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RI H7304

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/23/2026

Primary Sponsor

Katherine Kazarian

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Members of public bodies who are pregnant or have given birth within the past 6 months may participate in meetings remotely via electronic or telephone communication
  • Members participating remotely under authorized exceptions (pregnancy, postpartum, disability, military service) may now vote electronically or by telephone, provided the meeting is held in person
  • Amends Rhode Island's Open Meetings law (Section 42-46-5) governing when public bodies may use electronic communications
  • Takes effect immediately upon passage

Legislative Description

Allows a pregnant member or member that has given birth in the past six (6) months to appear remotely and permits any member that participates in a meeting remotely to vote at that meeting, provided that the meeting is held in person.

State Affairs And Government

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

1/27/2026

Committee Referrals

State Government & Elections1/23/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available