Judiciary

Requires that applicants for a retail liquor license in the town of Westerly acquire commercial, general-liability, liquor liability and property damage insurance coverage in the amount of $300,000.

Changes the term of drug court to recovery court.

Permits grand juries to issue reports and provides for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.

Amends the procedures for the marking and certification of mail ballots by prohibiting anyone but the voter or certain persons close to the voter from handling the mail ballot.

Allows a law enforcement agency to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.

Provides for a single, increased range of penalties for all driving offenses which result in serious bodily injury or death.

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Provides that original equipment manufacturers, implemented by/with surrogate distributors, of agricultural equipment, provide to independent service providers repair information and tools to maintain and repair electronics-enabled agricultural equipment.

Amends unfair discrimination statutes to encompass more protected categories and protect against additional forms of discrimination.

Raises the percentage from eighty percent (80%) to eighty-five percent (85%) regarding declaring a vehicle a total loss.

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

Updates the Rhode Island Cannabis Act to eliminate the statutorily required subcommittees under the cannabis advisory board.

Amends sections of the Rhode Island cannabis act relating to the residency requirements for applicants for issuance of a license or certificate to own a cannabis establishment.

Authorizes the city of Cranston to establish a housing division within its municipal court.

Prohibits noncompete agreements except for noncompete agreements between a seller and buyer of a business; creates civil action for an employer for the violation of an agreement by employee regarding disclosure or wrongful utilization of trade secrets.

Liquor licenses in Westerly required to have liability insurance.

Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 3 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.

Permits the expungement of records 5 years after the imposition of sentence for misdemeanors and 10 years after the imposition of sentence for felonies, and if the sentence is greater than 10 years, then, upon successful completion of the sentence.

Establishes full-time juvenile hearing board coordinator to provide support and assistance to municipal juvenile hearing boards across the state. Any juvenile charged with a misdemeanor and who is a first offender, shall be referred to the hearing board.

RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

Makes it unlawful for a person in the custody of the department of corrections to use any force or weapon to resist a lawful request or directive.

Administratively seals, upon request of the defendant following the conclusion of the matter in district court, individual counts of any criminal complaints dismissed pursuant to Rule 48(a) that were filed on or after October 1, 2026.

Allows eligible disabled and military voters to continue to utilize electronically transmitted ballots as originally enacted in 2022.

Requires all schools and educational institutions to develop and implement a school safety plan that would provide for immediate access to school facilities by first responders in an emergency.

Makes an assault upon a sports official during and in the course of their official duties a felony.

Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies10 years after sentence completed.

Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.

Increases the role of the DMV in the voter registration and address verification process, by establishing very specific obligations and responsibilities that must be followed before offering an individual an application to register to vote.

Prohibits individual who operates a recreational vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner which hinders the movement of other vehicles with a group of 2 more vehicles be guilty of felony, punishable by imprisonment up to 2.5 years and fine up to $2,000.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Provides amendments to the assessment of filing fees required to appeal from certain matters adjudicated by the district court.

Prohibits individuals from conveying items to or from the training school for youth without prior consent by the executive director of the division of youth development at the department of children, youth and families.

Requires a court considering evidence for the issuance of a temporary emergency protective order to cause the respondent to be taken into protective custody by law enforcement and sent to an emergency room of any hospital, pursuant to § 40.1-5-7.1.

Allows a party to condition a transaction by electronic means on their stated desire to obtain and receive a written copy of the document in English or Spanish before electronic execution of the agreement or performance is required of the party.

Requires that the chief judge of the family court in appointing magistrates do so in accordance with the judicial selection and nomination process set forth in chapter 16.1 of title 8.

Bars state and local police from joining federal immigration enforcement programs, limits holding people on detainer without judicial warrants, and requires tracking and reporting of requests.

Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after the death of the designated beneficiary.

Prohibits the holding of multiple drivers licenses or identification cards and would change the term "re-constructed salvage" to "rebuilt salvage" for purposes of the Rhode Island salvage law.

Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.

Removes the forfeiture provision for a first offense eluding law enforcement in a high speed pursuit. It would also require that forfeiture of a motor vehicle for a violation of § 31-27-4.1(2) be allowed only after conviction of that offense.

