN
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5045: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 400,000 AMERICANS AND OVER 2,000 RHODE ISLANDERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO COVID-19
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5046: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JEROME ANGELO SQUATRITO, JR.
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5047: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5048: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2021-01-21: House read and passed
• House Bill #5049: AN ACT RELATING TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF LODIE BRIEN AGENCY, INC.
  
  • 2021-01-21: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-19: Placed on House Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5050: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF SHERWOOD CONDOMINIUM, INC.
  
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-19: Placed on House Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5051: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
  Increases time that SOS can withdraw a certificate of revocation for a corporation, nonprofit corporation, or LLC from 10 to 20 years without the corporation or limited liability company being required to seek reinstatement by the legislature.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5052: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- COVID-19 INSURANCE RELIEF ACT
  Requires an insurer to provide business interruption coverage due to the global pandemic COVID-19.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5053: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE AND BRIDGE AUTHORITY
  Provides that DOT, in conjunction with the RI turnpike and bridge authority, erect a safety barrier or safety netting on the Mount Hope Bridge, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, Verrazzano Bridge. Safety barrier or netting to be erected on or before 1/1/2023.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-25: Committee transferred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5054: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS -- NET NEUTRALITY
  Requires Internet service providers to follow Internet service neutrality requirements.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5055: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
  Allows DOT to make emergency repairs to municipal roads upon request up to $150,000 unless higher amount agreed to in writing with payment determination within 90 days.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5056: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Requires an electric utility company to bury power lines in the event of a residential power outage lasting ninety-six (96) consecutive hours or more, unless the outage was caused by the resident.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5057: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- MILITARY SPOUSE LICENSURE
  Provides issuance of occupational licenses for military members and spouses stationed in Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5058: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE
  Prohibits the practice of importing a wild animal into the state, which animal is not native or domestic to the state, for the purpose of conducting canned hunting.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5059: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- BRISTOL COUNTY WATER SUPPLY
  This act would delete a portion of the enabling statute for the Bristol County Water Authority.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5060: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- BRISTOL COUNTY WATER SUPPLY
  Repeals the requirement that the Bristol County water authority maintain its reservoirs, wells and well sites, transmission lines and water treatment plants within its jurisdiction in good, sound and safe condition.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5061: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO AID IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA
  Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $200,000 in a fiscal year 2021-2022, to establish an Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Coordinator.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5062: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND EARLY CHILDHOOD INNOVATION ACT
  Establishes the RI Early Childhood Innovation Act and authorizes department of human services to fund programs for at-risk kindergarten children of $1,000,000 annually.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5063: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT
  Creates a pilot program to provide scholarships to certified nursing assistants employed in certain high needs fields.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5064: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts self-employed sole practicing investigators operating independently from any partnership, corporation, limited liability company or association from the sales tax imposed on services.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5065: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS AND ESTHETICIANS
  Repeals requirement a person licensed as barber be a citizen of United States and be of good moral character. Also repeals requirement that a person so licensed pay a license fee for the business.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-04: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5066: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
  Increases the membership of the governor's council on behavioral health from thirty-one (31) to thirty-two (32) members by adding the president of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island or a designee.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5067: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - THE PROMOTING ACCESS TO INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Directs that services provided by school social workers and certified school psychologists would be included as health care related services eligible for federal Medicaid reimbursement.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5068: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Promotes healthy school buildings and grounds by prohibiting the use of certain appliances in school buildings.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5069: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EQUITABLE ACCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Requires all charter public schools actively recruit students from and in every district that the school is chartered to service and receive students from.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5070: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS (BHDDH) TO FULLY ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ENSURE ONGOING COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2008
  REQUESTING THE RI DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS AND TAKE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2008
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5071: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
  Directs school districts experiencing high rates of student absenteeism to establish attendance review teams to address this absenteeism.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5072: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCESSIBLE RESIDENCE MODIFICATIONS
  Allows health insurance plans to provide coverage for accessible residence modifications determined to be medically necessary.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5073: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SECURING THE FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Provides that the council on elementary and secondary education be encouraged to maintain, publish and update statewide standards for instruction of personal finance in public high schools.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
• House Bill #5074: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES
  Requires department of health to establish an informal dispute resolution to address any changes to department of health violations.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5075: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS
  Requires at least one oral and maxillofacial surgeon on the Rhode Island board of examiners in dentistry.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on House Calendar (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5076: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
  Requires the principal at each school to provide an annual report on the number of graduating students and the number applying for admission to college or vocational training.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2021)
  • 2021-02-03: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5077: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS WITH TERMINAL ILLNESS -- THE NEIL FACHON TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS' RIGHT TO TRY ACT OF 2021
  Creates the "Neil Fachon Terminally Ill Patients' Right To Try Act of 2021," which establishes the conditions for the use of experimental treatments for terminally ill patients.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-19: Placed on House Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5078: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Requires that prior to any suspension being issued to a student or pupil in grades K-5, inclusive, the school would implement an individual behavior plan (the "plan") for the student.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5079: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FUNDRAISING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
  Allows a school district to assess or request a voluntary contribution of money from a student or the student's parent or legal guardian to make a donation, in whole or in part, for the cost of district-sponsored field trips, dances, and clubs.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5080: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LIFE-SAVING ALLERGY MEDICATION--STOCK SYRINGE EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS--EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATION
  Requires owners or operators of enclosed public space holding 300 or more people to have available epinephrine auto injectors and personnel trained to administer them.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5081: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ESTABLISHING THE RHODE ISLAND RARE DISEASE MEDICATION ACCESSIBILITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND REINSURANCE ACT
  Provides for establishment of the rare disease medication reinsurance program to be funded by insurer contributions that would be administered by the secretary of health and human services based on recommendations from a 15 member advisory council.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-05: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5082: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - COMPENSATION FOR STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
  Expressly allows college athletes, while they are students, to personally profit from the use of their name, image, and likeness, and prohibits the NCAA from preventing these practices.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5083: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS
  Provides that feminine hygiene products be provided in all public schools and prisons.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5084: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Allows for the sealing of records pertaining to cases for which a person is acquitted or otherwise exonerated from a charged offense and eliminates the one hundred dollar ($100) fee for the expungement of a criminal record.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5085: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION
  Requires termination of imprisonment on a deferred sentence when, after consideration by an assistant or special assistant designated by the attorney general, the state or arresting police department, in their discretion, dismisses the charge(s).
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5086: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Permits persons with felony records to petition the court to have their court records, where there has been dismissal/no true bill/no information or if the person has otherwise been exonerated from the offense, sealed by the clerk of the court.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5087: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Requires the executive branch or the department of corrections to report its findings and recommendations regarding the justice reinvestment policies or the department of corrections, to the legislature on or before April 1, of each year.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5088: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE
  Repeals § 12-13-5.1 which permits the state to draw an inference that a person charged with delivery of a controlled substance is a danger to the community.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5089: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE
  Act requires bail if not indicted or charged by way of information within 3 months.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5090: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- POST CONVICTION REMEDY
  Allows a person who has been convicted on the basis, in whole or in part, on scientific evidence that has been found or otherwise determined to be discredited by the scientific community, eligible to seek post-conviction relief on that ground.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5091: AN ACT RELATING COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE GENERALLY - WITNESSES
  Requires, upon motion by counsel in criminal proceeding, attorney general or lead investigating law enforcement agency to issue subpoena or warrant to social media and internet sites for production of material posted or submitted by potential witness.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5092: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- PASSIVE VOLUNTARY ADOPTION MUTUAL CONSENT REGISTRY ACT -- ADOPTION OF CHILDREN
  Directs the department of health to provide information regarding the passive voluntary adoption reunion registry on the department of health's website and in the division of vital records.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5093: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND RULES OF THE ROAD
  Provides for specific fines and sanctions to operators of motor vehicles who fail to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vulnerable road user causing injury, serious injury, or death to the vulnerable road user.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5094: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Grants a judge or magistrate the discretion to impose the requirement of blood and/or urine testing or the use of the ignition interlock system.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5095: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT GOVERNOR RAIMONDO ISSUE AN EXECUTIVE ORDER IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS DUE TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19), WHILE AT THE SAME TIME EXPLORING WAYS TO PROTECT LANDLORDS
  
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5096: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL STATE OFFICERS
  Requires the secretary of state to conduct a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of the lieutenant governor whenever eighteen (18) months or more remain in the four (4) year term of office.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5097: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- VACCINATION JUMPING
  Makes it unlawful for health care facilities or their workers to circumvent the state's COVID-19 vaccination schedule.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5098: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE
  Increases the maximum fine amount for those found guilty of unprofessional conduct by the board of medical licensure and discipline from $10,000 to $30,000, and establishes a new chapter of the general laws which gives board the authority to levy fines.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5099: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE MAJOR TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES, AMAZON, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, APPLE, GOOGLE, SNAPCHAT AND YOUTUBE, FOR THEIR ATTACK ON THE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC
  
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5100: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS
  Prohibits any development of land contiguous to the State House unless approved by the general assembly.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5101: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN
  Ratifies the town of Jamestown Home Rule Charter amendment to Section 219 of the charter adopted at a November 3, 2020 referendum, concerning the process and procedures by which voter initiative can be activated.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5102: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $17,840,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE RENOVATION, REHABILITATION, IMPROVEMENT, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AUDITORIUM AND CLASSROOM IMPROVEMENTS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ROOFS, FLOORS, HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, PLAYGROUNDS, ATHLETIC FACILITIES, PARKING AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, 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
  Authorizes the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $17,840,000 for school improvements.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5103: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Makes convictions for crimes that have been decriminalized, including misdemeanor and felony convictions for marijuana, eligible for expungement. Upon filing motion, the court where the original conviction took place, shall hold a hearing on the motion.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5104: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Allows state colleges to sell discarded or surplus technology to their students at discounted prices, using the monies collected to purchase updated electronic equipment or technology.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5105: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - RETAIL LICENSES
  Authorizes Class B license holder to sell specified limits of wine, beer and mixed alcoholic beverages with take out orders, however, all other alcoholic beverages prohibited with sunset on 12/31/21.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee continued
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-19: Proposed Substitute
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on House Calendar (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5106: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Allows the town of Johnston to adopt a tax classification plan independent of the provisions of § 44-5-11.8.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5107: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RETIREMENT OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES--MIDDLETOWN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT
  Allows the town of Middletown to enroll its full-time police officers hired on or after July 1, 2021, in a defined contribution plan established by the town and prevents newly hired police officers from becoming members of the retirement system.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5108: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Requires the state, including all its agencies and departments, to purchase one hundred percent (100%) of their energy needs from renewable sources by January 1, 2032.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5109: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Adds mileage of a motor vehicle to be considered by the tax administrator in defining the value of a motor vehicle for the purposes of the "casual" tax.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5110: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--ENFORCEMENT AND COLLECTION
  Provides that any person who has a retail sales permit would not be required to pay a separate registration fee to make sales at flea markets; provided, however, the person would remain responsible to pay all taxes due as a result of sales at a flea mkt.
  • 2021-01-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5111: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- CIVIL AIR PATROL ACT
  Authorizes state aide to RICAP for training/equipment for use during times of natural disaster/emergency as needed by state EMA/governor.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5112: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - MEDICAL ASSISTANCE - LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES AND FINANCE REFORMS
  Requires that the rate for hospice providers, delivering hospice care in a skilled nursing facility, not exceed ninety-five percent (95%) of the rate paid for non-hospice care in a skilled nursing facility.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-18: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5113: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MINIATURE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTAINER ACT OF 2021
  Creates a refundable fifty cent ($0.50) deposit for miniature alcoholic beverage containers, often referred to as "nips."
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-01-27: Committee transferred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5114: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PRECEPTORS TAX CREDIT ACT
  Allows for a tax credit of $500 for certain nurse practitioners or physicians.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5115: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HOME COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY
  Expands eligibility for elderly services assistance to persons under age 65 suffering from physician confirmed Alzheimer's disease related dementia with income not to exceed 250% of federal poverty level.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5116: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Creates a sales tax holiday on August 7 and 8, 2021.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5117: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT
  Creates a tax credit for the amount in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) contributed to a public school district for the express purpose of making physical improvements to a school.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5118: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - PAYMENTS TO FIRE COMPANIES
  Provides for an appropriation of state funds to cities and towns who are members of the Narragansett Bay marine task force (NBMTF) for the maintenance of boats providing services to Narragansett Bay.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5119: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- STATE AID
  Addresses general assembly appropriations in lieu of property taxes for state-owned properties within the town of Exeter and sets aside such payments to establish newly created municipal police departments.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5120: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ECONOMIC AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE ACT OF 2020
  Imposes carbon tax on fossil fuel sellers for use in climate resilience/renewable energy/energy efficiency/climate adaption programs effective upon 3 states adoption covered by RGGI.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5121: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Provides a tax credit for state community service hours provided by state residents to certain not-for-profit entities and municipal departments.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5122: AN ACT RELATING TO GODDARD STATE PARK
  Requires the department of environmental management to install certain moorings at Goddard State Park.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-31: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/01/2021)
• House Bill #5123: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT – STATE EMBLEMS
  Designate the music genre of rhythm and blues as the state music.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5124: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- COASTAL AND RIVERINE HOME PROTECTION
  Enables cities and towns to provide a tax exemption to individuals who take resiliency measures to rehabilitate their property because of flood hazards.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5125: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- HEMP GROWTH ACT
  Authorizes cities and towns to enact ordinances to address and protect their citizens' public safety and welfare from the impact of hemp cultivation and any of its derivative products.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5126: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD LIMITS -- MIDDLETOWN
  Prohibits the operation of through commercial vehicles on Turner Road in Middletown.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5127: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- ABANDONMENT OF ROADS
  Authorizes the town of Middletown, upon receiving a request for the abandonment of a highway from an abutting property owner, to buy the abandoned highway from the abutting owner, at fair market value.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5128: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - ZONING ORDINANCES
  Provides for the preservation of housing density when a municipality allows alternative uses within a residential zone. Transferal of the residential density would be to locations at the discretion of the municipality.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5129: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation the real property of Ocean State Community Wellness, Inc., a qualified tax-exempt corporation under § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, for the property located at 7450 Post Road, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-25: House read and passed
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5130: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Gradually increases the minimum wage from eleven dollars and fifty cents ($11.50) per hour to fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour, over a four (4) year period.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5131: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS
  Prohibits a food service establishment from providing a consumer with a single-use plastic straw, unless the consumer requests such a straw.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5132: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BIODIESEL PRODUCTS
  Amends the compliance standards for heating oil biobased products providing minimum standards for the percentage of biobased product that certain types of heating oil must contain.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5133: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Requires certain businesses and educational facilities that produce at least fifty-two (52) tons of organic-waste yearly and are located within thirty (30) miles of an authorized composting facility to use authorized methods of recycling.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5134: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY FACILITY SITING ACT
  Amends provisions relative to the energy facility siting act including designating the public utilities commission as the public advocate and would create certain pre-application requirements.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5135: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE GEOENGINEERING ACT
  Establishes licensing procedure for persons seeking to engage in geoengineering activity from DEM to protect health/safety/environment of state.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5136: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- HUNTING AND HUNTING SAFETY
  Requires any person who sustains an injury to themselves or causes an injury to another while hunting or trapping to report the injury to the department of environmental management immediately.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-01-28: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5137: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- HUNTING AND HUNTING SAFETY
  Requires any person who sustains an injury to themselves or causes an injury to another while hunting or trapping to report the injury to the department of environmental management immediately.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5138: 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.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5139: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
  Requires the department of children, youth and families to report all suspected cases of child sexual abuse to the children's advocacy center.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5140: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
  Amends the law enforcement officers’ bill of rights to require that a person wishing to serve as a third member of a hearing committee attend training and would amend the suspension period for minor violations and the appeals procedure.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5141: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT
  Increases the age of children able to utilize a recorded forensic interview for cases of sexual abuse in grand jury testimony -- child assault from age fourteen (14) to age eighteen (18).
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5142: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING
  Requires all candidates for office to file the same number of campaign finance reports, all due at the same times, whether or not they have contested primary elections.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5143: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Expands the definition of the word "perpetrator defendant" for purposes of bringing a civil action based upon sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-24: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5144: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE
  Makes minors who were sentenced as adults, eligible for parole after serving fifteen (15) years of a sentence and would not apply to those serving life without parole and would apply to those prisoners whose offenses were committed after 1/1/91.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5145: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - POLICE OFFICERS - COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING
  Requires the commission on standards and training to provide training and instructions for police officers and trainees in order to more accurately identify complaints involving persons with cognitive or communication-related disabilities.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-28: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5146: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires all health insurance providers offering prescription drug benefits to limit person’s out-of-pocket costs to$100 for 30 day supply. Commencing 1/1/22.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5147: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- GENETIC COUNSELORS LICENSING ACT
  Provides a statutory framework for the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5148: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
  Establishes broadband coordinator and council.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5149: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES -- INSPECTIONS
  Authorizes the Exeter town sergeant or designees to conduct division of motor vehicles vehicle identifying number and odometer inspections.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5150: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INDECENT DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES, DUTIES OF CARRIERS, COMMUNITY STANDARDS OF DECENCY, ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS -- HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CHILD EXPLOITATION PREVENTION ACT
  Mandates retailers that manufacture and internet based device prior to sale to block websites that facilitate or display obscene material.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-01-26: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5151: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- RHODE ISLAND FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS ACT
  Limits insured persons insulin costs to $25 per month.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5152: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  Defines what constitutes a multi-use food and beverage storage container and provides for sanitary use of said containers.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5153: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- RHODE ISLAND PATHWAYS PROJECT
  Requires the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to conduct a study to assess the impact of using Medicaid funds to provide coverage for the treatment of the chronically homeless.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5154: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- THE HEALING ART OF ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE
  Changes title of chapter 37.2 of title 5 and throughout, replacing the words "Oriental medicine" with "Chinese medicine". Allows individuals who are otherwise certified, to practice acupuncture & Chinese medicine using Chinese medical diagnostic methods.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5155: 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.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5156: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE BREAST CANCER ACT
  Amends the current law so that digital breast tomosynthesis (dbt) screenings are available wherever mammograms are conducted and to provide insurance coverage for such screenings.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5157: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Provides that every superintendent of schools shall create an annual report on the progress and status of academic achievement of foster care youth.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5158: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND EARLY EDUCATOR INVESTMENT ACT
  Requires the children’s cabinet, in conjunction with the department of education, to develop and implement strategies to improve the compensation of early educators.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5159: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Designates physical, occupational, speech, and music therapies and behavioral health services as essential special services to be provided to students with disabilities during times of a declared emergency.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5160: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ACT
  Redefines the term "covered services" as used to describe applicable subscriber agreements between a health care entity and a dentist.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5161: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- SUICIDE TREATMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT
  Provides for the “Suicide Treatment Improvement Act” to improve the delivery of suicide treatment.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
  • 2021-02-04: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5162: 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.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5163: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES -- THE HOSPITAL CONVERSION ACT
  Expands the health services council from twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) members and amends the hospital conversion act relative to disclosure.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5164: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Allows students in public schools to possess and use a topical sunscreen product. Children enrolled in grades K-5 would need a note from a parent or guardian in order to possess sunscreen on school property.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5165: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE
  Authorizes emergency medical service providers to transport and provide first aid to police dogs injured in the line of duty.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5166: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND BEST RX PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR THE UNINSURED
  Requires that enrollees in the Rhode Island best RX Prescription drug discount program for the uninsured are not charged a copay for their prescriptions.
  • 2021-01-25: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-04: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5167: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PRESERVATION OF FAMILIES WITH DISABLED PARENT
  Precludes the disability of a parent from serving as a basis for denial or restriction in matters involving a child's welfare, foster care, family law, guardianship and adoption without written findings by the family court.
  • 2021-01-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-28: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5168: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows Meghan E. McEntee to join Courtney Lee Adham and Gian France Isé-Russo in marriage on or about February 14, 2021, within the Town of Wakefield, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
  • 2021-01-26: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
  • 2021-02-02: Senate passed in concurrence
  • 2021-02-03: Transmitted to Governor
  • 2021-02-03: Signed by Governor
• House Resolution #5169: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE WILLIAM A. CASTRO
  
