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RI S2300

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/23/2026

Primary Sponsor

Elaine Morgan

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Rhode Island's Civil Rights Act of 1990 to add a formal definition of "anti-Semitism" based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition adopted May 26, 2016

  • Requires state agencies, commissions, and local subdivisions to consider the IHRA definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding discrimination complaints to determine if anti-Semitic intent was present

  • Explicitly excludes criticism of Israel "similar to that leveled against any other country" from the definition of anti-Semitism

  • Includes a protection clause stating the act shall not diminish First Amendment rights or conflict with federal or state discrimination laws

  • Defines discriminatory harassment as conduct "so severe, pervasive, or persistent" that it interferes with a victim's ability to participate in services, activities, opportunities, or privileges

Legislative Description

Defines “anti-Semitism” for the state human affairs commission to use while investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination and for the commission against prejudice and bias to use in defining hate crimes.

State Affairs And Government

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

1/23/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/23/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available