Allows for the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault reporting forms by law enforcement agencies, enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms, and clarifies that the reporting forms should be submitted monthly.

Creates the reproductive health and gender-affirming healthcare data privacy act.

Limits use of restraints on juveniles in transport and court proceedings to safety or escape risks, requires least restrictive methods, and mandates reporting on when and why restraints were used.

Requires businesses that conduct business to register and maintain required filings with the secretary of state so that consumers and small businesses may readily identify responsible parties, verify good standing, and effectuate service of process.

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Aligns the implementation date of youth camp licensing within the operational, and statutory framework of the Rhode Island department of human services and department of children, youth and families.

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE (Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 2 years, continuously, prior to taking office.)

Provides immunity for mediators and staff employed by the family court in the family court mediation program from financial liability for certain claims arising out of their participation in the program.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Requires that any person convicted of a charge of driving under the influence or refusal to submit to a chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle as part of any sentence before being eligible for a license reinstatement.

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person's transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.

Allows the medical advisory board to suspend the license of an operator-- authorizes the medical advisory board to order an operator to use an interlock ignition system.

Updates, streamlines the law regarding loss or suspension of license by the DMV, and eliminates the provisions that the division may suspend a license for reckless or negligent operation of a motor vehicle or for frequency of offense.

JOINT RESOLUTION RESCINDING ALL PRIOR ARTICLE V CONVENTION APPLICATIONS (Cancels and nullifies all prior applications by the general assembly calling for a constitutional convention.)

Requires shooting ranges to post signs in any area in which shooting occurs that contain the following language: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “HOME” to 741741.

Adds staff of day camps and residential camps for youth to the definition of "person responsible for a child's welfare" within the chapter on abused and neglected children.

Establishes a system of ranked choice voting whenever a municipality's charter amendment is approved by its voters.

Deceptive trade practice to sell vehicle used in violent crime or exposed to biohazards without notice to purchaser.

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Adopts the uniform partition of heirs property act.

Makes offenses against gift card holders subject to the penalties for larceny.

Amends unfair claims practices law by requiring an insurance appraisal by a licensed appraiser where damage to a motor vehicle exceeds $5,000 (from $2,500) and eliminates language that prohibits an appraisal based on photos of a damaged motor vehicle.

Repeals the provisions of § 34-7-4 regarding rights of footway being acquired by adverse possession.

Created a peer-to-peer car sharing program, which will prescribe insurance coverage and other related details while using a car sharing application.

Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.

Adds criminal penalties for operation of a motor vehicle after a suspension for lack of physical or mental fitness, or as a result of frequency of offenses pursuant to § 31-11-7 (a)(1)(i) or as result of a court ordered suspension.

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING THE IMMIGRANT IMPACT TASK FORCE (Creates an 11-member task force to track and oversee immigration enforcement and support actions in Rhode Island, and who would report back to the General Assembly House no later than January 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.)

Allows lane filtering, the act of passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles proceeding in the same direction, for motorcycles at low speeds.

Increases the fees charged for filings and writs of execution in the district court, superior court and family court.

Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures, including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.

Creates an intervenor compensation program to provide compensation in the form of grants for legal fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs to an intervenor in both, energy siting board and public utilities commission proceedings.

Requires landlords who rent shoreline property to provide their tenants, before the start of the tenancy, with a detailed, written disclosure regarding their shoreline access rights.

Creates a cause of action for the replacement cost of a child restraint system that is in a motor vehicle at the time of a motor vehicle accident.

Requires notice to E-ZPass users before DMV reporting, and set rules and regulations for transponder failures, requires outreach and free replacements, and allow mitigation or forgiveness of tolls and penalties from equipment failures.

Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud. Allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters. Also creates penalties for real estate title fraud.

Redefines "Political Party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election among other factors.

Changes the date for the election of delegates to the conventions from the fourth Tuesday in April to the first Tuesday in March 2028.

Changes how voter are notified of elections and vote registration deadlines, and local board questions.

Expands the jurisdiction of the city of Warwick municipal court.

Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

Limits how landlords use criminal history in rental decisions by delaying background checks until after a conditional offer has been made, restricting which records may be considered, banning discriminatory ads, and providing enforcement and penalties.