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5170: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5171: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5172: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ASSUNTA D'AMBRA
  
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5173: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LOIS A. LYLE
  
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5174: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JAMES G. JACQUETTE
  
  • 2021-01-26: House read and passed
• House Bill #5175: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - ENERGY FACILITY SITING ACT
  Provides that applicants/licensees for fossil fuel electricity generating facilities invest in renewable energy facilities in conjunction with the fossil fuel facility construction.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Resolution #5176: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TO ADJUST PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES THAT ARE HARMING RHODE ISLAND’S SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
  
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Small Business
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5177: 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.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5178: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FIREFIGHTERS' ARBITRATION
  Continues all provisions of expired firefighters' collective bargaining agreements until a successor agreement is reached between the parties or an interest arbitration award is rendered.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5179: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MUNICIPAL POLICE ARBITRATION
  Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5180: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
  Amends the definition of "disabled", for the purposes of property tax relief, to include veterans who earn less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) annually and who receive disability benefits.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5181: AN ACT RELATING TO AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF WESTERLY TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $2,000,000 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 IN THE TOWN
  Authorizes the Town of Westerly to issue bonds and notes in an amount not exceeding $2,000,000 to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities in the town.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-01-29: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/04/2021)
  • 2021-02-04: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-19: Placed on House Calendar (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5182: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Creates a special motor vehicle registration plate for recipients of the United States Bronze Star Medal.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5183: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Creates special motor vehicle registration plates for the nonprofit entity Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-01: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5184: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Repeals the requirement that law enforcement officers issue only warnings of the risks to persons leaving a child under the age of seven (7) unattended in a motor vehicle.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5185: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PURCHASE AND SALE OF PRECIOUS METALS
  Requires a licensed buyer of certain precious metals or articles, tools, and electronics to take a digital photograph of their purchase and upload it to the attorney general's license sales tracking system database.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-06: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/09/2021)
• House Bill #5186: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEALERSHIPS
  Requires motor vehicle dealers to disclose in writing that a vehicle being sold has a spare tire and jack or is otherwise equipped in compliance with applicable law. There shall be a civil penalty of ($50.00) for a violation under this section.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-01-29: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-02: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5187: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING
  Increases the fines for the late filing of campaign finance reports to $100.00 for a second offense,$500.00 for a third offense, and $1,000.00 for all subsequent offenses.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-06: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-19: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5188: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRADE IN ANIMAL FUR ACT
  Prohibits the sale, offer of sale, trade or distribution of fur products as defined and makes any violation punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) and up to one year in jail.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-06: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5189: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Amends the definition of the practice of pharmacy to include the authority to prescribe drugs and devices. The act also provides the conditions for which a pharmacist may prescribe an indicated drug or device.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5190: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Includes domestic pets as eligible to use medical marijuana if certified by a licensed veterinarian.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5191: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE
  Prohibits the board of medical licensure and discipline from requiring specialty board certification as a condition of licensure.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5192: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHYSICAL THERAPY COPAY
  Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductible for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5193: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
  Limits to the creation of new district charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academy’s. Mandates state to not appropriate funding for charter schools.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
  • 2021-02-17: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5194: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT
  Amends the interstate nurse licensure compact and adopts an enhanced, more comprehensive version of the compact, allowing nurses to hold a multi-state license which would allow them to practice across state lines without having to obtain multiple licenses
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-08: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/09/2021)
• House Bill #5195: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - OVERSIGHT OF RISK-BEARING PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS
  Provides the office of the health insurance commissioner with oversight of risk-bearing provider organizations and health care risk contracts.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5196: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Limits health insurance carriers that provide coverage for prescription insulin drugs used to treat diabetes to fifty ($50) dollars for a copayment for a thirty (30) day supply of medically necessary insulin.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5197: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFIED NURSE-TEACHER
  Requires that only certified nurses-teachers may be employed as school nurses in elementary and secondary schools.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Education
• House Bill #5198: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  Includes in the practice of physical therapy the ordering of diagnostic imaging (x-ray imaging) to be performed by other health care professionals.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5199: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE
  Brings the Rhode Island Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Fund statute into conformance with the latest version of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5200: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE DATA SECURITY ACT
  Adopts the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Cybersecurity Act which establishes the current cybersecurity standard for insurers doing business in this state.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5201: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE
  Updates the long-term care insurance statute so that it is in conformance with the latest version of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners model.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5202: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CLAIMS ADJUSTERS
  Authorizes department of insurance, within the DBR, in lieu of passing in-state licensing examination, to recognize the competence of an applicant for an insurance claims adjuster license, through an out-of-state proctored examination.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5203: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Permits the division of motor vehicles to suspend the registration privileges of motor carriers upon receipt of notice from the department of labor and training that the motor carrier has not secured workers' compensation insurance.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5204: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Requires every electric distribution company and natural gas distribution company to submit to the division of public utilities and carriers an emergency response plan for review and approval.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5205: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- RHODE ISLAND FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS ACT
  Limits the amount of fees charged by a third-party food delivery service to fifteen percent (15%).
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5206: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND SMALL CELL SITING ACT
  Rhode Island Small Cell Siting Act. Permits issued by municipalities. Rules by PUC.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-22: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5207: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- AIRPORTS AND LANDING FIELDS
  Increases the amount of reimbursement funds required to be paid by the Rhode Island airport corporation to the city of Warwick for municipal services.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5208: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- PAUL W. CROWLEY STUDENT INVESTMENT INITIATIVE
  Restructures professional development investment fund to assume duties of dissemination of curriculum materials/frameworks/assessments/development plans with annual allocation of $200 per student.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5209: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Grants a tax credit for any tax placed upon the sale of automobile parts which have a core charge.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5210: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires that Medicare supplement policies be made available to Medicare eligible disabled individuals under the age of sixty-five (65).
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-02: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5211: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Provides two million dollars ($2,000,000) to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, summer learning and workforce development programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12).
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5212: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Allows Rhode Island personal income taxpayers to deduct from their adjusted gross income all medical and dental expenses as allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5213: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- STATE TAX OFFICIALS
  Changes the rate of interest for underpayments of tax to prime rate plus six percent (6%). Also limits the assessment of interest to four (4) calendar years prior to the date on which notice of the delinquent payment is sent.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5214: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- ENFORCEMENT AND COLLECTION
  Eliminates the ten dollar ($10.00) fee requirement for the sales tax permit.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5215: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Increases the exemption for estate taxes to two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) effective January 1, 2023. There would be a further increased estate tax exemption to five million dollars ($5,000,000) effective January 1, 2025.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5216: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FUNDING OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Requires charter schools that disenroll or return a student to the sending prior to the end of an academic year, to return all public received by the charter school to educate that student for that academic year.
  • 2021-01-27: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5217: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF COVENTRY
  This act would validate and ratify amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of Coventry, which amendments were adopted and approved by the electors of the town of Coventry on November 3, 2020.
  • 2021-01-28: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government
  • 2021-02-01: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on House Calendar (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5218: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Requires employers to pay "hazard pay" to employees involved in providing essential services during a declared public health emergency.
  • 2021-01-28: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-15: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
  • 2021-02-18: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Resolution #5219: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF WILLARD "BILL" RAPPLEYE
  
  • 2021-01-28: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5220: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF JANUARY 24TH THROUGH JANUARY 30TH, 2021, AS NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-01-28: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5221: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BIENVENIDO R. GARCIA
  
  • 2021-01-28: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5222: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JOHN BRITTO
  
  • 2021-01-28: House read and passed
• House Bill #5223: AN ACT RELATING TO ENABLING THE STATE LOTTERY DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO CONTRACT WITH IGT GLOBAL SOLUTIONS CORPORATION AND TWIN RIVER
  Enables the state lottery division of the department of revenue to enter into a contract extension with IGT Global Solutions Corporation and contract extensions with Twin River and affiliates of Twin River.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5224: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Removes the requirement that the scholarship program cease with the enrollment of the high school graduating class of 2021 at the community college of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5225: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS
  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.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5226: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Increases the maximum small state purchase from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other small purchases.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5227: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Adds one new income tax bracket for purposes of state income taxation.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5228: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES
  Raises the juror's fees for each day's attendance on the superior court from $15.00 per day to $25.00 per day commencing July 1, 2022, and increase to $35.00 per day commencing July 1, 2023, and thereafter.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5229: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Creates a new income tax bracket of 6.99% on taxable income over five hundred thousand dollars. Any tax collected on this income deposited into restricted receipt account and expended on education for grades kindergarten through twelfth grade.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #5230: JOINT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO PREPARE AND BUDGET THE STATE'S SHARE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE METACOMET GOLF COURSE
  
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5231: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX
  Provides technical amendments to the existing Pass-through Entity Election Tax statute to allow tax practitioners and the Rhode Island Division of Taxation to comply with the provisions in practice.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5232: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FOUNDATION LEVEL SCHOOL SUPPORT
  Extends the time period that schools have to commence construction to correct health and safety deficiencies in order to qualify for increased school housing aid.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5233: 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.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5234: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Allows schools to suspend students, in and out of school, if in grades six or above, and prohibit school committees or principal from suspending students in grade 5 or below unless possessed weapons, narcotics or were found to be a danger.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5235: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Provides school districts may employ LPNs to assist certified nurse teachers. The act also would require that no fewer than one nurse be employed for every seven hundred fifty (750) students.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Resolution #5236: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO HELP STABILIZE COSTS AND OTHER FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH RHODE ISLAND'S CITIES' AND TOWNS' STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
  Creates an 11 member commission to examine and provide recommendations to stabilize cities' and towns' student transportation costs and regulations, and who would report back to the House by January 4, 2022, and expire on April 4, 2022.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5237: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Amends the method of calculating state aid to education for the 2021-2022 school year only.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-24: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5238: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Creates the "Rhode Island Student Success Act" which would identify those students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition at public universities, colleges or community colleges.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5239: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE WORLD LANGUAGE AND DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION ACT
  Establishes and require funding for a world language and dual language immersion program.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-04: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5240: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - PHARMACIES
  Increases the state board of pharmacy from nine (9) to eleven (11) members by adding two (2) pharmacy technicians.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5241: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Authorizes a pharmacist to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives, provided that the pharmacist has completed a training program approved by the state board of pharmacy.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
• House Bill #5242: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- OPIOID ALTERNATIVES
  DOH to develop and publish opioid alternative pamphlet.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5243: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Requires a health plan to cover clinically appropriate and medically necessary residential or inpatient services, including detoxification and stabilization services, for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5244: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Provides that pharmacists shall disclose lesser price drug substitutions unless directed otherwise by the doctor. Exempts pharmacists automatically charging the lowest available price.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5245: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - HARM REDUCTION CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PILOT PROGRAM
  Creates pilot program to establish harm reduction centers where use of pre-obtained controlled substances may occur under supervision of health care professionals
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5246: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WORKPLACE SAFETY ACT
  Provides that any law or regulation which protects a person from exposure to second hand smoke would also provide protection from exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke, regardless of how the smoke was generated.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5247: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Excludes chronic intractable pain from the definition of acute pain management. Prescribes new guidelines for treatment based upon 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Resolution #5248: HOUSE RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE LIFE OF AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION TO EXAMINE AND RECOMMEND GUIDELINES FOR STEP THERAPY PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROTOCOLS
  Reinstates the life, and extends the reporting and expiration dates of the Commission to Examine and Recommend Guidelines for Step Therapy Prescription Drug Protocols from April 28, 2020 to April 6, 2021, and expires on June 6, 2021.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on House Calendar (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5249: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- WHOLESALE PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTATION PROGRAM
  Establishes a program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to provide cost savings to Rhode Island consumers.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Resolution #5250: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY ENSURING RACIAL EQUITY AND OPTIMIZING HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS AFFECTING MARGINALIZED INDIVIDUALS
  Creates 13 member special legislative commission to study health/safety impact of optimizing health/safety laws affecting marginalized individuals with report date of 5/31/22, expiring on 6/30/22.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5251: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTIONS
  Limits health insurance carriers that provide coverage for prescription insulin drugs used to treat diabetes to fifty ($50) dollars copayment for a thirty (30) day supply of medically necessary insulin.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5252: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Creates a special motor vehicle registration plate for The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5253: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the Honorable Justice James D. Gleason to join Julia C. Scott and Brandon T. Elliano in marriage on or about August 28, 2021, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-22: Placed on the House Consent Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5254: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Authorizes administrator DMV to issue special license plates to Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5255: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES - BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES
  Modifies limitations on quantities of malt beverages and distilled spirits that can be sold at retail by certain licensed breweries and distilleries for off-premises consumption.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Small Business
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5256: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Prohibits any city or town employee, including private contractors, removing trash from leaving trash receptacles in any condition or place so as to constitute a hazard on the street or highways, except private roads or driveways.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5257: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RHODE ISLAND FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES ACT
  Prohibits discrimination in housing against those persons who have a lawful source of income.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-26: Placed on House Calendar (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5258: AN ACT IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 974 OF THE PUBLIC LAWS OF 1940, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE STONE BRIDGE FIRE DISTRICT AND TO FURNISH A SUPPLY OF WATER FOR THE TOWN OF TIVERTON"
  Authorizes the Stone Bridge fire district to borrow up to $100,000 in funds to meet specific short-term financial obligations.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5259: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES
  Creates a voluntary mechanism for municipalities to use to dedicate a park, conservation or other land they own as public trust land in perpetuity to protect and preserve its future use.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5260: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Makes permanent the exemption from taxation for certain residential property developments which have not been completed or, if completed, have not been sold and occupied.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5261: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
  Comprehensively addresses wage discrimination, based on sex by expanding employee protections and the scope of the remedies available to employees who have experienced wage discrimination.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5262: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  Makes the fair employment practices act expressly applicable to individuals elected to state public officer or any political subdivision thereof and provides civil liability for person who directly or indirectly violates the chapter.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5263: 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.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5264: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - WORKERS' COMPENSATION - OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
  Classifies as an occupational disease any disability or quarantine resulting from COVID-19 or other viral infection classified by an executive order during a declared state of emergency, subject to certain requirements.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5265: 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.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5266: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
  Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5267: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
  Designates March 25 in each and every year as Medal of Honor Day.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5268: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS
  Requires applicants to pass test to include topics on fair housing and requires 24 hours of continuing education.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5269: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- COLLECTION OF TAX SALES --WATER SUPPLY -- WATER AND SEWER CHARGES
  Prevents the forced sale of real estate owned by persons who owe fire, water, sewer, road or lighting district charges.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5270: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- HOTELS--HUMAN TRAFFICKING REPORTING AND PREVENTION ACT
  Creates the Human Trafficking Reporting and Prevention Act applicable to hotels, requiring them to educate their employees about identifying, reporting and preventing human trafficking, on their premises.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5271: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Prohibits the transfer of any compassion center license to any other owner or location and provides that new compassion center licenses issued by way of lottery be issued only to the location and ownership approved in the application.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5272: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PSYCHOLOGISTS
  Includes licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general laws governing the regulations of psychologists.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-05: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-12: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5273: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS EQUITY ACT OF 2021
  DBR to conduct social/racial equity analysis on issuance of business licenses to include license to sell marijuana.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5274: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PROMPT PAYMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Amends the provisions for prompt payment of monies owed by the department of administration to their contractors or subcontractors.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5275: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE CONSUMER PROTECTION SALES ACT
  Prohibits person/business entity from conditioning requiring offer for sale/lease of tangible personal property on purchase of ins. From any ins. producer/insurer or releasing consumer's personal identification info eff. 1/1/22.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-28: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5276: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - THE RHODE ISLAND CESSPOOL ACT OF 2007
  Allows DEM to extend certain deadlines for required sewer construction in the replacement of cesspools, which deadlines would not extend beyond January 1, 2026.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5277: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS - CONSTRUCTION INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS
  Adds a parking lot as a requirement to a contractor agreement to a construction indemnity agreement.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
  • 2021-02-28: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5278: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY FACILITY SITING ACT
  Increases membership from 3 to 5 members/revises siting process to mandate public/municipal participation.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5279: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ENERGY SITING
  Requires carbon-emissions-reduction goals be considered in energy plant siting proceedings.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5280: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT RECYCLING ACT OF 2021
  Creates a refundable ten cent ($0.10) deposit for non-reusable beverage containers. A four cents ($0.04) handling fee would be paid by distributors.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5281: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  Permits Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings during a declared disaster emergency.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Bill #5282: 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.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5283: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES, CHILD CARING AGENCIES, FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES, AND CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
  Requires all foster parents to undergo sensitivity training regarding the culture of their foster child.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-09: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5284: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARY ELECTION DATES
  Requires that the primary election date, typically the eighth Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections, shall be held on the Wednesday immediately following Labor Day, only if the eighth Tuesday immediately follows Labor Day.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Bill #5285: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RESIDENCE OF THOSE IN GOVERNMENT CUSTODY ACT
  Requires that the state use the actual residences of persons in government custody for census and redistricting purposes. Such information would be determined by the DOC and the secretary of state, and forwarded to the United States census bureau.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5286: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - PARTY COMMITTEES AND CONVENTIONS
  Candidates for GA, filing of endorsement papers by Prov committees and nomination papers for Prov voters filed local board of canvassers.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5287: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  Establishes a joint general assembly emergency council 10 members to activate 90 days after declared state emergency to determine status of emergency/restore economy.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5288: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION
  Establishes restricted receipts account within commerce corp for fines collected for violations of COVID-19/disaster rules for forgiveable loans/grants to small businesses.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5289: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING
  Permits campaign funds to be used to pay all childcare expenses that are incurred as a direct result of campaign activity.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/10/2021)
  • 2021-02-10: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5290: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE POLICE--DIVERSITY
  Mandates 40% of new police recruits be persons of color.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5291: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE
  Amends the conditions of bail and recognizance to permit the release of a person charged with a misdemeanor without financial conditions.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5292: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA CONFIDENTIALITY ACT
  Provides confidentiality protection to military sexual trauma (MST) victims.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5293: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION--CHILD SUPPORT
  Extends child support obligations for non-custodial parents beyond emancipation if the children are attending a 2 or 4 year college and still reside with the custodial parent until 22 years of age.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5294: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
  Limits the sale of fireworks to one week prior to and including the 4th day in July, and may only be used, exploded, or cause to exploded between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5295: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE -- USE OF ANIMALS IN MEDICAL TRAINING
  Prohibits a medical training program from using live animals if another accredited training program in the same medical discipline does not use animals or if an alternative teaching method exists.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5296: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - COURTS - FAMILY COURT
  Family Court to hear abuse allegations for immigrants up to 21 years of age.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5297: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION
  Requires judicial nominating commission actively and aggressively solicit attorneys of color to apply for judicial appointments.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5298: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE --COURTS -- JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION
  Requires that the judicial nominating commission be composed of at least three (3) members of color.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5299: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION
  Promotes more diversity in the composition of the judicial nominating commission and requires that each list of qualified judicial candidates it submits to the governor for nomination include a person of color.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5300: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE – COURTS – JUDICIAL SELECTION
  Requires the judicial nominating commission to include certain questions on application/retain race, nationality, ethnicity, and gender data/classifies application as public record with opt out provision.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5301: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION
  JNC to consider judicial nominee's unique background.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5302: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
  DCYF to consider placement of any child with family prior to foster care. If foster care then family of child's heritage receives preference.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5303: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EQUITY PRACTICE
  Deletes all uses of the word master as it relates to courts and replaces it with the word arbiter.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5304: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Makes any acquittal or dismissal of any offense eligible for sealing under chapter 1 of title 12, lowers the time limitations for certain expungements and amends the eligibility requirements for certain expungements.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5305: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES
  Driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5306: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- ADOPTION OF CHILDREN
  Permits a petition for adoption, and if necessary, termination of parental rights, to be filed by a grandparent(s) without the noncustodial parent(s') consent, when the child is in the sole custody of the grandparent(s).
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5307: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- THE RHODE ISLAND MARIJUANA EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2021
  Provides that past criminal misdemeanors and felonies for possession of marijuana may be expunged, and the charges from said criminal act could not be used against a person from entering the cannabis industry or any government assistance programs.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5308: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS - DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS - SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN
  Eliminates any award of interest by the family court in any enforcement proceeding resulting in a judgment or order for failure to make child support payments.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5309: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Imposes a moratorium on non-essential evictions/mortgage foreclosures during a state of emergency declared by the governor relating to residential property and establishes an eviction diversion program to resolve landlord-tenant eviction disputes.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5310: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY - JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE REPEALER
  Creates the joint committee of the repealer to compile suggestions for repeal of statutes, regulations, and executive orders received from citizens, businesses, and government agencies.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/09/2021)
  • 2021-02-09: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5311: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MECHANICS' LIENS
  Provides that any arbitration award issued shall be binding in the mechanics' lien action and shall be res judicata. The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees in its discretion to the prevailing party.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5312: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES
  Redefines felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor and requires correctional impact statements be attached to every act having any effect on corrections prior to consideration by the general assembly.
  • 2021-01-29: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5313: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  Adds pickles and relish to those foods which are permitted to be manufactured and sold as a farm home food product.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5314: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHIARA'S LAW -- SCREENING AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA
  Requires screening for dyslexia and related disorders for public school students in grades kindergarten through grade four (K-4) and would provide for instruction in cursive writing.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5315: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
  Requires all responsible school districts to provide all of their students in need of IEP services to receive them, no matter which school they attend or if they are homeschooled.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5316: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Creates an agreement to limit corporate giveaways.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5317: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - ARIANNA'S SPEECH FLUENCY ACT
  Requires screening for dyslexia and related disorders for public school students in grades kindergarten through grade four (K-4) and would provide for instruction in cursive writing.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5318: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Permits certain volunteer firefighters to purchase motor vehicles by utilizing state purchasing provisions.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5319: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS -- ELECTRONIC INFORMATION AND DATA PRIVACY ACT
  Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5320: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS--AUDIO AND VIDEOS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY--WARRANT REQUIRED
  Requires law enforcement to obtain consent or a warrant before placing audio or video recorders on or near the private property of another. A violation of this act makes any evidence inadmissible in any court proceedings.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5321: AN ACT RELATING 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.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5322: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Adds roadways to the prohibited activities contained in this section and would also include grass/grass clippings.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5323: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- FORM AND EFFECT OF CONVEYANCES
  Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities. This act would also allow publication in other designated platforms selected by their city or town councils.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5324: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES
  Increase the amount of malt beverages that a manufacturer can sell for offsite consumption from 24 twelve-ounce and 24 sixteen-ounce (16 oz.) bottles or cans to 55 twelve-ounce (12 oz.) and 41 sixteen-ounce (16 oz.) bottles and cans respectively.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Small Business
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5325: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES – REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Permits Dyslexia Advocacy Rhode Island plates to be issued for passenger or commercial vehicles. A minimum of six hundred (600) preordered plates would be required.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/08/2021)
  • 2021-02-08: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5326: AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Provides for the authorized taking of mushrooms from public lands.
  • 2021-02-01: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5327: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Increases the maximum aggregate amount of community remote net-metering systems from 30 MW to 90 MW and requires the allocation of a minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the generated power to low- or moderate-income households commencing July 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-02: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5328: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL
  Requires schools to comply with composting and recycling laws.
  • 2021-02-03: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5329: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE –- FIELD TRIALS AND SHOOTING PRESERVES
  Defines captive hunting as a hunt that occurs within a structure designed to restrict the free movement of animals and prevents the animal from escaping and would prohibit captive hunting within the state of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-03: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5330: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF BARRINGTON
  
  • 2021-02-04: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-05: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/11/2021)
  • 2021-02-11: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5331: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF EDMUND D. FULLER
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5332: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF JANUARY 31 THROUGH FEBRUARY 6, 2021, TO BE PHYSICIAN ANESTHESIOLOGISTS WEEK IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5333: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1-5, 2021, TO BE "NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5334: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING BLOCK ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT FIRE CHIEF KIRK LITTLEFIELD ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-SIX YEARS OF EXEMPLARY AND HONORABLE SERVICE
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5335: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM DOOLEY
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5336: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2021 TO BE CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5337: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT JOSEPH BIDEN, JR., AND VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5338: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE VICTOR J. BERETTA
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5339: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2021, AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2021 AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5340: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM WALSH CORCORAN
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5341: HOUSE RESOLUTION THANKING PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY LIBRARIES FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO PROVIDING VITAL COMMUNITY SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5342: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5343: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2021-02-04: House read and passed
• House Bill #5344: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - LAND SURVEYORS
  Grants a right of entry for licensed, professional land surveyors performing surveying services for a landowner to enter upon or cross any lands, air, space or water resource, whether publicly or privately owned, necessary to perform services.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5345: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO RESTAURANTS
  Authorizes PUC to use emergency powers to suspend all utility payments to restaurants during a state of emergency with a (36) month interest free repayment plan commencing (3) months after the emergency ends retroactive to March , 2020.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5346: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS
  Prohibits third-party delivery services from using any likeness or intellectual property of a merchant without written consent. This act would require a third-party delivery service to register to do business in Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5347: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
  Directs the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to alter bus route 58 and bus route 27.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5348: 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.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Resolution #5349: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ANTI-LITTERING EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
  Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations for the development and implementation of an anti-littering education program for elementary students, and who would report back by February 3, 2022, and expire on April 3, 2022.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5350: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ACCESS TO ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Updates Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-08: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5351: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SEIZURE SAFE SCHOOLS ACT
  Requires elementary/secondary schools to have at least 1 school employee trained to administer/assist with the self-administering of seizure rescue medication prescribed to treat seizure disorder systems and the use of prescribed electrical stimulation.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5352: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Creates the local advisory committee on special education, a majority of which shall be comprised of parents, guardians or caretakers of students with disabilities, to advise every school district on matters concerning students with disabilities.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5353: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--THE NATHAN BRUNO AND JASON FLATT ACT
  Creates the "Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act" which requires training of teachers/students/school personnel regarding suicide awareness and prevention, and the establishment of a conflict resolution process between teachers or school personnel/students.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5354: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ANTI-BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
  Creates anti-bullying bill of rights to strengthen protection for students who are victims of bullying.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5355: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF TEACHERS GENERALLY
  Act broadens the definition of "teacher" and create a comprehensive bill of rights for school teachers.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5356: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PFAS IN FOOD PACKAGING
  Prohibits PFAS, a class of fluorinated organic chemicals, from being used in food packaging.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5357: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LONG-TERM CONTRACTING STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
  Clarifies that all interconnection and standby transformer costs are to be socialized by National Grid throughout the state of Rhode Island, retroactive to June 15, 2010.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5358: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT
  Creates the "Plastic Waste Reduction Act" designed to reduce the use of plastic bags by retail establishments by offering recyclable bag options and providing penalties for violations.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5359: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES - RETIREMENT SYSTEM - CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS
  This act would award all members of the pension system a three percent (3%) (COLA) if certain conditions are met.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5360: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- THE CLIMATE CHANGE COASTAL ADAPTATION TRUST FUND
  Establishes the Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) trust fund which provides grants to fund projects that adapt infrastructure on public lands to address impacts of climate change.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-24: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5361: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT
  Includes East Providence in the Northern Rhode Island regional tourism district.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-08: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5362: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
  Provides state employee public safety professionals with parity to municipal public safety employees in the state/municipal retirement systems. eff. 7/1/21 with 10% contribution.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5363: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Act provides non qualifying individuals for social security benefits and who receive pension income may exclude pension income equal to excluded social security income or exclude maximum of fifteen thousand in pension income.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5364: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Extends the sales tax exemption of a manufacturer who processes raw materials into finished goods.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5365: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MERIT SYSTEM
  Creates a hiring freeze for all state positions within a classification, for which a competitive test is required, if no test is given within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5366: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Raises the earned-income tax credit from fifteen percent (15%) to fifty percent (50%) for the tax years 2022 and beyond.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5367: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE EDUCATION EQUITY AND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT
  Extends the reimbursement to a school district or municipality for the employment of newly hired school resource officers only.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5368: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, COSMETICIANS, MANICURISTS AND ESTHETICIANS
  Adds the application or removal of eyelash extensions and the use of chemicals in the area of the eyelids to the definition of the "practice of hairdressing and cosmetic therapy".
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5369: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - ANIMAL CARE
  Waives the adoption fee to adopt a dog or cat from a public animal shelter for a veteran that presents a current and valid driver’s license or identification card with the word “veteran” printed on its face.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5370: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ACT
  Requires health insurers to accommodate the request for communication in the form and format requested by the insured.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5371: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- HEALTHY BEVERAGE ACT
  Creates the "Healthy Beverage Act" which would require restaurants that offer children’s meals that include a beverage, to provide a healthy beverage as part of the meal.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5372: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD - GROUP PURCHASING BOARD FOR RX WE CAN AFFORD
  Creates a prescription drug affordability board composed of representatives of affected stakeholders designated to investigate and comprehensively evaluate drug prices for Rhode Islanders and possible ways to reduce them to make them more affordable.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5373: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CEMETERIES--CEMETERY PERPETUAL FUNDS REPORTING
  Requires 25% of price of cemetery lot be deposited in perpetual care fund (PCF). PCF to file annual report with AG.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5374: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES -- HIV/AIDS
  Permits clinical laboratories to conduct its own analysis of specimens for the detection of HIV/AIDS instead of sending the specimens to the department of health.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5375: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Increases mandatory insurance coverage for hearing aids from $1,500 to $2,000, per ear, every three (3) years. In addition, the amount of insurance coverage would no longer be based on the age of the recipient.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5376: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BALLOONS
  Prohibits the release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas subject to $250 fine. Effective November 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5377: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Permits the district court to issue probationary operator’s licenses to those who had their licenses suspended, under certain conditions and for reasons of extreme hardship. Offenses involving alcohol, injury or death would be ineligible.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5378: 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.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5379: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - COURTS - COURT ADMINISTRATION
  Requires that the selection pool for court appointed receivers be composed of at least ten percent (10%) of receivers who are persons of color.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5380: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- THREE WHEEL VEHICLES
  Provides that three (3)-wheeled motorcycles be included under the licensing requirements of the department of motor vehicles.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5381: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Requires firearm sellers to require purchaser to execute medical authorization/release form for release of records relating to addiction/alcoholism/mental health illness for a period of five (5) years.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5382: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE POLICE
  Prohibits more than two (2) members of the state police to be from the same family whether by blood, adoption or marriage.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5383: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Extends the "lookback" period for third and subsequent offenses under chapter relative to driving under the influence of liquor or drugs and refusal to submit to chemical test from five (5) to ten (10) years.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5384: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Reclassifies certain simple possession of drugs as misdemeanor instead of a felony.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5385: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RECOGNITION OF NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES
  Provides official recognition to Seaconke Wampanoag native American tribe.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5386: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Prohibits obtaining/purchasing/transferring a firearm on behalf of another person if other person prohibited from possessing firearm with increase in penalties for those offenses and applications amended to state number of firearms purchased.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5387: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- MARRIAGE LICENSES
  Requires a person to be at least eighteen (18) to obtain a marriage license.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5388: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ANATOMICAL GIFTS
  Requires that all applicants for driver's licenses and registry-issued identification cards automatically become organ donors unless they execute a declination card.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-20: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5389: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Amends the "residential landlord and tenant act" to allow a landlord prior to any residential rental agreement shall deliver to prospective tenant a valid certificate of rental suitability as defined in § 34-18-22.4. Effective July 1, 2022.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5390: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION
  Provides that any person convicted of larceny of a package delivered by any government or private delivery service, shall, if committing larceny while operating a motor vehicle, that motor vehicle shall be subject to forfeiture.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5391: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Provides for the sealing and unsealing of court files in residential eviction proceedings. Effective 1/1/2022.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5392: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOCAL PLANNING BOARD OR COMMISSION
  Requires initial, biennial, and continuing education in land use law and planning for local planning and zoning board members.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5393: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT – COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING
  Requires training/instructions for police officers/trainees to identify persons with cognitive/communication disabilities and to develop law enforcement responses and training for police investigating such complaints.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5394: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - PRESERVATION OF FAMILIES WITH DISABLED PARENT ACT
  Precludes a parent's disability from serving as the sole basis for the state to institute an investigation of the disabled parent's family.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5395: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5396: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - PEN REGISTERS AND TRAP AND TRACE DEVICES
  Prohibits the use of a stingray cell-site simulator device by any law enforcement agency except upon application for its use and the granting of its order by the presiding justice of the superior court.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5397: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE GOOD SAMARITAN PREVENTION ACT OF 2016
  Changes the title and text of the immunity from legal repercussions for emergency overdose care to include the furnisher of assistance for medical emergencies.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5398: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS
  Requires the sealing of an application for a search warrant unless the court issuing the warrant issues an order granting relief from the seal.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5399: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GAMBLING AND LOTTERIES
  Allows social gaming in private residences and in public taverns or private clubs as long as the gambling is incidental to a bona fide social relationship between the participants and no person other than the participants receive anything of value.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5400: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- ADOPTION OF CHILDREN
  Terminates all parental rights of any person convicted of sexual assault which results in the birth of a child from that assault.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5401: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
  Deletes Portuguese (a person of Portuguese, Brazilian, or other Portuguese culture or origin, regardless of race), from those eligible to be considered as minorities for purposes of awarding public works projects.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5402: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR -- 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.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5403: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- WORK ON HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS
  Requires an individual employer to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for class exemption from the increased pay requirement for work on holidays and Sundays.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5404: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
  Increases the dollar amount of public work projects that shall be awarded to minorities to twenty-five percent (25%) of the dollar value of the project.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5405: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES--OVERTIME
  Exempts the Central Coventry Fire District from the application of the firefighters' overtime law for five (5) years beginning on July 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5406: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' ARBITRATION
  Establishes new factors for the interest contract arbitration board for municipal employee unions as well as granting the board power to render an award over all negotiated matters, including the expenditure of money.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5407: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Authorizes tax assessors in the cities and towns to use the last statutory update or revaluation as the assessed valuation upon which to levy taxes regarding their real property.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5408: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - LICENSES GENERALLY
  Requires that notice of application to owners of property within two hundred feet (200') of the site of a proposed liquor licensee be given by certified mail.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5409: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Changes the filing date for the elderly or disabled tax exemption in the town of Exeter from March 15 to April 15 of each year.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5410: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Prohibits cities and towns from performing spot assessments that increase the assessment value of properties that have sold, except in accordance with their revaluation or update schedule.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5411: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LONG-TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
  Adds climate change/sea-level rise/coastal resiliency to data analysis. Changes number of members of the economic development planning council from 17 to 19 by adding the directors of environmental management and coastal resources council.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Small Business
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5412: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Expands the classes of licensed vehicles eligible to obtain courtesy veterans' plates.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5413: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows Christine K. Bush to join Jenny Miller and Craig Koehler in marriage on or about August 19, 2021, within the Town of Narragansett, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-22: Placed on the House Consent Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5414: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows William Bon Bauer to join Kaitlin Bauer and Gustazo Cabarcas in marriage on or about June 21, 2021, within the City of Providence, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-22: Placed on the House Consent Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5415: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE EMBLEMS
  This act would designate "Northern Star Coral" as the official state coral.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-19: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/22/2021)
• House Bill #5416: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- JOINT COMMITTEE-- BUILDINGS, BRIDGES, EDIFICES AND OTHER STATE CONSTRUCTIONS
  Directs the department of transportation to install signs along the Purple Heart Trail, commemorating and identifying the Purple Heart Trail, by August 7, 2021, which day is National Purple Heart Day.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5417: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
  Exempts the city or town of residence for city, town and state police officers from the definition of a public record and would prohibit the release of the same.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Bill #5418: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATION, AND TENURE OF OFFICERS
  Requires that all persons serving on boards and commissions appointed by the governor have a connection to the state through residence or licensure.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-15: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Resolution #5419: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE
  MAJORITY VOTE REQUIREMENT THROUGH INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING FOR GENERAL OFFICERS AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS' ELECTION
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Resolution #5420: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REVIEW REGULATIONS
  