Incorporates broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.

Spells out rules and regulations for the presidential preference primary elections, and would also establish rules for ranked choice voting tabulation and results reporting by the secretary of state.

Creates the Rhode Island Federal Constitution defense act.

Directs the administrator of the public records management program to adopt a uniform statewide access to public records request form.

Permits the family court to retain jurisdiction over juveniles and allow the family court to order juveniles detained in the training school until the age of twenty-one if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child.

Establishes the rights of adoptive/foster children or those in guardianship, to have post-separation visitation with their sibling(s).

Spells out requirements for operation of recreational vehicles, manual, electric or gas powered.

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.

Creates a cause of action for the intentional or negligent injury or death of a pet.

Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks without an exception and criminal and civil penalties for violations.

Established a cause of action against state government entities for violation of civil rights.

Requires that the primary election date, statutorily the eighth Tuesday preceding the biennial state elections, shall be held on the Wednesday when Labor Day is the day before said Tuesday. No other filing deadlines would be affected.

Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.

Makes traffic accident data a public record, subject to federal law.

Provides for a parents' bill of rights related to the health, education and welfare of their minor children.

Amends the section of law relative to violations for driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license and expands the list of offenses for which an unlicensed motorist would be in violation.

Requires verification of an applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license number or state identification number on all applications seeking mail ballots and emergency mail ballots.

Requires a healthcare entity to submit written notice to the attorney general and the department of health of any material change transaction at least 180 days prior to that transaction.

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who were hired as a sworn officer of the US Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025, and applies prospectively to an individual hired on or after October 1, 2026.

Enlarges definitions of prohibited acts that constitute hazing, make principals, coaches, athletic directors and others responsible for knowingly failing to take reasonable measures to prevent hazing and punishes serious injury.

Allows parents or guardians to have access to GPS data of the bus or other motor vehicle used to transport students to and from school.

Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.

Requires those with a public records request to provide identifying information.

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.

Hospital Conversions act amended to authorize AG and DOH to permit expedited review application for hospital insolvency proceedings. Sunsets in one year.

Makes a first offense of possessing a large capacity feeding device a misdemeanor and subsequent offenses felonies.

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.

Requires all motorcycle operators to wear a helmet regardless of age.

Prohibits purchases of more than one firearm in any thirty (30) day period.

Provides for just cause evictions for residential landlord tenancies.

Provides that prisoners who committed offenses prior to age 18 and were sentenced as adults be eligible for parole after completing 15 yrs of their sentence. Would not lengthen parole eligibility should prisoner be eligible for parole earlier than 15 yrs.

Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Strengthens consumer protections in insurance claims by expanding definitions of unfair claims settlement practices and clarifies an insured’s right to pursue bad-faith remedies.

Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum 10 years in incarceration, a minimum of $10,000 and a minimum license revocation of 10 years.

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).

Defines suitable person for purposes of concealed carry pistol permit establishes reasons and information needed for applying for the permit, an appeal process and provides that records are not public records.

Provides a rebuttable defense if a person dies or sustains a personal injury while committing any violent criminal offense of a person.

Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.

Provides that compensation comparability studies of senior management, documents discussed at an open meeting, annual contracting reports, list of current salaries and positions, and all policies and procedures of public corporations be made public.

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.

Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.

Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.

This act would add early voting to the 50 feet buffer prohibitions against politicking during election day voting.

Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.

Prohibits participation in federal school voucher tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations unless both the general assembly and the governor approve such participation.

Makes it unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle while knowingly having liquor in any part of the vehicle, except when accompanied by another adult who is 21 years of age or older and related to the operator.

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.

Requires public bodies to offer translation services for all open meetings of said bodies.

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.

Permits Rhode Island residents, 21 years of age or older, to carry a concealed handgun, without a permit.

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.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and would include campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "law enforcement officers' bill of rights".

Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.

Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions or nolo contendere pleas from purchasing or possessing a firearm. It also prevents the sentencing judge from suspending the first two (2) years of any sentence under limited circumstances.

Requires the rule adopting agency to send a copy of the certified rule to all members of the general assembly, within twenty (20) days of filing a final rule.