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Resolution #5421: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- RIGHT TO ADEQUATE EDUCATION
  Adds two sections to the constitution/guarantees residents adequate education permitting learning at high levels, become lifelong learners, productive workers and responsible citizens/makes rights guaranteed under the constitution judicially enforceable.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5422: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RHODE ISLAND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING
  Requires nonprofit entities and candidates comply with reporting requirements for transportation and other amenities provided to any candidate, prohibits nonprofit owned by a candidate to provide any other candidate such amenities.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5423: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT
  Requires that the secretary of EOHHS, the secretary of commerce of the commerce corporation and the commissioners of elementary and secondary education and postsecondary education be appointed subject to the approval of the senate.
  • 2021-02-05: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Bill #5424: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
  Provides that a student in the care and custody of the department of children, youth and families may attend Rhode Island College without the payment of tuition and room and board as long as they meet admission criteria of Rhode Island College
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5425: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND ECONOMIC GROWTH BLOCKCHAIN ACT
  Establishes an economic growth blockchain act, set regulations for the sale of hemp, regulate virtual and digital assets and establish depository banks for these purposes.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-09: Committee transferred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-21: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (02/22/2021)
• House Bill #5426: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- THEATER LICENSES
  Expands the definition of legitimate theaters to extend beyond the city of Newport and the town of Burrillville.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5427: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Authorizes fire districts to provide for an exemption from fire taxes for volunteer firefighters.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5428: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS
  Establishes policy for regulation of occupations, specifying criteria for government regulation to increase opportunities, competition, protect consumers and create a process to review criminal histories to reduce offenders’ disqualifications.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5429: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- FORM AND EFFECT OF CONVEYANCES
  Allows a municipality to publish any public notice in a newspaper within the municipality or any other platform selected by the town or city council of such municipality.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5430: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
  Administrative hearings to follow superior court rules of procedure and evidence. Provides for subpoena of witnesses and evidence.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5431: 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.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5432: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Insurance coverage for prostate/colon cancer screening.
  • 2021-02-08: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Resolution #5433: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7TH THROUGH THE 14TH OF 2021, TO BE "CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-09: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5434: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MR. JOHN D’AMATO
  
  • 2021-02-09: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5435: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2021-02-09: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5436: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2021-02-09: House read and passed
• House Bill #5437: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS
  Allows 288 hours of trade school training to qualify for the journeyperson "B" electrical exam. Increases the period of indentured apprenticeship with the department of labor and training and a licensed electrician master to 4 years.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5438: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
  Provides that health insurance contributions made by enrollees for cost sharing requirements include those amounts paid by the enrollee or another person on behalf of the enrollee.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5439: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - WATER SUPPLY
  Provides that water utility companies be responsible for all costs associated with maintenance, operation and delivery of water to individual parcels of land.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-11: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5440: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Requires electric transmission and electric distribution companies to conduct periodic equipment inspections. Such companies would also be required to submit a periodic report to the public utilities division regarding the status of such inspections.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5441: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
  Requires individual health insurers, large group health insurers and small employer health insurers to provide coverage for ten (10) categories of essential health benefits listed in the act.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5442: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE DURING PERIODS OF DECLARED EMERGENCIES
  Imposes a moratorium on the termination of utility services throughout a limited period of any emergency declared by the governor, with special provisions related to emergencies related to health epidemics.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5443: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS
  Provides an exception to required school immunizations for pupils whose personal, philosophical, or religious beliefs are contrary to immunization and/or testing.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5444: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION – SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY
  Provides that school construction projects approved after July 1, 2021, that fail to utilize a project's architectural services and project educational design services would only be eligible to receive five (5) incentive points.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5445: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE
  Establishes a statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5446: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REFUSE DISPOSAL--ELIMINATION OF POST-USE POLYMERS AND RECOVERED FEEDSTOCKS USED IN ADVANCED RECYCLING PROCESSES FROM SOLID WASTE
  Exempts post-use polymers and recovered feedstocks used in advanced recycling processes from the definition of solid waste.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5447: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE LOTTERY
  Creates an instant ticket scratch off game pilot program to raise funds for Rhode Island veterans and dependents of qualified service members.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5448: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAID EMPLOYER ASSESSMENT
  Creates a Medicaid employees assessment and would require all for profit employers with more than 300 employees to compensate the state 10% of each of their employees' wages, capped of $1500, who are enrolled in Medicaid.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5449: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Requires auditor general to conduct audit of Medicaid programs administered by MCOs.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5450: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE DISTRESSED COMMUNITY CHILD ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
  Establishes distress community child enrichment program to provide grants for education in distresses communities apportioned 75% to STEAM programs/25% to academic/non-academic programs with funding from portion of fees paid for center approvals/renewals.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5451: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Apportions remaining revenue in the restricted receipt accounts, after department of health expenses, from the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act to the distressed communities relief fund and charitable organizations.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5452: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Requires DBR to perform social equity/face analysis in licensing process/arrest/conviction rates by 1/1/22. Removes barriers affecting persons of color/establishes loan program/expunges past criminal convictions.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5453: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Creates hardship designation for patients on SSDI, Medicaid, establishes discount medicine program, eliminates plant tagging, allows unlimited compassion center licenses, redefines debilitating condition, reduces compassion center license fee to $5,000.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5454: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS, STATE FUNDED EXPENSES
  Provides for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional school resource officers.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-11: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5455: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - THE RHODE ISLAND MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM
  Removes the prohibition on state appropriations to the municipal infrastructure grant program, and authorize the state planning council to evaluate, approve and issue such grants, subject to the appropriations provided to the program.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5456: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION – REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX
  Increases the housing resources restricted receipts account by $.60 previously retained for state use.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5457: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - STATE TAX OFFICIALS - SALES AND USE TAXES -- ENFORCEMENT AND COLLECTION
  Allows any tax payments to be paid by midnight of the date the tax is due. This act also provides for a twenty-four (24) hour extension of time to pay the tax.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-18: Committee transferred to House Small Business
• House Bill #5458: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS 2013
  Repeals the sunset provision which ends historic preservation tax credits by June 30, 2021 or upon the exhaustion of the maximum aggregate credits, whichever comes first.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5459: AN ACT RELATING TO FOODS AND DRUGS -- THE UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Expands drug awareness programs to high schools, directs funding from certain civil fines and mandates establishment of criteria for funding.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5460: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -– SEXUAL ASSAULT EVIDENCE KITS
  Requires any entity that receives, maintains, stores or preserves sexual assault evidence kits to submit a report to the department of health, annually, setting forth the total number of untested kits in possession of such entity.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5461: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires that a participant or beneficiary incur no greater out-of-pocket costs for emergency services than they would have incurred with an in-network provider other than in-network cost sharing.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5462: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
  Provides that the trapping and subsequent release of any unowned feral or free roaming cat for the purpose of spaying or neutering of the cat shall not be considered abandonment.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5463: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EPINEPHRINE INJECTORS
  Requires group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide prescription benefits to cover prescribed epinephrine injectors and cartridges. No copayment or deductible would be required to obtain a prescribed epinephrine injector or cartridge.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5464: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
  Mandates a patient shall not be denied appropriate care on the basis of age/sex/gender identity/sexual orientation, race/color/marital status/familial status/disability/religion/national origin/source of income/source of payment or profession.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5465: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS - MILK SANITATION CODE
  Permits and legalize the sale of raw milk.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5466: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LABORATORIES
  Creates a comprehensive system to promote and regulate the effective and competent administration of medical laboratories by focusing on the training, qualifications and licensure of their practitioners.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5467: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
  Grants immunity to commercial sexual activity persons if they are victims/witnesses of crime.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5468: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS--CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE
  This act would, upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee, enable the parole board to terminate a parolee's supervision and legal custody order. Prisoners with a life sentence for first and second degree murder are excluded.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5469: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM
  Prevents a person from being prosecuted for fishing, gathering seaweed, swimming or passage along the sandy or rocky shoreline within ten feet (10') of the most recent high tide line.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5470: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
  Creates an action authorizing any person who has been sentenced to imprisonment greater than one year subsequent to being wrongfully convicted of a criminal offense to petition court for an award of compensation and damages, including attorney’s fees.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5471: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES
  Imposes three hundred dollar substance abuse education assessment for any conviction of driving under the influence or refusal to submit to breathalyzer. Funds would be allocated to department of behavioral health and used for substance abuse programs.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5472: 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.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5473: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS
  Requires employees to prove non-intoxication at time of injury/death after employer shows positive test for intoxication at time of injury/death with recovery of overpayments/minor may recover treble damages from employers.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5474: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION--OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
  Grants public safety officials/other named employees/essential state workers with COVID-19 job-related presumption related to workers' compensation benefits and other benefits/privileges.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5475: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PROMPT PAYMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION--SUBCONTRACTOR PAYMENTS
  Expedites subcontractor payments for work on state contracts. Establishes new process to help minority business to collect from prime contractors for work on state contracts.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5476: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MECHANICAL TRADES
  Authorizes issuance of limited HVAC service person's license upon examination for work on or repair of electric wiring/equipment located on heating/AC systems.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5477: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF CUMBERLAND TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND/OR NOTES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,500,000 TO FINANCE THE DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR AND EQUIPPING OF RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FACILITIES IN THE TOWN
  Authorizes the town of Cumberland to issue general obligation bonds and notes not to exceed $2,500,000 for the development/improvement/repair/alteration/construction/renovation/equipping of recreational areas and facilities in the town.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5478: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Allows the Westerly Town Council to issue a Class B liquor license for premises located at 169 and 177 Main Street, despite its location within proximity to a school church.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5479: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NEW HOME BUYERS FIRE PROTECTION ACT
  Mandates that builders of new one or two (2) family residential dwellings provide the buyer with written information regarding the installation of automatic fire sprinkler system.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5480: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Exempts from taxation real property acquired or leased by a railroad entity used in the boarding or disembarking of railroad passengers or supporting passenger railroad operations and services.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5481: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows James R. Boyd, Jr., to join Alyssa Lynn LeValley and Andrew James Fleming in marriage on or about July 23, 2021, within the City of East Providence, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-22: Placed on the House Consent Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5482: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows Peter Monopoli to join Gabrielle LaBrie and Lee Stamas in marriage on or about July 9, 2021, within the Town of Exeter, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-22: Placed on the House Consent Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5483: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the Honorable Scott Avedisian to join Lorna M. Simpson and John V. Kelly in marriage on or about August 21, 2021, within the Town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/22/2021)
  • 2021-02-22: Committee recommends passage
  • 2021-02-22: Placed on the House Consent Calendar (02/25/2021)
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Bill #5484: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS - ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
  Provides an exemption to the access to public records law for winners of lottery prizes.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Bill #5485: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS
  Allows school committees to add item(s) to their agendas for the purposes of discussion only without having to publish notice of the additional item(s).
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
• House Bill #5486: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- EMPLOYEE CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
  Requires all applicants for employment with the department of BHDDH or any of its licensed facilities or programs to have the attorney general's office conduct their mandated nationwide criminal records check.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5487: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
  Creates a nine (9) member permanent joint military and veterans' affairs oversight commission to oversee operations of Rhode Island office of veterans' affairs and fiscal oversight of military affairs and defense.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
• House Bill #5488: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES – GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Reduces the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor from one year to three hundred and sixty-four (364) days, and would apply to all persons sentenced after its effective date.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-18: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/23/2021)
  • 2021-02-23: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5489: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY OPTIMIZING HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS AFFECTING MARGINALIZED INDIVIDUALS
  Creates 13 member special legislative commission to study optimizing health and safety laws affecting marginalized individuals with report date of 2/7/22; expiration date of 5/7/22.
  • 2021-02-10: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-15: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5490: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - COMPOSITION OF FIRE DISTRICT AND PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS
  Allows individuals receiving a state pension to serve on fire district boards, Block Island utility board, and Pascoag utility board.
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5491: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FINANCIAL LITERACY
  Requires the council on elementary and secondary education, in consultation with the Rhode Island department of education, to develop and approve statewide academic standards for the instruction of consumer education in public high schools.
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Resolution #5492: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE STATE'S GROWING HOME SCHOOL POPULATION AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO ALL AVAILABLE SERVICES IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THEIR EDUCATION
  Creates an 11 member commission to examine the home school population and make recommendations for all students to have access to services to maximize their education, and would report back by January 4, 2022 and expire on April 4, 2022.
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5493: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Allows volunteer firefighters who pay for their own training and equipment to receive an income tax credit if those expenses are not reimbursed by their employer.
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5494: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DRUG COST TRANSPARENCY
  Provides drug cost transparency by requiring reports be submitted by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers and health benefit plan insurers to the director of the department of business regulation regarding drug prices and increases the prices.
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5495: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- EXCISE ON MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS
  Allows a taxpayer to appeal the valuation by the Rhode Island vehicle valuation commission to the local board of assessment
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5496: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VITAL RECORDS
  Requires notification of the name and address of the deceased on a death certificate with the office of secretary of state and the chairperson of the board of canvassers for the purpose of removal from the rolls of registered voters.
  • 2021-02-11: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Resolution #5497: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING AND THANKING MAYOR ALLAN W. FUNG FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF CRANSTON AND THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-11: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5498: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ABELARDO “ABE” HERNANDEZ
  
  • 2021-02-11: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5499: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE HONORABLE JACK REED ON BEING NAMED THE CHAIR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
  
  • 2021-02-11: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5500: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SOLEDAD J. BLANCO
  
  • 2021-02-11: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5501: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOSEPH EPIFANIO GALLUCCI
  
  • 2021-02-11: House read and passed
• House Bill #5502: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE HOSPITAL CONVERSION ACT
  Provides a one year moratorium on hospital conversions involving for-profit corporations as acquiree or acquiror.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5503: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING
  Amends the maximum allowable capacity for net metering systems in the Block Island Utility District and Pascoag Utility District.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5504: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- REGULATION OF SALES
  Allows the sale of alcoholic beverages on New Year's Day by retail Class A licensees.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5505: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT
  Requires third-party hosting platform to register short-term rental units for rent with dept. Of regulation or cannot conduct business in the state and imposes fines for listing unregistered units. DBR to create database for registered short term rentals.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5506: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING, REUSE AND DISPOSAL OF MATTRESSES
  Requires copies of auditor's documents relative to evaluation and opinion about fees to be filed with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and be considered public records pursuant to chapter 2 of title 38, access to public records.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5507: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF M.C. SOUSA TRUCKING & EXCAVATION, INC.
  
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5508: 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.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5509: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES
  Prohibits the sale for profit of consumer generated Internet data by a social media platform without the consent of and compensation paid to the consumer.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
• House Bill #5510: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CREDIT FOR REINSURANCE ACT
  Updates the credit for reinsurance chapter of the general laws to conform to the current standard set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5511: AN ACT RELATING TO UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Clarifies uniform commercial code provisions to specify that the provisions apply to electronic transactions.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5512: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE
  Increases minimum coverage limits for property damage on motor vehicles/ rental vehicles annually by inflation rate or percentage increase of average prevailing auto body labor rate calculated by DBR effective January 1, 2022
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5513: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS
  Requires all persons or entities collecting social security and other personal identification numbers to create and publicly display a privacy protection policy. Violations of this requirement would incur a civil penalty of five-hundred dollars ($500).
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
• House Bill #5514: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Requires public utilities to provide prompt and adequate service for new service/ service upgrades subject to $10,000 per violation and provide written estimate for work costing more than $500/ itemized bill for work performed payable by ratepayer.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5515: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
  Specifies certain exemptions to the state's deceptive trade practices act applying to actions/entities subject to regulation by certain federal commissions/authorities and state licensed real estate brokers and salespersons.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5516: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Authorizes Providence to have elected school committee effective July 1, 2025 subject to approval of electors at general / special election held prior to July 1, 2025
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5517: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires that commencing with the graduating class of 2023 all high school students attending public schools demonstrate proficiency in computer science.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5518: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- AIR QUALITY IN SCHOOLS
  Requires the department of health, in conjunction with the department of environmental management, to conduct indoor and outdoor air quality tests in all public and private schools throughout the state on an annual basis.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-19: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5519: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE
  Requires all students in kindergarten to grade twelve (K-12) to perform a minimum amount of community service each school year and grants them the option to perform certain forms of community service for academic credit.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5520: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires the department of education to develop and make available for school use a mental health curriculum. Schools would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5521: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Requires school committees to provide transportation for any student who resides two (2) or more miles from school.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5522: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ACCESS TO ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
  Establishes a process for CCRI, RIC and URI to accept for college credit an advanced placement subject test score of three (3) ("qualified") or better in an advanced placement course.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5523: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PFAS IN DRINKING WATER, GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATERS
  Provides for the department of health to take action to establish maximum contaminate levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and set interim standards.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-21: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Resolution #5524: HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DIVISION OF STATEWIDE PLANNING TO PROVIDE AN EXCEL SPREADSHEET ( OR EQUIVALENT) AND GIS MAP LAYER SHOWING COMMERCIAL SCALE SOLAR DEVELOPMENT IN RHODE ISLAND'S CITIES AND TOWNS, AND THE SITES IDENTIFIED IN THE AUGUST 2020 OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES REPORT ENTITLED "SOLAR SITING OPPORTUNITIES IN RHODE ISLAND"
  
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5525: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PHOTOVOLTAIC TAKEBACK ACT OF 2021
  Requires that any manufacturer or installer of solar module systems in Rhode Island establish a program as set up by the department of environmental management, for the safe disposal of those systems.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5526: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  Permits manufacturing or commercial concerns to apply to commerce corporation for exemption or stabilization of taxes when moving to another municipality if could reasonably and efficiently relocate outside state and that relocation would be advantageous.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5527: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts reusable bags not including paper or plastic bags from the state sales tax.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5528: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Allows a deduction from federal adjusted gross income for interest payments on outstanding student loans.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5529: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SIDEWALKS
  Requires that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways be the responsibility of the state.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5530: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- AIRPORTS AND LANDING FIELDS
  Increases the amount of reimbursement funds required to be paid by the Rhode Island airport corporation to the city of Warwick for municipal services.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5531: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REIMBURSEMENT 911 RESTRICTED RECEIPT ACCOUNT
  Requires ($.50) of the E-911 surcharges be deposited in a restricted receipt account for infrastructure improvements for local law enforcement agencies.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5532: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS IN DISTRICT COURTS
  Provides that ten (10%) percent of fines imposed for misdemeanor offenses resulting in a filing shall be provided to Justice Assistance to support the case management of persons receiving a filing with any sanctions.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5533: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS
  Limits the application fee for pharmacists to two hundred dollars ($200) annually.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5534: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $140,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 75% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE AND 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
  Authorizes Providence to issue not more than $140,000,000 bonds to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities throughout the city of Providence.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5535: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
  Creates a fund to be managed by the joint committee on legislative services, to make Rhode Island mementos available to visiting dignitaries and for gifts to hosting out-of-state officials, to be given by legislators' during official visits.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-19: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5536: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION – THE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS SAVINGS ACCOUNT ACT
  Authorizes the creation of first-time homebuyer savings account from which savings to purchase a home could be deducted from an individual's or couple's personal income taxes.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5537: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Defines light duty, non-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 2029.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5538: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - MOTOR VEHICLES REPARATIONS ACT
  Amends the fine imposed for a first offense for failure to maintain financial security, to a maximum of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125).
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5539: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
  Provides that an authorized purchaser of medical marijuana, who is assisting a qualified patient who has a cancer diagnosis, shall not be required to pay any fee to acquire a registry identification card.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5540: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
  Establishes medical professional scholarship program within postsecondary education council with commission awarding $5,000 for 4 years of college attendance to eligible applicants funded by $25 assessment fee on medical professionals seeking licensure.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5541: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
  Imposes a fee of one hundred sixty dollars ($160) for all domestic and foreign corporations for a certificate of authority to transact business in this state.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5542: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Directs the executive office of health and human services to increase income disregards for certain Medicare programs.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5543: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - RIGHTS OF NURSING HOME PATIENTS
  Department of health to promulgate rules and regulations for essential caregivers at nursing homes during a declared emergency.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5544: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE
  Includes in the definition of unprofessional conduct performing a pelvic examination without consent of an anesthetized or unconscious female patient.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5545: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES
  Authorizes certified nurse practitioners to sign a written certification stating that in their professional opinion, the potential benefits of use of medical marijuana to their patient outweigh their potential health risks.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5546: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Increases reimbursement rates for behavioral health providers.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5547: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PATIENT VISITATION RIGHTS
  Entitles all residents of health care and assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes and veterans' homes, to designate a person to provide them with companionship, personal health care guidance and advocacy.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5548: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  Regulates the manufacture, distribution and retail sale of vapor products in Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5549: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LICENSING OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
  Prohibits licensed health care facilities from reusing personal protective equipment.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5550: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- COSMETIC LABELING
  Requires that all cosmetics manufactured, sold, delivered, or held for offering to be sold contain a label that completely and accurately lists all of its component ingredient.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5551: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Bans the sale of cosmetics developed/manufactured using animal testing. A violation would be a $1,000 fine for each offense.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5552: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE
  Makes it unprofessional conduct for a physician not to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a viable fetus being carried by their patient is brought to term.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5553: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Felony to store firearms unlocked.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5554: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- LARGE CAPACITY FEEDING DEVICE BAN OF 2021
  Bans firearm magazines that hold ten (10) or more rounds.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5555: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Prohibits the possession of firearms on school grounds except for peace officers, retired law enforcement officers, persons under contract to provide school security services, and unloaded firearms in locked containers or a locked rack on motor vehicles.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5556: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULT WEAPONS
  Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5557: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license may carry a stun gun. This act would also add "tasers" to the definition of "firearm" and would provide for an appeal process for denial of an application for a permit.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5558: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Allows those persons with concealed carry permits issued by other states to carry upon their person weapons in Rhode Island provided that the issuing state recognizes and gives reciprocity to RI permit holders.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5559: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - ABUSE IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
  Removes the "intentional" element in the definition of "abuse" and "neglect" in the abuse in health care facilities' law..
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5560: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE ON PARTICULAR ACTIONS - CONTRIBUTION AMONG JOINT TORTFEASORS
  Limits credit of tortfeasor to amount paid by released tortfeasor.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5561: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ELECTRONIC MONITORING IN NURSING AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
  Allows for the use of electronic monitoring of a resident’s room or private living unit within a nursing home or assisted living facility.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5562: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - TRAFFIC OFFENSES
  Prohibits the department of motor vehicles from placing on a motorist's driving record, a traffic violation which fine has been paid no longer than thirty (30) days after its issuance. This procedure would only be utilized twice per year
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5563: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SOCIAL HOST REGULATIONS
  Authorizes the imposition of civil and criminal penalties against any person(s) who purchase, furnish, procure marijuana or permit marijuana to be used by others.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5564: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP PROTECTION ACT
  Prohibits certain social media companies from censoring users speech by either removal of the user's speech or using algorithms to prevent the user's speech.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
• House Bill #5565: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - GAMBLING AND LOTTERIES
  Authorizes nonprofit organizations to conduct gambling event fundraisers approved by the city or town in which the event is to be conducted and as authorized by the state police.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5566: 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.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5567: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - MOTORCYCLE HELMETS
  Requires all operators of motorcycles to wear a helmet. Violation results in a one hundred dollar ($100) fine. Increases the fine for failure of passenger’s to wear a helmet from eighty-five dollars ($85) to one hundred dollars ($100).
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5568: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Provides planning board approval votes require majority of members present at time of vote/quorum of zoning review board would authorize voting members including alternatives.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5569: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION
  Permits the family court to award custody of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5570: 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 would validate the common practice of filing the return by mail.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5571: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN
  Raises the legal age for persons to purchase or be sold or delivered certain tobacco products, electronic nicotine-delivery systems and liquid nicotine containers from eighteen (18) years of age to twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5572: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY- LILA MANFIELD SAPINSLEY COMPASSIONATE CARE ACT
  Creates the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act, to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using drugs prescribed by a physician.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5573: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
  Requires a landlord to obtain and have in full force and effect a general liability policy of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for those persons injured on the premises due to the negligence of the landlord.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5574: 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.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5575: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
  Establishes Rhode Island First Step requiring corrections to assist offenders with reintegration into society, counseling, medical care, education, early termination to pre-release confinement for elderly and terminally ill offenders.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5576: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW-- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES
  Makes it a felony to price gauge prescriptions or pharmaceuticals in time of a shortage.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5577: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
  Authorizes the potential appointment of pro bono attorneys, supervised law students and from a list maintained by the DEM to act as animal advocates in animal cruelty and abuse cases, at the court's discretion, to serve the interests of justice.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5578: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRONIC VEHICLE RECOVERY SERVICES
  Requires vehicle owners with electronic vehicle recovery systems to submit affidavit attesting to theft prior to law enforcement contact with provider for aid in locating vehicle.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5579: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - CHILDREN
  Crime for medical personnel to provide reasonable medical care to new born baby.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5580: 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.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5581: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS - DEATH BY WRONGFUL ACT
  Allows recovery of damages for the emotional distress, grief, and loss of enjoyment of life as a result of the wrongful death of a spouse, a parent or a son or daughter.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5582: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - BORN-ALIVE INFANT PROTECTION ACT
  Enacts the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act and provides for the duties and obligations of medical personnel in certain circumstances.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5583: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PARENTAL AND FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE
  Grants unpaid pregnancy leave to part-time workers, would clarify their access to unpaid sick leave during their pregnancy, and would provide additional protections for pregnant workers who work in the medical field.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5584: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS - UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
  Prohibits an employer from inquiring about a prospective employee wage and salary history before an offer of employment with compensation has been negotiated.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5585: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- WORK ON HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS
  Repeals § 5-3-7 of the general laws which gives the director of the department of labor and training the authority to exempt certain classes of employees from receiving overtime pay for Sunday and holiday work.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5586: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- EXEMPTIONS
  Includes the real and tangible personal property of St. John Baptist De La Salle Institute, d/b/a La Salle Academy, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island, on the list of properties exempt from taxation.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5587: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY SERVICE
  Allows New Shoreham to regulate transportation network company services.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5588: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- NEW SHOREHAM AFFORDABLE HOUSING ELIGIBILITY
  Increases the percentage of area median income from one hundred twenty percent (120%) to one hundred forty percent (140%) only for New Shoreham residents to make more households eligible for affordable housing.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5589: 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, 2021, and every December 31 thereafter.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5590: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND CESSPOOL ACT OF 2007
  Exempts a residential homeowner who has abandoned an on-site system from obtaining a contractor to pump out and to fill in with material, as long as the residential homeowner has taken the necessary steps to secure the abandoned on-site system.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5591: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EMERGENCY SHELTERS
  Establishes rules and procedures for licensing emergency shelters, including setting minimum standards and prohibiting the charging of fees to the residents.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5592: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE - FIRST RESPONDERS
  Establishes March 17 as an annual day of special observance to honor Rhode Island's first responders.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #5593: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- HOLLEY LANDING
  Renames the landing in South Kingstown known as Wordens Pond Landing to Holley Landing.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #5594: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE
  Sets aside the twenty-seventh day of October annually to be known as Dr. Ernest Finocchio Day.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Resolution #5595: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE
  INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5596: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - STATEWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
  Establishes a statewide public safety computer aided dispatch records management system.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5597: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- UNIFORM UNSWORN DECLARATION ACT
  Gives an "unsworn" declaration given under the penalty of perjury the same effect as "a sworn" declaration, and subject to the criminal penalties for perjury.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5598: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS REGULATION--AUTOMOBILE WRECKING AND SALVAGE YARDS
  Prohibits any entity/individual from advertising sale/purchase/receipt/transport/salvage of junks/discarded vehicle unless done by licensed auto wrecking/salvage yard subject to civil fines.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5599: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
  Eliminates the words "moral turpitude" as a cause of refusal to issue a license to various professionals.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5600: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES
  Includes the general assembly elections within the category of elections subject to the risk- limiting audits within the jurisdiction of the board of elections.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5601: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES
  Prohibits automatic renewal of contracts for personal, family or household purposes unless the consumer signs a consent to renew within sixty (60) days of the contract expiration date.
  • 2021-02-12: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5602: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - VIDEO-LOTTERY GAMES, TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING
  Established player self-exclusion program with winnings collected from self-excluded players going to RICPG for research/education/prevention of teenage gambling addiction.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5603: 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.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5604: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM
  Requires courses in family life or sex education be taught in grades 6 -12 and be appropriate for students of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5605: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - RHODE ISLAND PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP
  Provides that the students with disabilities shall be eligible to participate in the state's promise scholarship program and provided with reasonable accommodations to access the opportunities.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5606: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand one hundred pounds (8,100 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5607: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Waives primary care provider referral requirement to health care professional or specialist under certain conditions effective January 1, 2022.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5608: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Allows Rhode Island titled vehicles to be allowed to be registered online by the division of motor vehicles. Further, this allows all vehicles purchased from a Rhode Island car dealer to be registered online.
  • 2021-02-15: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Resolution #5609: HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FEDERAL LEGISLATION GRANTING STATEHOOD TO THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
  
  • 2021-02-16: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5610: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF GAME
  Prohibits captive hunting and the possession, the sale, breeding or importation of any mammal for the purpose of captive hunting.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5611: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES -- PRESCRIPTIONS
  Requires pharmacists to notify their customers whether their cost sharing benefits exceed the actual retail price of the prescription sought, in the absence of prescription drug coverage.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5612: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE CONSUMER PROTECTION IN EYE CARE ACT
  Provides for consumer protection in eye care services by developing standards and enforcement protocols related to the utilization of assessment mechanisms in the provision of eye care services.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5613: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
  Increases committee in law enforcement officers’ bill of rights hearing to 5, three as permanent. Hearings commenced in 15 days, allow for summary suspension of 5 days and would mandate pay suspended while the case is pending.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5614: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN
  Makes it a misdemeanor to possess, transfer and/or produce child erotica for the specific purpose of sexual gratification or arousal, punishable by confinement in jail for not more than one year, or fine of not more ($1,000), or both.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5615: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMPUTER CRIME
  Allows for a civil action against parents of a student who demonstrates disregard for the suspension of their child who has committed the offense of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5616: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Prohibits declawing of a cat or other animal, unless a licensed veterinarian has determined that the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose. Any person who violates this section would be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5617: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Prohibits person convicted of unnecessary cruelty to animals from owning or exercising control of an animal for life. Penalty for violation one thousand dollars ($1000) and forfeiture of animal.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5618: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - CONTESTED PET OWNERSHIP
  Creates a legal process by which formerly cohabitating parties could seek from the district court a determination as to ownership of any pet.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5619: 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 training program which shall address workers' rights, workplace health and safety, and workers' compensation, to be established and funded by the DLT.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-20: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/24/2021)
  • 2021-02-24: Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• House Bill #5620: AN ACT RELATING TO JEWISH SENIORS AGENCY OF RHODE ISLAND
  Increases the authorized holdings of Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island to two million dollars ($2,000,000) and exempt the same from taxation.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5621: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Issues permanent registration and registration plates to vehicles owned by the Civil Air Patrol.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #5622: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ACT
  Permits medical/vets services by health care volunteers during emergency.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5623: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Allows occupancy of an accessory dwelling unit of a single-family dwelling by a family member generally, and allows municipalities to establish standards for the construction of accessory dwelling units.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5624: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - PRIMARIES
  Requires that on all primaries, the candidate's names would be listed in an order chosen by lot under the direction of the secretary of state.
  • 2021-02-18: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5625: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION – THE CLIMATE LITERACY ACT
  Implements literacy of climate change for all students enrolled in public schools or other schools managed and controlled by the state in kindergarten through twelve (K-12).
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5626: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PROPER MANAGEMENT OF UNUSED PAINT
  Requires DEM to request proposals every 2 years to solicit representative organization to operate paint stewardship program.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5627: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES
  Creates a low emission diesel standard used to power a diesel fueled compression-ignition internal combustion engine and would take effect December 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5628: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM
  Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program which shall be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP)
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5629: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 911 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER ACT
  Establishes an emergency telephone system call review and quality improvement and would require at least one 911 system operator trained in telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation be on duty at all time.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5630: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT SOCIAL PROTECTION ACT
  Creates an accident compensation fund to provide payments and benefits to those injured by uninsured motorists, to be administered by the department of human services.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5631: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT
  Amend several chapters regarding the operation of bikes on state highways and interaction with motor vehicles, aggressive honking, regulation of E-bikes, reckless driver accountability program & speed limits in thickly settled areas/business districts.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5632: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Requires towns and cities to allow tiny homes to be used as accessory dwelling units and to be counted as affordable housing.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5633: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ORDINANCES
  Allows cities and towns to create ordinances to regulate use and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5634: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Requires cities and towns to assess renewable energy resources to be taxed as tangible property and the real property on which it is located shall not be reclassified, revalued or reassessed.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Resolution #5635: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND TO SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION (ELECTIONS)
  Proposes an amendment to the constitution to modify the legal minimum age to vote from eighteen (18) years to sixteen (16) years.
  • 2021-02-19: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5636: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS-- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Act repeals fee payment for expungements and makes eligible persons convicted of felony simple possession for expungement 5 years after completion of sentence.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5637: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS
  Repeals the power granted to certain municipal courts to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5638: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- FREEWAYS
  Exempts the operation of construction vehicles performing authorized public works functions from the prohibition on operating their vehicle in reverse on roadways.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5639: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Allows reciprocal concealed carry permits from out of state to be valid in Rhode Island, which is either authorized by the attorney general or subject to other reciprocal restrictions.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5640: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Allows individuals, who have not reached the age of eighteen (18) years, to vote in a primary election, as long as the voter will be eighteen (18) as of the date of the general or special election.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5641: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL
  Prohibits the use of neonicotinoids which are a class of insecticides.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5642: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- THE ELDER ADULT FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION PREVENTION ACT
  Requires employees of regulated financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of elder adults to the office of healthy aging and provide authority to the regulated financial institution to place a temporary hold on transactions.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5643: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURERS' REHABILITATION AND LIQUIDATION ACT
  Updates a portion of the Insurance Receivership statute to the current National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) standards.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5644: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW -- RESALE OF UNITS
  Allows a condominium association to impose a fee of up to one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) for preparation of a resale certificate.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Resolution #5645: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE LICENSING OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS
  Creates a 13 member commission to study and provide recommendations regarding the licensing of residential builders and contractors, and who would report back no later than February 9, 2022, and whose life would expire on April 9, 2022.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5646: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE
  Landlords responsible to tenants if tenants evicted due to landlord neglect and allows municipality to place lien on property.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5647: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Establishes a surtax on the business corporation tax for publicly traded corporations subject to SEC disclosure and reporting requirements, if corporation's ratio of compensation for its CEO to median worker is equal to or greater than 100 to 1.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5648: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BREAST CANCER PATIENT NOTIFICATION
  Now allows for a summary of a patient's mammography report be provided to the patient by mail, electronically, or otherwise.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5649: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- BAIL HEARINGS
  Entitles criminal defendants charged with enumerated serious criminal offenses to a bail hearing within 14 calendar days of their initial court appearance.
  • 2021-02-22: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5650: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE EDUCATION COMMISSION
  Creates the Holocaust and genocide education commission.
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5651: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- LIFETIME LIMITS
  Revokes the authority of the health insurance commissioner's ability to enforce a ruling of the federal government or federal court that revokes the prohibition on limits on health insurance.
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5652: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND SANCTUARY STATE ACT
  Designates schools, places of worship and courts as sensitive locations and would require that a judicial warrant be obtained before federal immigration authorities could be granted access to those premises to enforce immigration laws.
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5653: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY--POLICE RELATIONSHIP ACT OF 2015
  Data collection on police traffic stops and/or searches. Requires appointment of community review board.
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2021)
• House Bill #5654: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- NAMING STATE CONSTRUCTIONS -- E. RICHARD DURFEE ROAD
  Would name a certain portion of Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett, "E. Richard Durfee Road".
  • 2021-02-23: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Resolution #5655: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5656: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5657: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5658: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING CONGRATULATIONS
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5659: HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING NEW SHOREHAM POLICE CHIEF VINCENT CARLONE ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER FORTY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY PUBLIC SERVICE
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5660: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE ALTON W. WILEY, THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN JUDGE TO SIT ON THE RHODE ISLAND DISTRICT AND SUPERIOR COURTS
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5661: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING SONIA GRACE ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AS CITY CLERK FOR THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5662: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR "THE YEAR OF THE OX"
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5663: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING PRIVATE RYAN GRIFFIN OF THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5664: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING BATTALION CHIEF KEN BROUSSEAU OF THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5665: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING POLICE CHIEF MAJOR DANIEL BARZYKOWSKI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CENTRAL FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5666: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JORGE BOROR
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5667: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING CENTRAL FALLS FIRE CHIEF ROBERT E. BRADLEY, JR., ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
  