JOINT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION PROVIDE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH RECOMMENDATIONS ON LEGISLATION TO REGULATE AND LICENSE CANNABINOIDS AND HEMP-DERIVED BEVERAGES (Authorizes the sale of THC-infused beverages to be regulated by the DBR division of commercial licensing. It also establishes licensing and an endorsement process for wholesale and retail THC-infused beverages.)

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.

Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.

Under certain circumstances, provides immunity from arrest and prosecution for prostitution, procurement of sexual conduct for a fee, loitering for prostitution and soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.

Grants Rhode Island's family court jurisdiction to make findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors under twenty-one (21) years.

Establishes the Rhode Island Bid Rigging Act.

Increases imprisonment penalties and adds mandatory community service for violations of § 4-1-9.

Adds a provision in the statute relating to one way highways, providing an increased penalty when a motorist travels the wrong way on an interstate highway or an entrance or exit ramp connected to an interstate highway.

Considers election officials and poll workers "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

Adds a provision in the statute relating to one way highways, providing an increased penalty when a motorist travels the wrong way on an interstate highway or an entrance or exit ramp connected to an interstate highway.

Establishes the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025.

Allows Daniel Vaca to join Kaley Erin O’Connor and James John Pawelski in marriage on or about October 12, 2025, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island

Requires hotel employees and short-term rental property operators to annually receive human trafficking awareness training.

Increases from 7 days to 9 days the period of time in which a request for a recount of the votes cast can be made to the board of elections and no certificates of election may be issued until the recount, if any, is completed.

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.

Increases from 7 days to 9 days the period of time in which a request for a recount of the votes cast can be made to the board of elections and no certificates of election may be issued until the recount, if any, is completed.

Modernizes and streamlines the existing processes for getting on the permanent mail ballot application list.

Makes offenses against gift card holders subject to the penalties for larceny.

Defines the apportionment of financial responsibilities for expenses and improvements to the real property of the life estate between the life tenant and remainder man.

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.

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

Requires at fault insurance companies to provide to any claimant whose vehicle is damaged in an accident, to provide a vehicle that is comparable to the claimant’s vehicle and that rental charges shall be based on local retail prices.

Amends the comprehensive community-police relationship act of 2015 to require an annual study by an outside agency chosen by the department.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases or shell casings seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing, also would require 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN

Increases the maximum fees payable to sheriffs, sergeants, and constables for the service of writs, citations, or subpoenas, from $45.00 to $70.00.

Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.

Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.

Makes several amendments to provide for an online nomination paper portal for election nomination papers.

Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.

Provides that a communication between an attorney and client acting as a trustee or other fiduciary, is privileged and protected from disclosure to the same extent as if the client was acting in his, her, or its individual capacity.

Creates the PURPLE alert state system to aid in the search for a missing adult with a serious physical, behavioral health, neurological disabilities or medical condition.

Prohibits the use of service agreements that are unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to persons who may become owners of that real estate in the future.

Requires the state retirement board to publish online all archived video or audio recordings and all future recordings of meetings of the board.

Makes certain personal watercraft violations a misdemeanor.

Provides that a communication between an attorney and client acting as a trustee or other fiduciary, is privileged and protected from disclosure to the same extent as if the client was acting in his, her, or its individual capacity.

Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.

Makes it a felony for any person required to register as a sex offender to live within three hundred feet (300’) of a school as defined in § 11-37.1-2.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Provides that advanced practice registered nurses have the same immunity from liability as physicians and surgeons.

Enacts the Kayden's Law setting guidelines and training for courts, judges and other professionals who make recommendations or decisions about visitation, custody, and placement of children when there are allegations of abuse.

Includes boats and marine-related assets in the blanket permit available for overweight or over-dimensional vehicles.

Exempts qualified tuition savings programs of any state authorized under 26 U.S.C. § 529 from judicial attachment.

Exempts emergency mail ballots from the requirement to have certain wording regarding "mail voters" on the ballot.

Adds "debit cards" to the section of law relating to fraudulent use of credit cards.

Exempts qualified tuition savings programs of any state authorized under 26 U.S.C. § 529 from judicial attachment.