  • 2021-02-23: House read and passed
• House Bill #5668: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHER'S RETIREMENT
  Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5669: AN ACT TO AMEND THE LANGUAGE OF THE LEASE OF THE BENEFIT STREET ARMORY BETWEEN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND THE PROVIDENCE MARINE CORPS OF ARTILLERY
  Authorizes the Department of Administration to amend lease to Providence Marine Corps of Artillery to use hall for promotion of the arsenal and to sublease the rented space.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Veterans Affairs
• House Bill #5670: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPRENTICE TAX CREDIT
  Creates tax credit up to $3,500 per year for employers of qualifying apprentices commencing after 12/31/21 with 3 year carry forward provision
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5671: AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- OFFICE OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES -- STATE AID TO LIBRARIES
  Amends various sections relating to libraries to remove outdated provisions and update language to reflect current practices affecting library technology.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5672: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES
  Increases the reimbursement rates to be paid by the department of human services and the department for children, youth, and families, for licensed child care centers and family child care homes.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5673: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS
  Transfers from the electric distribution companies to the Infrastructure Bank planning and administration of the interconnection of renewable energy to the electric distribution system.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5674: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE GREEN JUSTICE ZONE ACT
  Establishes the first Green Justice Zone, a model that may be replicated in future years to ensure that all communities throughout the state have clean air and clean water.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5675: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- THE RUSSELL ACT OF 2021
  Allows participating municipalities to elect to its employees the deferred compensation plans offered by the state.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5676: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Changes the tax classifications for cable television assets.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5677: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Creates a tax deduction for military retirement benefits of a veteran or the veteran's surviving spouse.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5678: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX
  Exempts from state taxation certain pension benefits that originate from, and were taxed in another state.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5679: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97-THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Replaces the suspension year COLA for all retired teachers, state employees and municipal with a fractional COLA award of twenty-five percent (25%).
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5680: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY – STATE BUILDING CODE
  Increases the levy on total construction costs that cities and towns may charge for building permits and directs that fifty percent (50%) each of the levy be transmitted monthly to the department of labor and training for workforce training.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5681: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
  Provides a state-funded tax credit for home owners, renters and the disabled who are housing cost-burdened subject to age and income limitations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5682: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE - RHODE ISLAND VETERANS' HOME
  Requires 12% interest per year on improperly billed maintenance fees reimbursed to veterans.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5683: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM
  Reduces the eligibility requirement for many prospective members of the Rhode Island Works' Program making it easier for some to qualify for its benefits.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5684: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts bicycles from sales and use tax.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5685: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION--STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS METRICS
  Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that certain state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 need to consider and address.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5686: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- LICENSED ACTIVITIES -- SMALL LOAN LENDERS
  Repeals the provisions of the general laws allowing deferred deposit providers, also known as "payday lenders."
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5687: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX
  Provides that a portion of the real estate conveyance tax be apportioned to a newly established restricted receipt account known as the housing production fund.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5688: AN ACT RELATING TO COVENTRY SEWER AUTHORITY
  Prohibits the town of Coventry from assessing the costs of repaving the roadway upon the completion of any sewage works upon the land owners.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5689: AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Eliminates the exception the current law gives to Woonsocket regarding the composition of city or town school committees.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5690: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
  Defines as “disabled,” persons receiving veterans’ affairs disability benefits paid by the federal government for purposes of property tax relief.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5691: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- AWARD OF MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS
  Gives Rhode Island businesses bidders on municipal contracts a priority if their bid is within three percent (3%) of the lowest bidder as long as the contract is not funded by federal money.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5692: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- NARRAGANSETT BAY COMMISSION--THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF SEWAGE INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS TO THE NARRAGANSETT BAY COMMISSION
  Transfers ownership of the sewer infrastructure in the city of Central Falls to the Narragansett Bay Commission.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5693: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CENTRAL FALLS BUSINESS COOPERATIVE INCUBATOR
  Appropriates $100,000 annually to Fuerza Laboral for a business cooperative in Central Falls to increase economic development, assist with job creation and a path to business ownership.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5694: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- QUADRICYCLE PASSENGER VEHICLES
  Authorizes municipalities to regulate the use of quadricycle passenger vehicles within their borders.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5695: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Increases the per-unit fee for affordable single family homes to seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000) and allow municipalities to transfer in-lieu payments upon receipt or within ten (10) years.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5696: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $85,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN, AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 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
  Authorizes the town of South Kingstown to issue not more than $85,000,000 bonds and notes to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5697: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- AFRICAN HERITAGE HISTORY EDUCATION
  Requires implementation of education courses in African American history in elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island commencing in the 2022-2023 school year.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5698: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION – SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS [SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 – THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]
  Requires all public schools to send out written invitations to all parents, guardians or caretakers of students inviting those parents, guardians or caretakers to an orientation at the school.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5699: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Establishes "Increasing Opportunities for Teaches of Color Act".
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5700: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT PRIVACY ON SCHOOL-OWNED TECHNOLOGY
  Provides that no educational institution without an opt-in shall compel students to participate in a take-home technology program (e.g., computers).
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5701: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, for the next three (3) years trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5702: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, for the next three (3) years trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5703: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Establishes an education savings account program to assist and support the parents, guardians and caretakers of students with the materials, tutors, technology and other educational support for learning at-home or at any other remote-learning site.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5704: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES -- STEP THERAPY PROTOCOLS
  Requires health insurers that issue prescription drug coverage to use step therapy protocols.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5705: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - INTERSTATE COMPACT TO AWARD PRIZES FOR CURING DISEASES
  Adopts the Interstate Compact to Award Prizes for Curing Diseases.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5706: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  Provides that school forms pertaining to vaccination requirements include information about religious and medical exemptions.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5707: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES
  Amends the definition of the "practice of pharmacy" to include the administration of adult medications pursuant to a valid prescription of physician-approved protocol and in accordance with regulations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5708: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires health insurance contract plans or policies to provide coverage for a backup battery for at-home medical devices.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5709: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Requires minimum insurance coverage for a minimum of ninety (90) days of residential or inpatient services for mental health and/or substance use disorders. Effective 4/1/21 or date of passage.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5710: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Adds medical directors or their designees to those individuals to whom disclosure of information contained in any prescription-drug-database is allowed.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5711: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ACT
  Allows an ordering physician to obtain the result of any life threatening clinical laboratory test, without the need for a consent to release medical information.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5712: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
  Requires insurance coverage for at least ninety days of residential or impatient services for mental health and/or substance use disorders for American Society of Addiction medicine levels of core 3.1 and 3.3.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-28: Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• House Bill #5713: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, for the next three (3) years trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5714: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -– HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN
  Expands the Rite Track Program to provide health care coverage to children up to age nineteen (19) funded by federal funds, if available, or if not available, by state funds.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5715: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SUGARY DRINKS
  Creates a tax on sugary drinks with the intent of discouraging excessive consumption of those beverages and would create a dedicated revenue source for programs designed to benefit public health.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/01/2021)
  • 2021-02-26: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5716: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN PHARMACIES
  Prohibits the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies and provides for a civil penalty of two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each violation.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5717: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
  Eliminates women from qualification for MBEs. Creates 25% preference for MBE contract awards.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5718: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5719: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES AND EMPLOYEE RECORDS
  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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5720: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- RHODE ISLAND PARENTAL AND FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
  Increases the amount of parental or family leave available to an employee from thirteen (13) weeks to twenty-six (26) weeks in any two (2) calendar years.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5721: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES
  Requires employers with 50 or more employees to pay "hazard pay" to employees involved in providing essential services during a declared public health emergency.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5722: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Requires bidders on public school construction contracts of $5,000,000 or more to have an apprenticeships program compliant with chapter and truthful reporting of program data to DOLT effective July 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5723: AN ACT RELATING TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
  Incorporates the federal affirmative action and nondiscrimination obligations of federal contractors and subcontractors regarding individuals with disabilities, utilization goal of three percent (3%) for employment of qualified individuals.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5724: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INTERCEPTION OF WIRE AND ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
  Authorizes wire tap application for Human Trafficking offense investigations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5725: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- SEXUAL ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD
  Defines the term "perpetrator defendant" for purpose of actions based on sexual abuse of a child.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5726: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Defines rifle and shotgun and makes it unlawful to possess a loaded rifle or shotgun in public subject to various exemptions for law enforcement and other authorized individuals.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5727: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
  Requires the office of the attorney general to issue a report containing the total cases charged with a firearm in all Rhode Island courts and a list of cases charged with a firearm which have been disposed during the calendar year.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5728: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
  Authorizes state police to provide retention/storage of municipal police officers body camera footage.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #5729: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE-OF ELECTIONS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE
  Proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing four (4) year terms for members of the general assembly, elected members from even numbered districts would begin to be elected to four (4) year terms.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5730: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Authorizes the attorney general to enter into a reciprocal agreement with Massachusetts and/or Connecticut for handgun permits.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5731: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- FORCE-FED POULTRY PRODUCTS
  Prohibits production/sale/importation of any force-fed poultry product/ food containing force-fed poultry product imposing $500 civil penalty per violation eff. 1/1/22.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5732: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES
  Raises the juror's fees for each day's attendance on the superior court from $15.00 per day to $25.00 per day commencing July 1, 2022, and increases to $35.00 per day commencing July 1, 2023, and thereafter.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5733: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE – PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES
  Allows jurors to donate their juror fees to the state. Any such donation would be deposited into a restricted receipt account in the general fund and shall be allocated to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5734: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- IMMIGRATION STATUS
  Prohibits a landlord from asking about the immigration status of a tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of residential rental property.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5735: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES – PUBLIC UTILITIES
  Requires any person recording an oral communication, whether in person, telephonically or otherwise, to inform the other party or parties that the communications are being recorded.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5736: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
  Provides as a violation for any person leaving a dog outside and unattended in temperatures of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit or below, or ninety degrees Fahrenheit (90°) or above, would be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5737: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE—VIOLATIONS
  Enhances the penalties for the violation of any law, rule or regulation relating to wild animals.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5738: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires all new school buildings and those undergoing major renovations or substantial repair or replacement to plumbing systems to install water bottle filling stations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5739: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Requires the contracting department of the department of human services or the department of administration to pilot at least one contract for professional or technical services using automatic verification software to verify hours billed under contract.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5740: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESTRICTIVE HOUSING AT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACT
  Establishes conditions, policies and procedures for the restrictive housing of inmates at correctional facilities in Rhode Island with the least restrictive conditions possible.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5741: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - STATE BUILDING CODE
  Requires public building/place of public accommodation to have single-user toilet facility for use by any gender eff. 1/1/22/ new construction/ renovations over 50% value of state/municipal buildings provide for single-user toilet eff. 1/1/22.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Resolution #5742: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE
  GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO APPEAR JOINTLY ON THE BALLOT
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5743: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES REPORTING
  Eliminates competing reporting requirements relating to referenda and consolidate all reporting requirements concerning the independent expenditures and electioneering communications for elections.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5744: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
  Allows voters to endorse nomination of candidacy documents by mail, email, or facsimile and deliver to the candidate or board of canvassers in-person, via mail, email or facsimile.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5745: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - MAIL BALLOTS
  Creates early in-person voting and online applications for mail ballots. It removes the two (2) witnesses' notarization of voter signature for mail ballots.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5746: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Provides an exception to the requirements of competitive sealed bidding for local, minority and woman-owned business enterprises.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5747: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5748: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OF VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS
  Requires state and national criminal background checks person volunteering or interning at any elementary or secondary educational institution. It would also waive fees for background checks employment with salary of less than forty thousand dollars.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5749: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY CORPORATIONS
  Prohibits the operation of private detention facilities and private public partnerships within the state and prohibits the housing of Rhode Island prisoners in other states as well as hold out-of-state prisoners in Rhode Island facilities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5750: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT
  Prohibits contracts with private, for profit, prison facilities or with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5751: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
  Provides for a safety inspection of the Wyatt Detention Facility twice a year.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5752: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
  Requires the office of diversity, equity and opportunity (ODEO) to create and for all state and municipal employees to receive annual training in cultural competency.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5753: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
  Increases the role of the division of motor vehicles in the voter registration and address verification process, by establishing very specific obligations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5754: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SUNSET ADVISORY COMMISSION
  Exempts permanently and totally disabled applicants with income below three hundred percent (300%) of the federal poverty line, from the income and resource eligibility rules, regulations and limits.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Resolution #5755: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING RHODE ISLAND'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO REDUCE MILITARY SPENDING AND PRIORITIZE CLIMATE ACTION
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5756: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES
  Creates a new post election audit procedure to verify the accuracy of mail ballot envelopes user's signature prior to the certification of the elections results.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5757: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING
  Increase the fines for the late filing of campaign finance reports to one hundred dollars ($100) for a second offense, five hundred dollars ($500) for a third offense, and one thousand dollars ($1,000) for all subsequent offenses.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5758: AN ACT FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS -- HOME FOOD MANUFACTURE ACT
  Amends the current law that allows farmers to sell produce directly to consumers by directing the department of health to permit home food manufacture and sales direct to consumers.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
  • 2021-02-26: Committee transferred to House Small Business
• House Bill #5759: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- DRY DOCK FACILITIES
  Amends the lien and notice procedures for facility operators of dry dock facilities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5760: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
  Creates a forest conservation commission, to be coordinated with the department of environmental management, to seek new funding and identify incentives for landowners to maintain their land as forest.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5761: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FAMILY FARM PROTECTION ACT
  Prohibits industrial sized factory farming.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5762: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD
  Sets forth new renewable energy standards.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5763: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Prohibits insurance companies from varying the premium rates charged for a health coverage plan based on the gender of the individual policy holder, enrollee, subscriber, or member.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5764: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS
  Allows the test applicant to earn the required credits towards the qualification for the journeyperson "B" electrical examination by completing two hundred eighty-eight (288) hours of classroom training in a fully accredited trade school.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5765: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - EXCAVATION NEAR UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
  Requires any public utility or its contractor to reimburse an excavator for lost time expense incurred, including manpower and equipment from the utility's incorrect marking of underground utilities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5766: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ARCHITECTS
  Allows superior court to require person affixing architectural stamp within five (5) years, to provide evidence that services were performed by entity named in the "certificate" or "certificate of authorization."
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5767: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Requires the energy efficiency and resources management council to run a triennial competitive bid process to select an entity to propose and administer system reliability and energy efficiency and conservation procurement.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5768: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS -- ROOFING CONTRACTORS
  Amends the registration and licensure requirements of roofing contractors.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5769: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW – GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS - UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES
  A provider of a club, facility, or services to a consumer must stop automatic deductions from the consumer’s account or credit card within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5770: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  Exempts residential kitchens providing baked goods for sale from the provisions of the general laws relating to farm home food manufacture.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5771: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- PROHIBITION ON LIVE MARKETS
  Prohibits the granting of any business licenses to any person, firm, partnership or corporation that operates a live market where consumers can buy freshly slaughtered meat or fowl.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5772: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004--HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT
  Requires the health insurance commissioner to adopt a uniform set of medical criteria for prior authorization and create a required form to be used by a health insurer.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5773: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Requires public utilities to maintain a registry of customers utilizing life-sustaining medical devices and to prioritize restoration of power to said customers during power outages.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5774: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- RHODE ISLAND FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS ACT
  Limits the amount of fees charged by a third-party food delivery service to fifteen percent (15%).
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5775: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES
  Requires motor vehicle parking spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of three (3) and baby strollers.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5776: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- POWERS AND OPERATIONS
  Prohibits financial institutions from investing in private detention centers or continuing to invest with any institution, company or subsidiary of a company that owns or contracts with a government entity to manage or run a prison.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5777: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- BUSINESS NOTIFICATION ACT
  Requires businesses to be notified of any regulatory changes which materially impact the business.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5778: AN ACT RELATING TO BANKING - FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CREATION AND EXPANSION
  Amends provisions relating to receiverships/licensing. Security bonds, reporting requirements, resident agent to eliminate same requirement/clarify language to reduce burden on financial businesses.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5779: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE
  Clarifies surplus lines licensing and eliminate an unnecessary bond requirement, eliminate the need for an "in person" hearing in an appeal of a classification and add additional lines of insurance to the Commercial Special Risks statute.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5780: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- FINANCIAL SERVICES
  Updates the Credit for Reinsurance, Risk Based Capital and Insurance Holding Company statutes to the current National Association of Insurance Commissioners standard.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5781: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ESTABLISHING AN ELECTED AND APPOINTED MINORITY OFFICIALS COMMISSION
  Creates Elected/Appointed Minority Officials Commission to create record of minority officials from 1636 to present.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #5782: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Authorizes the issuance of veteran plates with decals affixed to the top left corner for veterans who are recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star and Bronze medal.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #5783: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES -- SPECIAL PLATE FOR MASONIC GRAND LODGE CHARITIES OF RHODE ISLAND
  Authorizes a special license plate for MASONIC GRAND LODGE CHARITIES OF RHODE ISLAND, specify the minimum order, and govern the amount and distribution of the fee surcharge.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Resolution #5784: HOUSE RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE LIFE OF AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PLAN AND THE DESIGN OF A BEIRUT MEMORIAL TO BE LOCATED AT THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE
  Reinstates the life, extends the reporting and expiration dates of the commission to study and recommend a plan and design for a Beirut Memorial located at the RI State House, from April 30, 2020, to January 5, 2022, and expire on March 5, 2022.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
• House Bill #5785: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - VETERANS EXEMPTIONS
  Extends the veterans exemption from property tax to any member who served in uniform during the Cold War between 1947 through 1991, even if they did not serve in a declared war or conflict.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5786: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- GUN SAFE TAX CREDIT
  Creates a tax credit for the purchase of a qualified gun safe, not to exceed $1,000. It would also exempt gun safes from the sales tax.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5787: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - EQUALITY IN ABORTION COVERAGE
  Provides for abortion coverage in the Medicaid program and repeal the abortion coverage exclusion for state employee insurance plans.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5788: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND PAY FOR SUCCESS ACT
  Establishes a pay for success program to raise funds from non-state government investors to pay for addressing social challenges. If there are positive results, the state would repay the investors with interest.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5789: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Increases taxable wage base for employee contributions to TDI/TCI fund/individual benefit rates for eligible individuals/maximum caregiver weeks/creates new credit for low wage tax payers not income eligible to receive benefits. Effective 1/1/22.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5790: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HEALTH CARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
  Increases the income eligibility limit for medical assistance coverage for seniors and disabled individuals from one hundred percent (100%) to one hundred thirty-three percent (133%) of federal poverty level.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5791: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Authorizes the division of motor vehicles to issue a one year renewal registration for vehicles leased for a period of thirty-six (36) months for the last year of the lease and would modify the fee for said renewal.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5792: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Requires the executive office of health and human services to adjust the per diem reimbursement rate to nursing facilities every 3 years; and provides that any time state minimum wage is increased, the reimbursement rate increases by the same percentage.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5793: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE--LONG-TERM CARE SERVICE AND FINANCE REFORM
  Provides medical home care base rate adjustments and keeps high acuity or high medical necessity patients out of skilled nursing facilities and hospitals and remain safe at home with well trained and stable long-term care support.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5794: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES - MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Directs EOHHS to implement process for determining fees/reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation service/sets $147 fee per trip/$1.50 per mile/certificate of need required after 7/1/21
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5795: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
  Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5796: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES--LIVABLE HOME MODIFICATION GRANT FUND
  Establishes the livable home modification grant fund to provide individuals with severe disabilities financial assistance to modify their homes.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5797: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX
  Reduces small business employing less than 50 full time employees tax liability by 50% if employs 80% of full time employee staff level for last 3 months of 2021 based on staff level on 12/31/19 with maximum or non-operational small business in 2019.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5798: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES--LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts from sales tax meals sold to its employees by public, private, or parochial schools, school districts, colleges, universities, student organizations, and parent-teacher associations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5799: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION FEES
  Imposes a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the registration of a camping recreational vehicle.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5800: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL FUNDS AND PROPERTY
  Establishes a pilot program to promote the creation of roof solar installations on school property in order to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to generate electricity in school buildings.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5801: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SENIOR CENTER BUILDING CAPITAL FUND
  Creates senior center building capital fund to provide cities and towns with financial assistance up to thirty percent of the construction cost of the project.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5802: AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAYDAY LOANS
  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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5803: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- REVENUE ESTIMATING CONFERENCES
  Changes the dates of the Revenue Estimating Conferences meeting to the last ten (10) days of April and the first ten (10) days of November of each year.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5804: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HOUSING RESOURCES -- HOMELESS SHELTERS
  Creates a commission to establish homeless shelter standards through regulations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5805: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
  Requires general treasurer to allocate thirty percent (30%) of all settlement proceeds from a multi-state initiative to the attorney general restricted account.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5806: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  Reduces the required minimum number of special plates ordered from the DMV to 150 sets upon payment of $3,000 conditionally refundable fee.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5807: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES
  Directs department of administration to promulgate regulations giving preferences in the awarding of state contracts to certain business enterprises.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5808: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS
  Authorizes municipalities to tax school tuition and school meals. Contains exemptions from taxation.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5809: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE PERCENTAGE OF INCOME HOME ENERGY AFFORDABILITY ACT
  Creates the Percentage of Income Home Energy Affordability Program, an income-sensitive tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5810: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- STATE BUDGET
  Requires that the governor submit a zero-based budget to the general assembly. The zero-based budget shall be phased in over a five (5) year period.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5811: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASELOAD ESTIMATING CONFERENCES
  Requires the participation and input of the EOHHS, DHS, DCYF and BHDDH in medical assistance and public assistance caseload estimating conferences and the generation of monthly data to the members of the case load estimating conference.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5812: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - SALES AND USE TAXES - LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION
  Exempts from the sales and use tax that portion of a motor vehicle lease payment collected for tangible personal property tax, municipal property tax, excise, or any other similar tax.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5813: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES
  Decreases the amount of the reinstatement fees for a motor vehicle registration or certificate of title which was revoked, denied or suspended and reduced reinstatement fees for suspension or revocation of registration or certificate of title.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5814: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- RHODE ISLAND VETERANS' HOME
  Reorganizes the Rhode Island Veterans' Home into a quasi-public corporation of the state operated by a board of directors consisting of eleven (11) members.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5815: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- EMERGENCY POLICE POWER
  Authorizes higher education institution department to enter into an agreement with any city/town to provide police assistance in non emergency situations.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5816: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION
  Provides that in the town of Warwick, no separate class or zoning district be assigned or designated based solely upon a scenic view. No property in particular class/zoning district be assessed increased rate from other properties because of scenic view.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5817: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Provides a procedure for homeowners to submit to a municipal zoning board of review or municipal official or agency for a review to determine whether or not a proposed use under this chapter requires a special use permit.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5818: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- AWARD OF MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS
  Increases the aggregate amount of procurements for cities and towns from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other purchases.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5819: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION
  (Requires nonprofit entity exempt from real property tax to provide assessor with information every 5 yeas relating to the usage of the land/building/structures starting December 31, 2021.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5820: AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES
  Holders of Class B licenses shall offer the public food during times alcoholic beverages are sold to the public.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5821: AN ACT VALIDATING AND RATIFYING THE 2020 AMENDMENTS TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2021)
• House Bill #5822: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF STATE -- AWARD OF MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS
  Provides that the secretary of state establish a registry for publication of municipal invitations for bids and that municipalities publish notice of invitations for bids with the registry.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5823: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES
  Military personnel ordered to Rhode Island may register their children for school remotely.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5824: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- PURPLE-STAR RHODE ISLAND DEPENDENT EDUCATION ACT
  Establishes the "Purple-star Rhode Island Education Act" or "PRIDE" Act.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5825: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE STATEWIDE VIRTUAL EDUCATION ACT [SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]
  Children/ Students of military service members transferring to or from Rhode Island may attend by virtual learning.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5826: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RHODE ISLAND PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP
  Allows students who are legally unable to complete the FAFSA to complete a comparable form created by the college.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5827: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Requires the RIDE in coordination with the department of the attorney general to collect all public data concerning the use of force, arrest, and referrals to law enforcement or courts in different categories with a reasonable explanation.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Resolution #5828: HOUSE RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE LIFE OF AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENCOURAGING MORE PERSONS OF COLOR TO ENTER THE FIELD OF EDUCATION
  Reinstates the life and extends the reporting and expiration dates of the commission to study/make recommendations to encourage more persons of color to enter field of education from April 17, 2020, to April 17, 2022, and expires on June 17, 2022.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5829: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS
  Mandates RIDE to provide regulations to streamline the English Second Language (ESL) and/or English Language Learner (ELL) teaching certificate.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5830: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS [SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]
  Prohibits the use of a school district's listserv to distribute any political advertisement, invitation, and/or propaganda.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5831: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RIGHTS AND DUTIES TEACHERS GENERALLY - SEPTEMBER 11 CLASSROOM MOMENT OF SILENCE
  Allows teachers in all grades to provide the opportunity for students to observe a brief moment of silence on every September 11.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5832: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, for the next three (3) years trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5833: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Establishes the Rhode Island ombudsperson for special education to ensure school districts meet the minimum standards required to comply with an individualized education program for students with disabilities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5834: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COVID RECOVERY PLANS
  Directs all school districts to prepare district recovery plans, which would include strategies and targets for students, to address losses in both academic and social-emotional learning.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Resolution #5835: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RI OFFICE OF THE POSTSECONDARY COMMISSIONER (RIOPC) TO DEVELOP A POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DYSLEXIA KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5836: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS (SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97 -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT)
  Amends the career and technical education program laws to provide the process by which students could access career and technical education programs outside of their home school district.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5837: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- BILITERACY SEAL
  Allows high school students receiving state Silver/Gold Seal of Biliteracy to earn 2 to 4 semesters of college credit toward minor/major in language at public university/community college if requested within 3 yrs. after high school graduation.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5838: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION
  Establishes concurrent enrollment courses for students enrolled in accelerated world language courses thereby allowing the students to earn credits towards a degree at a state university while contemporaneously earning credits towards high school diploma.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5839: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION DYSLEXIA - THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL FOR DYSLEXIA ACT
  Establishes a charter school for students with dyslexia.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5840: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS
  Provides that if a school district established an Orton-Gillingham certified school, the program would be available to all students statewide who qualify.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5841: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CHARTER SCHOOLS
  Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning which must be approved by the department of education.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5842: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5843: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
  Requires individual health insurers, large group health insurers and small employer health insurers to provide coverage for ten (10) categories of essential health benefits listed in the act.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5844: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
  Requires medical spas to employ or contract for the services of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5845: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY -- CRIMINAL RECORDS REVIEW
  Requires patient contact employees, personal care attendants and high-risk providers to undergo a national criminal records check and would disqualify those people if they have a criminal record for crimes of violence or other offenses listed.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5846: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES OMBUDSPERSON ACT OF 2021
  Creates a developmental disabilities ombudsperson program to be administratively attached to the department of administration.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5847: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING
  Requires mandatory training standards for police officers and trainees, in identifying, responding, and handling all incidents involving any person with a developmental disability.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5848: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  Provides medical assistance coverage for medical services provided qualifying eligible recipients for community based care.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5849: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires insurance coverage for health care services provided by a naturopathic doctor licensed in this state.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5850: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- LICENSE OF NATUROPATHY ACT
  Changes the name of doctor of naturopathy to naturopathic doctor and permit them to administer IVs, perform phlebotomy, and consult, but not change, patient’s prescription medication.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5851: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/01/2021)
• House Bill #5852: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
  Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee from directly or indirectly committing any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice or the employee or employer may be held personally liable.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5853: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5854: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENTS PRACTICES
  Amends the definition of employees to include gig workers for purposes of the fair employment practices chapter.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5855: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND WHISTLE BLOWERS' PROTECTION ACT
  Prohibits an employer from reporting an employee's immigration status for whistle blowing.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5856: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS-LABOR AND PAYMENT OF DEBTS BY CONTRACTORS
  Relieves regulatory burden by authorizing submission of certified payroll using federal forms for all public works.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5857: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
  Requires the courts of Rhode Island to establish an Internet link and live-stream all proceedings, except those recognized as confidential.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5858: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - COUNTY GRAND JURIES
  Permits county and statewide grand juries to issue reports with review/acceptance by superior court with sunset date of July 1, 2026.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5859: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5860: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Expands and creates civil causes of action for certain protected groups who experience threats or intimidation.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #5861: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO
  This joint resolution would provide for the publishing and submission to the electors a proposition of amendment to the constitution of the state for a line item veto.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #5862: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND 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
  This joint resolution would submit a constitutional amendment to the voters at the next election scheduled for November, 2022 to limit the terms of senators and representatives to 5 consecutive 2 year terms commencing with the election of November, 2024.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5863: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  Requires the general assembly to convene in person or remotely after the extension of an emergency declaration by the governor.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5864: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ACT
  Amends the definition of "authorized representative" in the confidentiality of health care communications and information act.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5865: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND PAIN-CAPABLE UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT
  Creates the Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, prohibiting the performance or induction of an abortion of an unborn child capable of feeling pain, unless necessary to prevent serious health risk to the unborn child’s mother. Eff 1/1/21
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5866: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PEN REGISTERS AND TRAP AND TRACE DEVICES
  Prohibits the use of a stingray cell-site simulator device by any law enforcement agency except upon application for its use and the granting of an order by the presiding justice of the superior court.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5867: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Products liability defense of subsequent alteration eliminated.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5868: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - SPECIAL COMMISSION ON REAPPORTIONMENT
  Creates an eighteen (18) member special commission to reapportion all general assembly districts and congressional districts based on 2020 federal Census data by January 15, 2022.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5869: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS
  Includes sworn law enforcement officers and Rhode Island state troopers in the group of persons who may obtain the name, address and telephone numbers of persons to whom nonpublished service is furnished.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5870: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
  Includes misclassification of employees as a violation of this section and would provide for increase penalties including a felony where the wages due to the employee because of the misclassification is greater than $1,500.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5871: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSE
  Extends the "look back" period for a third and subsequent driving under the influence (DUI) and a refusal to submit to a chemical test to ten (10) years from the current five (5) years.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5872: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATION OF BICYCLES
  Creates 3 classes of electric bicycles with provisions for requirements governing their regulation/use with exceptions from sections dealing with other vehicles regulated by DMV.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5873: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES
  Requires that all vehicle model years prior to 2001 would not be required to be issued a title certificate until ownership is transferred or the current owner creates a security interest in the vehicle.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5874: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- UNIFORM FOREIGN-COUNTRY MONEY JUDGMENTS RECOGNITION ACT
  Establishes the policies and procedures required for the recognition and enforcement of Foreign-Country Money Judgments and Registration of Canadian Judgments by the superior court.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5875: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS
  Repeals the provision of the general laws declaring prisoners serving a life sentence civilly dead.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5876: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- SEIZURE OF ANIMALS BEING CRUELLY TREATED
  Allows defendant to be served petition at arraignment for animal cruelty.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5877: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION
  Exempts independent third-party contractors from liability for the unauthorized use of the name, portrait or picture of the right of privacy of an individual from appropriation of one’s name or likeness pursuant to a contract with a third party.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5878: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies 20 years after sentence completed.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5879: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- LOBBYING
  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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5880: 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.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5881: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULTS
  Provides that a school teacher or employee that engages in sexual penetration of a student over fourteen (14) and less than eighteen (18) shall be guilty of third degree sexual assault.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5882: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Amends the definition of firearms to include tasers, as well as define taser and stun gun.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5883: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Requires each police officer during qualification and training sessions to fire a minimum of three hundred rounds effective July 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5884: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Mandates that police officers qualify in the use of firearms two (2) times per year instead of one time annually.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5885: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Mandates that police officers qualify in the use of firearms in both daylight and nighttime conditions two (2) times per year and that correctional officers qualify every year instead of once every two (2) years.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5886: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - ZONING ORDINANCES
  Allows the certified operator of a home based business, as long as it meets the criteria for a home office income tax deduction and uses at least ten percent (10%) of the premises for parking.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5887: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS
  Permits URI Board of Trustees to attend open public board meetings remotely.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5888: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
  Allows URI board of trustees to make small procurements up to $50,000 for construction/$10,000 for all other purchases with annual increases in the federal CPI.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5889: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
  University of Rhode Island board of trustees to be composed of seventeen (17) members appointment by the governor.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5890: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS
  Allows the board of elections to begin the certification of mail ballots 20 days prior to election day and require notice of such certification sessions and establishes a new and more comprehensive mail ballot voter signature verification process.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5891: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS
  Amends the "open meetings act" to allow virtual meetings and participation by electronic communication until July 1, 2023.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5892: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE -- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
  Eliminates provisions establishing a legislative regulation committee and also repeals the requirement that codes and standards adopted by the state building code standards committee is subject to approval by the legislative regulation committee
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5893: AN ACT RELATING TO STATUTES AND STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION -- PAYMENT OF STATUTORY FEES
  Allows state departments and agencies to implement electronic filing of applications for licenses, permits, registrations, certificates and functions by allowing a vendor to withhold a commission for implementing the system for electronic filing.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5894: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDINGS
  Requires live streaming, over the Internet, of any open meeting of every municipal and state public body, including the executive departments. Video copies of the meeting are required to be published within twenty-four (24) hours.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5895: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
  Enables the Rhode Island public transit authority (RIPTA) to work with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to allow commuter rail passes to be used as dual passes for both RIPTA and MBTA.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5896: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - VOTER REGISTRATION CANCELLATION
  Requires the secretary of state to promulgate regulations which identify and cancel the voter registration, of any registrant that changes their residence to outside their city or town, without notifying the proper authorities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5897: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS - LYME DISEASE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
  Requires insurers insures to provide coverage for any prescription drug treatment for lyme disease.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5898: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Provides health care coverage for laparoscopic removal of uterine fibroids, including intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring and radiofrequency ablation, commencing January 1, 2022.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5899: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES
  Establishes rules and regulations concerning the use and registration of personal delivery devices and mobile carrying devices.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5900: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- LICENSE OF NATUROPATHY ACT OF 2017
  Amends the statute that provides for the licensing of naturopaths to reflect current practice and terminology and eliminates collaboration and consultation agreements.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5901: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires health insurance contract plans or policies to provide coverage for naturopathy.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5902: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires prompt processing and payment of Medicaid claims within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt with interest for failure to notify providers or policyholders of denied or pending claims. Effective 1/1/2022.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5903: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PET INSURANCE
  Provides that pet insurance policies provide notice in bold print of coverage exclusions and provide coverage for routine and preventative care and be allowed to provide coverage for wellness visits.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5904: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires health insurance contract plans or policies to provide coverage for up to ten (10) hours of neuropsychological evaluation for dyslexia if referred for such treatment by a licensed physician.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5905: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS - ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS - GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Requires publicly held corporations to be represented by women on their board of directors. Fines would be imposed for non-compliance.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5906: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF WARWICK NECK AVENUE, INC.
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
  • 2021-02-26: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/02/2021)
• House Bill #5907: AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF NEW ENGLAND REAL ESTATE MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5908: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES
  Requires the formulation of a plan to reduce or waive fees and taxes for businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5909: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
  Regulates the distribution of food products containing the drug kratom, a drug of concern for its stimulant and sedative effects, to consumers by the department of health.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5910: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- NONPROFIT DENTAL SERVICE CORPORATIONS
  Authorizes the insurance commissioner to review dental fees paid to participating dentists by a nonprofit dental service corporation to ensure that they are fair and reasonable.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5911: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW - GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS
  Prohibits the practice of patient brokering and provides penalties and enforcement.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5912: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- COVID-19 PANDEMIC INSURANCE RECOVERY ACT
  Allows businesses that had an insurance policy in place for business interruption as of March 9, 2019 to recover from their insurance companies for a COVID-19 business impact.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5913: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - PHARMACEUTICAL COST TRANSPARENCY
  Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provide the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5914: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGULATION OF BUSINESS PRACTICES AMONG MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS
  Prevents a motor vehicle dealer from leasing a new or used motor vehicle to a member of the public requiring the payment of the exact amount of any excise tax assessed on the new or used motor vehicle as reimbursement to the motor vehicle dealer.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5915: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEMS
  Requires cable television companies to give their customers the option to purchase, at its fair market value, a device which decodes digital cable signals for their cable signal reception.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5916: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
  Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5917: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PUPIL TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS
  Enables some Massachusetts and Connecticut based students transportation providers without Rhode Island licensed and registered vehicles to operate in Rhode Island, under limited conditions.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Resolution #5918: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC
  Creates a 5 member commission to study how various insurance and retirement benefits and other traditional employer provided benefits are accorded to various individuals, and who would report back by 1/ 5/2022, and expire on March 5, 2022.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5919: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- GREEN BUILDINGS ACT
  Repeals the expiration provisions that major facility projects or other public improvements comply with green building standards, thereby requiring major facility projects of state agencies to be construed to LEED standards.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5920: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- COASTAL HAZARDS
  Authorizes the state’s twenty-one coastal communities to adopt the coastal resources management council's (CRMC) coastal hazard application process applicable to a local overlay district.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5921: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
  Permits the dockside sale of allowable finfish, live lobsters, crabs and live whelk upon issuance of a temporary direct sale dealer license by the department of environmental management to a commercial fishing license holder.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5922: AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS - PERMANENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING ACT COMPLIANCE
  Extends air quality monitoring requirements and data submission deadline by one year.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5923: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY- HIGH-HEAT WASTE FACILITY ACT OF 2021
  Prohibits new high-heat waste processing facilities.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5924: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOCUS AREAS
  Establishes environmental justice focus areas/coastal zones/ establishes procedures for investigation/ remediation of contaminated sites within coastal zones by DEM with increased community participation.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Resolution #5925: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION OBTAIN HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FUNDING TO PROVIDE FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IN OUR PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES BY 2024
  
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
• House Bill #5926: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE -- DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE
  Designates June 12 annually as Women Veterans' Day as a day of special observance in the state of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #5927: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- RHODE ISLAND VETERANS' HOME
  Vet home residents overcharged reimbursed or overcharge to Chaplain Fund.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
  • 2021-02-28: Committee transferred to House Finance
• House Bill #5928: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- TUITION FOR COVERED INDIVIDUALS UNDER POST-911 BILL AND MONTGOMERY GI BILL
  In state tuition continues for military service members children and/or spouse, if service member transferred.
  • 2021-02-24: Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
• House Bill #5929: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE -- PERINATAL DOULA SERVICES
  Provides for medical assistance health care for expectant mothers and would establish medical assistance coverage and reimbursement rates for perinatal doula services. Effective 7/1/22.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5930: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS-THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS EQUITY ACT
  Establishes a board and appropriates funds from the legislature to create a local cannabis equity program to allow those people who want to enter the business of selling marijuana with state funding and technical assistance to do so.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5931: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID
  Requires free lunches to be provided for all elementary and secondary students attending public schools, to the extent state and federal funds are available.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5932: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- CHILD CARE SUBSIDY ELIGIBILITY
  Authorizes both parents to seek financial child care benefits for their children rather than restricting it to the custodial parent.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5933: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS
  Requires school districts to provide for alternative programs within the school to reduce the number of out-of-school suspensions.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5934: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Requires all school districts to provide students enrolled in grades Kindergarten through twelve (K-12) access to high-speed Internet.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5935: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Directs the department of health to establish an inspection and evaluation program and establish rules and regulations regarding air quality in elementary and secondary schools.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #5936: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS -- TRAUMA INFORMED SCHOOLS ACT
  Establishes the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools throughout the state.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Resolution #5937: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF THE TRAUMA INFLICTED ON CHILDREN WHO ARE EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE
  Creates a 13 member commission to study the impact of the trauma inflicted on children exposed to violence, and report back by February 8, 2022, and expire on May 8, 2022.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #5938: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS --MINIMUM WAGES
  Provides increases to the minimum wage in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and implements a permanent formula to provide annual adjustments to the minimum wage thereafter.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5939: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WAGES
  Increases the minimum wage by using an annual fixed amount until 1/1/25, where it reaches to $15 per hour, then raised annually thereafter by using the CPI-W. Also raises hourly minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities by using similar scale.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #5940: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- JOINT COMMITTEE ON DISASTER OVERSIGHT
  Creates the Joint Committee on Disaster Oversight which would consist of twelve (12) members to study the impact of the governor's declaration of a disaster emergency pursuant to § 30-15-9.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5941: AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  Allows the governor to renew an initial 30 day executive order or proclamation of a state of disaster emergency by the governor for 2 additional 30 day extensions.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5942: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Prohibits schools from offering employment incentives or bonuses to teachers on the condition that the teacher either is or becomes licensed to carry a weapon.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5943: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS
  Repeal is to follow the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and to account for permitting voters to cast provisional ballots at the polling place.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5944: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE ARCHIVES
  Clearly defines permanent state records to be retained/ requires preparation of disaster preparedness plan/ allows access to superior court for injunctions/ restraining orders for violations of public records laws.
  • 2021-02-25: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Resolution #5945: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMS MARCH 2, 2021 AS A "DAY OF EMPATHY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5946: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "HEALTH CARE WORKERS APPRECIATION DAY" ON MARCH 1, 2021, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
  