Increases the per page transcription fees for court reporters in court proceedings.

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and would increase penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals.

Would amend certain signature requirements and deadlines regarding primaries for election of delegates to national conventions for presidential preference.

Removes the mandatory certification for an individual 16 years or older who was found delinquent for having committed 2 offenses after the age of 16 which would render the person subject to an indictment if the person was an adult.

Requires that all monies received from the payment of fines under the Uniform Act on Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking be deposited into the into the violent crimes indemnity account within the general fund.

Makes it unlawful for a person in the custody of the department of corrections to use any force or weapon to resist a lawful request or directive.

Requires the department of human services to provide childcare assistance to families, including those served through DCYF, who meet the requirements of a protective services category as defined in CFR 98.20 (a)(3)(ii).

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

Provides penalties for second and subsequent violations of installing and possessing a vehicle with sun screening materials in violation of this section.

Requires every school district to render assistance and cooperation within its jurisdictional power to further the objects of this chapter, to wit, providing the courts with any information concerning a child as the court may require.

Extends time for a party to apply for stay of arbitration to180 days; invalidates any provision that penalizes a party for seeking legal representation; requires arbitrator to provide notice of default to a party for failure to pay fees.

Amends calculations of interest in civil actions a rate determined by average accepted auction price for last auction of 52 week U.S. treasury bills.

Clarifies the definitions of unfair claims practices pertaining to insurers with regard to appraisals and total losses. It also corrects a citation regarding salvage and reconstructed titles.

Establishes the Rhode Island state crime laboratory within the department of attorney general.

Provides that compensation comparability studies of senior management, documents discussed at an open meeting, annual contracting reports, list of current salaries and positions, and all policies and procedures of public corporations be made public.

Prohibits the holding of multiple drivers licenses or identification cards and would change the term "re-constructed salvage" to "rebuilt salvage" for purposes of the Rhode Island salvage law.

Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.

Requires every school district to render assistance and cooperation within its jurisdictional power to further the objects of this chapter, to wit, providing the courts with any information concerning a child as the court may require.

Provides that advanced practice registered nurses have the same immunity from liability as physicians and surgeons.

Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.

Prohibits any city or town from requiring an applicant for license to carry concealed firearm to provide a reason for their request other than those outlined in § 11-47-1.

Makes a first offense of possessing a large capacity feeding device a misdemeanor and subsequent offenses felonies.

Precludes a person who pled nolo contendere or convicted of a misdemeanor offense and sentenced in accordance with the hate crime sentencing enhancement act for such misdemeanor, from purchasing, owning, carrying, transporting or having possession firearm

Prohibits the sale or possession of firearm silencers unless the person complies with federal law in the sale, possession and use.

Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.

Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.

Permits possession or use of device that muffles sound on any firearm longer than 17” in length and permits the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license.

Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program for all children in the care and custody of the state.

Creates the reproductive freedom and gender affirming care health data privacy act.

Provides that the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs shall include the name of the dispensing health care practice instead of the name of the dispenser.

Requires the courts to consider the parental status of the defendant at the time of sentencing and allows the defendant to present a family impact statement, including testimony, videos and documents relative to their parental status.

Establishes concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and the Federal Government for the purposes of adjudicating minors who have allegedly committed a crime while residing on a military installation located in Rhode Island.

Allows Nunzio Pontillo to join Andrew Peter Carson and Christos Nelson Anastasopoulos in marriage on or about May 10, 2025, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.

Establishes and funds the SafeRIde program, which provides transportation, free of charge, to persons suspected of having a blood alcohol concentration that prohibits legal operation of a vehicle.

Permits grand juries to issue reports and provides for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.

Allows a law enforcement agency to consider expunged records when issuing a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver.

Amends the section of law relative to violations for driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license and expands the list of offenses for which an unlicensed motorist would be in violation.

Increases penalties for a variety of motor vehicle offenses.

Prohibits defendants who are serving probation for driving under the influence death resulting from earning good time off their probationary period.

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted exemption by the secretary of housing. Provides tenants with a civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Limits the use of certain criminal records and credit history reports in denying housing to prospective applicants, and provides for fines for failure to comply. This act further requires notices of denials to be sent to the prospective tenants.

Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act.

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Requires the local board of canvassers to publish early voting dates, hours, and location, at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation and to publish the same on the municipality's website for the duration of in-person early voting period.

Adds five (5) driving violations to the statute that defines aggressive driving.

Creates a cause of action for partition of heirs property held in tenancy in common.

Provides that a hearing required before a judge or magistrate may adjudge a motorist in contempt for failure to comply with the court's orders regarding a conditional hardship license, and defines penalties for violation of a hardship/interlock order.

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORMS ON BLACK RHODE ISLANDERS AND THE STATE

Allows on and after September 1, 2025, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

Reduces penalties for non-violent drug offenses and provide for terms of imprisonment of not more than 10 years for any drug offense and would repeal certain other offenses.

Allows lane filtering, the act of passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles proceeding in the same direction, for motorcycles at low speeds.

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31-41.1-4.

Increases, for persons subject to the Code of Ethics, the maximum value of an acceptable gift to $50.00 from a single interested person, but in no case can the gift have an aggregate value of more than $250 in any calendar year.

Redefines "political party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.

Allows that public records stored in a computer system, upon request, be provided at no charge.

Exempts members of the Rhode Island judiciary from the restrictions on nontransparent windshields and windows in their motor vehicles.

Prohibits individuals from conveying items to or from the training school for youth without prior consent by the executive director of the division of youth development at the department of children, youth and families.

Prohibits state and municipal officials or body from entering into and renewing any agreements that will be used to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations.

Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the DOC to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Increases fees paid to jurors to fifty dollars ($50.00) per day.

Mandates that the clerk of the district court, upon request of the defendant, automatically seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.

Makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false report of misconduct of any law enforcement official, public safety official, or hospital staff.

Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.

Provides that, for the general officers of the state, no person could be elected to the same general office more than twice.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

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.

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

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.

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Requires the local board of canvassers to publish early voting dates, hours, and location, at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation and to publish the same on the municipality's website for the duration of in-person early voting period.

Adds early voting to the fifty (50) feet buffer prohibitions against politicking on election day voting.

Establishes a process by which vacancies in a municipal election office and local canvassing board are filled.

Requires all write-in votes, regardless of qualification, to be reported and published by the state board of elections, on its website.

Requires verification of an applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license number or state identification number on all applications seeking mail ballots and emergency mail ballots.

Requires that one of the seven (7) directors of the Rhode Island airport corporation be appointed by the governor after the governor gives due consideration to a list of individuals submitted by the mayor of the city of Warwick.

Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.

Authorizes municipalities to license facilities being used as adult sex venues. The department of health would regulate the health safety standards.

Provides a civil cause of action for individuals injured by artificial intelligence.

Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies10 years after sentence completed.

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person’s transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.

Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.

Extends the repayment period for toll violations, and requires the RI transit and bridge authority to notify frequent violators by certified mail that their driver's license may be in jeopardy for failure to pay toll violations.

Provides amendments to the assessment of filing fees required to appeal from certain matters adjudicated by the district court.

Comprehensively regulates the practices of third-party litigation financiers in Rhode Island.

Establishes the rights of adoptive/foster children or those in guardianship, to have post-separation visitation with their siblings.

Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.

Requires DCYF to implement recommendations made by the child advocate and child fatality review panel within 6 months and provide a report of the measures taken to address the recommendations.

Prohibit the family court from detaining any juvenile or committing any juvenile, under the age of 12 years, to the training school, for any offense other than murder, first degree sexual assault, or an attempt to commit such offenses.

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.

Commences July 1, 2025, this act would eliminate the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds, discipline for health care providers, a 30 year statute of limitation, after reaching age of majority, and right to a civil action for damages.

Requires healthcare facilities that perform abortions meet the license requirements of similar healthcare facilities and allows the department of health to conduct unannounced inspections.

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ASSESS EDUCATION MODULES FOR DIVORCING PARENTS (Creates a nine (9) member commission to the study and assess the most effective module for divorcing parents, and would report back by January 27, 2026, and expire on March 27, 2026.)

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

Changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter.