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5947: HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 177TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2021
  
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5948: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOLS FOR ADMINISTERING VACCINES TO A MAXIMUM OF TWO PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY, AND ONE CAREGIVER OF AN ADULT UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PATIENT
  
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5949: HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CHARLES MORAN, JR.
  
  • 2021-02-25: House read and passed
• House Resolution #5950: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ENTIRE AREA OF LAND USE, PRESERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT, AND REGULATION
  Creates a legislative commission to study the entire areas of land use, preservation, production, development, housing, environment and regulation, and would report back to the House of Representatives on or before 4/30/22 and would expire on 6/30/22.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5951: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF COMMERCE
  Creates a deputy secretary of commerce and housing within the executive office of commerce to oversee housing initiatives and develop a housing plan.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5952: AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  Allows the honorable John G. Edwards to join Kelsey Kristine Edwards and David M. Coletta in marriage on or about October 23, 2021, within the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Resolution #5953: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING ACT
  Creates a 16 member commission to study implementation of the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act, and who would report back to the House of Representatives by December 16, 2021, and expire on April 17, 2022.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5954: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
  Makes permanent the exemption from taxation for certain residential property developments which have not been completed or, if completed, have not been sold and occupied.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #5955: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURE JOBS
  Protects food security and creates agricultural jobs and opportunities with the goal of creating food security. Employs several mechanisms to do so, including the creation of the agriculture jobs bureau, to be located within the division of agriculture.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #5956: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES -- POWERS DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY
  Grants chairman of PUC and DPUC emergency powers during governor declared emergencies for restoration of all utility services.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5957: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSURANCE RATES
  Prevents the consideration of an applicant's credit history in determining automobile liability insurance rates.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5958: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- NON PROFIT DENTAL SERVICE
  Provides that non profit dental service corporations shall have the power to provide for the administering and/or insuring of vision and optometric programs.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5959: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT
  Creates the "Rhode Island data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act" to identify information collected by online service providers and commercial websites.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5960: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FREEDOM TO TRAVEL AND WORK ACT
  Establishes an occupational regulatory framework by authorizing the issuance of occupational licenses and government certifications by recognition for qualified worker applicants from other states.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5961: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - VIDEO-LOTTERY GAMES, TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING
  Establishes player self-exclusion program with winnings collected from self-excluded players going to RICPG for research/education/prevention of teenage gambling addiction.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5962: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- TRANSFER OF VEHICLES
  Provides that a lessee of a motor vehicle who purchases the vehicle within one year of the lease inception or any renewal thereof shall be exempt from certain registration transfer provisions.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5963: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5964: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - RHODE ISLAND SALVAGE LAW
  Eliminates the notarization requirement for various certificates filed by insurance companies.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5965: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND SECURITY INTERESTS
  Authorizes the Exeter town sergeant or designees to conduct division of motor vehicles vehicle identifying number and odometer inspections.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Corporations
• House Bill #5966: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS- MINIMUM ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
  Establishes efficiency standards for selected residential and commercial products.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5967: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- THE OCEAN STATE CLIMATE ADAPTATION FUND
  Establishes the Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5968: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - BIRDS
  Removes the prohibition of faking, killing or destroying wild birds by crossbow.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
• House Bill #5969: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Defines rifle and shotguns as weapons and makes unlawful possession of a loaded rifle/shotgun in public with exceptions punishable up to five (5) years in prison or a $5,000 fine.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5970: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Increases the age from eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21) years for lawful sale of firearms or ammunition. Full-time law enforcement, state marshals and members of the U.S. military be exempt from these prohibitions.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5971: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS
  Creates an appeal for applicants denied a concealed firearms permit/firearms transfer with the right to superior court hearing with all records deemed as non-public records.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5972: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Permits Rhode Island residents, twenty-one (21) years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5973: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS
  Permits the open and concealed carry of weapons by any person in the act of evacuating the area pursuant to an order of the governor or local authority under chapter 15 of title 30.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5974: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- COURT ADMINISTRATION
  Invests the chief justice of the supreme court with the explicit authority to address issues affecting the conduct of judicial business and order whatever response(s) he or she deems necessary.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5975: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- LAW PRACTICE
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5976: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Provides that the permissive use of a wireless communication device for the purpose of navigation of a motor vehicle shall only be applicable in cases where the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to the vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5977: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- FREEWAYS
  Eliminates the provision a person who solicits a ride in a motor vehicle or backs up a motor vehicle on a freeway is guilty of a misdemeanor. Adds $100 fine for advertising a motor vehicle for sale on a state highway to the schedule of violations.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5978: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ADJUDICATION OF TRAFFIC OFFENSES
  Removes the $25.00 limit on tuition for a motorist to attend a driver education course, and would allow a judge or magistrate to delay the imposition of a suspension or revocation of a driver's license or registration for a period up to 30 days.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5979: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE REPARATIONS ACT
  Provides that financial security is required for any motor vehicle registered or required to be registered in the state of Rhode Island.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5980: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Sunsets the provision which allows first-time violators to avoid the fine by presenting proof of acquisition of a hands-free device prior to the imposition of the fine effective September 1, 2021.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5981: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SPEED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM
  Authorizes the use of automated traffic-speed camera-enforcement systems on all state and local roads within the state, not just in school zones
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5982: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE-IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS
  Repeals requirement of one hundred dollar fee for expungements and requires court administrator advise general treasurer and/or the registry of the court that any bail money on deposit be returned to the defendant or surety.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #5983: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE - OF SUFFRAGE
  This joint resolution would propose an amendment to the state constitution eliminating the thirty-day residency and registration requirement before voting in an election.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5984: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
  Requires that annual reports of domestic and foreign business corporations, nonprofit corporations, and limited liability companies be filed with the secretary of state between February 1 and May 1 of each year.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5985: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- RHODE ISLAND TITLE INSURERS ACT
  Provides that only RI attorneys can act as title insurance agents and determine insurability and marketability. Limits discount title insurance premiums and restricts sharing premiums.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5986: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- PUBLIC UTILITIES
  Increases penalties for damages to electric/cellular communication lines from $3,000 to $50,000/imprisonment from 2 to10 years, or both/requires restitution for economic harm/increases water supply systems imprisonment to 10 years plus restitution.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5987: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
  Limits damages to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in any tort action against the Rhode Island public transit authority, except in cases where the general assembly, by a special act, authorizes a tort action in excess of that amount.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5988: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- LIENS AGAINST CAUSES OF ACTION
  Prohibits a hospital from claiming a lien on any damages recovered by a Medicaid patient as a result of an accident not covered by workers' compensation.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5989: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - MANDATORY VACCINATION AGREEMENT PROHIBITED
  Prohibits discrimination against individuals who refuse to be vaccinated.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5990: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP PROTECTION ACT
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5991: 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.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5992: 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.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5993: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RISHOD K. GORE JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2021
  Provides police reform by requiring body cameras and makes certain methods of restraint a felony such as chokeholds and using the foot as a weapon.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5994: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
  Reduces drug dealer sentence from life to 20 yrs./ makes simple possession of controlled substance a civil violation including drug counseling/community service and not cause to support motor vehicle/premises search.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5995: AN ACT AN ACT RELATING CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION
  Codifies the factors that a court must consider in imposing a sentence on a criminal defendant.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Resolution #5996: HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FETUS AS A HUMAN LIFE UPON THE EXISTENCE OF A HEARTBEAT
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5997: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES OFFENSES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES
  Prohibits the operation of a tractor trailer in reverse in a residential district.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
• House Bill #5998: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- PUBLIC RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
  Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #5999: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- WRITE-IN VOTES
  Requires all write in candidates to file prior to election a declaration of intent to run for office with the secretary of state. Finally it would require the board of elections to report all votes received by declared write in candidates.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6000: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - MAIL BALLOTS
  Removes the two (2) witness and notary requirement for mail ballot applications and mail ballot certificate envelope. It would also delete the requirement that person may vote by mail, only if they are unable to vote in person.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6001: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Resolution #6002: JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL COMMISSION TO BE KNOWN AS "THE RHODE ISLAND SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL (RI 250TH) COMMISSION"
  Creates a 30 member Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission to assist in the observance of the Semiquincentennial and report back findings by July 1, 2023, produce a final accounting of funds by October 1, 2026, and expire on January 1, 2027.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6003: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS
  Makes very comprehensive changes to the election laws concerning voter registration, voter rights, mail ballots and early day voting.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6004: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS - MAIL BALLOTS
  Entitles disabled and military voters to utilize electronically transmitted ballots.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6005: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC RECORDS -- ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS
  Provides that the reference to the definition of public records include the section designation only and provides for redacted law enforcement disciplinary records.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6006: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES
  Creates pilot program for 33 hr driver ed program offered in an online/virtual format, effective 10/1/21 and sunsets 10/1/23. Creates the Online Driver Education Program Study Commission to determine by 12/31/22 if the pilot program should be permanent.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6007: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTION S-- MAIL BALLOTS
  Prohibits the secretary of state from mass mailing mail ballots and requires that the elector request a mail ballot.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6008: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
  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.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6009: AN ACT RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY REDISTRICTING ACT
  Creates a redistricting commission to act every 10 years to adopt a redistricts plan for all general assembly and congressional districts. It also provides for a possible appeal of the plan to the state supreme court.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
• House Bill #6010: 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 diability retirement allowance.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #6011: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HEALTHY AND SAFE FAMILIES AND WORKPLACES ACT
  Amends the definition of paid sick leave time and paid sick and safe leave time and allow 40 hours of accrual for construction industry employees.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #6012: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TIPPED MINIMUM WAGE
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #6013: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- BUILDING SERVICE WORK
  Requires that janitors and security guards employed, pursuant to state contracts worth more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) of janitorial or security services, be paid a standard compensation rate.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Labor
• House Bill #6014: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - OFFICE OF STATE MEDICAL EXAMINERS
  Removes the sunset provision on the requirement that the office of state medical examiners be responsible for a multidisciplinary team review of drug related overdose deaths.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6015: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  Requires the mandatory immunization informed consent form contain certain relevant information.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Resolution #6016: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOL FOR ADMINISTERING VACCINES IN THE SAFEST POSSIBLE METHOD TO PERSONS UNDERGOING IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPIES
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6017: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WORKPLACE SAFETY ACT
  Repeals smoke free workplace exemption granted to pari mutual facilities and casinos.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6018: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HOSPITAL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6019: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires insurance carriers, nonprofit hospital service plans, nonprofit medical service corporations and HMOs to cover costs of breast ultrasounds and/or MRI breast exams for person receiving notice of dense breast tissue.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6020: AN ACT CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY RHODE ISLAND'S PAYMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED CONDITIONS (HAC) AND HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HAI) AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ESTABLISH/CLARIFY THE STATE'S POLICY AND PROCEDURES
  Creates a 9 member commission to study Rhode Island's payment and reimbursement for (HAC) and (HAI) and provide recommendations for the state's policy and procedures, and would report back by January 5, 2022 and expire on March 5, 2022.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
• House Bill #6021: AN ACT RELATING TO 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.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #6022: 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.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #6023: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Creates Rhode Island School Security Committee for school security.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Education
• House Bill #6024: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE - STATE FUNDS
  Adds the Judiciary's Indirect Cost Recovery/Supreme Court, Victims' Rights Information, RI Supreme Court Disciplinary Counsel and Small Claims Mediation accounts to the list of restricted receipt accounts which are not subject to indirect cost recovery.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6025: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - COURTS - DISTRICT COURT
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6026: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE - DIVESTMENT OF STATE PENSION FUNDS FROM MILITARY CONTRACTORS
  Requires the state investment commission to identify and divest pension fund investments in military weapon manufacturers whether held directly and indirectly.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Resolution #6027: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $50,000 FOR FUNDING OF THE NONPROFIT AGENCY, INSPIRING MINDS, INC., TO BENEFIT PROVIDENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
  This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $50,000 to Inspiring Minds, Inc. to train volunteers to provide personalized attention to Providence elementary school students.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6028: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
  Allows the executive office of health and human services to use appropriated funds to support graduate medical education programs and research. At the same time implementing the appropriate payment mechanism in order to make the payments annually.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6029: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS, STATE FUNDED EXPENSES
  Appropriates two million dollars ($2,000,000) for FY-2022 for school social workers.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6030: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS
  Provides that the state would reimburse the school committees for the costs of providing student transportation services to public and private school pupils.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6031: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RESIDENCE OF CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES
  Requires the department of education and the DCYF to develop a procedure to ensure that the municipalities where group homes or other residential facilities are located are reimbursed for the educational expenses above the cost allocated.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6032: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- THE TELEMEDICINE COVERAGE ACT
  Amends the provisions of the telemedicine coverage act and provide coverage for telemedicine under Rhode Island Medicaid.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6033: AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- FISCAL NOTES
  Clarifies existing statutory scheme as it relates to fiscal notes regarding criminal justice and related legislation. Requires the fiscal notes speak to issues of whether the legislation enhances public safety and contains sensible fiscal policy.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6034: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - TAX CREDITS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCHOLARSHIP ORGANIZATIONS
  Increases the aggregate amount of tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations to $5,000,000 for 2022.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6035: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
  Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2022, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6036: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX (Prohibits imposition of any tax on wedding/special events business with 50 or less full time employees if
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance
• House Bill #6037: AN ACT RELATING TO A TAX AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE AND EXXONMOBIL OIL CORPORATION
  Provides for a tax treaty between the city of East Providence and ExxonMobil Oil Corporation subject to the ratification of the East Providence city council.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6038: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND
  Allows minor subdivision to remain minor and subject to the lesser time period for certification and also add more time for certification at the master and preliminary plan phases on major subdivisions and land developments.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6039: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION—PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION EXEMPTION
  Extends the manufacturing machinery and equipment exemption.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6040: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY
  Directs the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to alter bus route 58.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6041: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing
• House Bill #6042: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- SECRETARY OF STATE
  Authorizes the secretary of state and board of elections to conduct an extensive cybersecurity assessment of our election systems and facilities and to establish a cybersecurity review board.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Innovation, Internet, & Technology
• House Resolution #6043: HOUSE RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE LIFE OF AND EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION KNOWN AS THE "RHODE ISLAND ONLINE DATA TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY PROTECTION COMMISSION"
  Reinstates the life and extends the reporting and expiration dates of the "Rhode Island Online Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Commission" from February 5, 2019, to May 5, 2021, and would expire on July 5, 2021.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #6044: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE
  Creates a special license plate for the not for profit Atlantic Shark Institute.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Bill #6045: AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE
  Eliminates the state holiday of Victory Day and inserts in place thereof the state holiday of Emancipation Day to be held on August 1.
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
• House Resolution #6046: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND STATE AUDITOR GENERAL TO CONDUCT OR OVERSEE A STUDY OR AUDIT ON THE PRIVATIZATION OF RHODE ISLAND'S MEDICAID PROGRAMS
  
  • 2021-02-26: Introduced, referred to House Finance