Categorizes women by their biological identity at birth rather than their gender identity for purpose of organized sports.

Provides equal Medicare for infants born-alive as a result of abortion procedure/natural delivery with violations subject to criminal penalties for medical personnel/loss of license/civil action for damages.

Limits the governor to one thirty (30) day renewal of a declaration of emergency without a joint resolution of the general assembly.

Amends the statute so as to conform to current statutory penalties for possession of marijuana offenses promulgated in the Rhode Island cannabis act allowing for possession of up to two ounces (2 oz.) of marijuana.

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

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.

Spells out additional notice provisions, fees and costs of the arbitration process, from initiation to default provisions and potential court sanctions for breach of the arbitration agreement.

Spells out additional notice provisions, fees and costs of the arbitration process, from initiation to default provisions and potential court sanctions for breach of the arbitration agreement.

Expands the definition of "unfair claims practices".

Authorizes the use of automated traffic violation monitoring systems for all traffic signal laws, including the "Don't Block the Box Statute" and allows for jurisdiction of the Don't Block the Box statute violations to be within a municipal court.

Provides that a magistrate of the family court has the power and authority to hear contested divorce matters.

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.

Amends definition of "authorized representative" in the confidentiality of health-care communications/information act provides that an authorized representative may include any heir-at-law when the patient is deceased/the personal representative is absent

Permits hybrid cannabis cultivators to advertise regarding cannabis products during the transitional period.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.

Requires mail ballot drop boxes to be opened thirty-five (35) days prior to election day, and twenty (20) days prior to special elections.

Changes the meeting of presidential electors from the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December after their election to the first Tuesday.

Provides amendments to the requirements of the inclusionary zoning law for affordable housing development.

Provides amendments relative to the permitting authority of, and acceptable forms of financial security permissible for construction and/or improvement guarantees relating to the completion of required public improvements.

Makes amendments to various provisions relative to subdivision of land review, review stages, special provisions related to development and the procedures for approvals from various permitting authorities.

Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.

Requires mail ballot drop boxes to be opened thirty-five (35) days prior to election day, and twenty (20) days prior to special elections.

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

Exempts out-of-state businesses and their employees performing services, during declared state or federal disasters or emergencies, from state or local business requirements, as well as state or local taxes or fees

Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from five to ten years.

Exempts out-of-state businesses and their employees performing services, during declared state or federal disasters or emergencies, from state or local business requirements, as well as state or local taxes or fees.

Removes the attorney general's oversight of interlocal agreements.

Removes the attorney general's oversight of interlocal agreements.

Eliminates requirements of signing with an "X" for voters who cannot sign name due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write. Establishes a timeframe for local boards to accept mail ballot applications, if delivered via the postal service.

Outlines the process for a person petitioning to change their name in the probate court in the town or city where they reside. It would also make the statute regarding name change gender neutral.

Allows the sharing of certain information between the division of taxation and the secretary of state's office regarding an entity's tax status as compliant or non-compliant.

Allows the sharing of certain information between the division of taxation and the secretary of state's office regarding an entity's tax status as compliant or non-compliant.

Authorizes Providence canteen vehicles to be equipped with sirens, whistles or bells and would require operators of any canteen vehicle to receive 5 hours of training in the operation of the vehicle and its emergency equipment.

Eliminates requirement of signing with an "X" for voters who cannot sign their name due to blindness, disability, or inability to read/write and establishes a timeframe for local boards to accept mail ballot applications delivered via the postal service.

Outlines the process for a person petitioning to change their name in the probate court in the town or city where they reside. It also makes the statute regarding name change gender neutral.

Prohibits any agreement whereby an advanced practice registered nurse is restricted in the right to practice in a certain geographic area, assist or provide treatment or establish a professional relationship with any other employer.

Amends the current requirement of payment of initial filing fee/service of process costs when the victim of crime is still owed restitution at the expiration of the case/seeks to enforce the civil judgment entered at the time of the criminal disposition.

Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage.

Provides conditions which persons paid to recover or assist in recovering reported property must comply with.

Adds "loose material" to the contents of a vehicle that must be covered by a covering that must remain in place until the vehicle's contents are purged from the vehicle.

Includes the general assembly elections within the category of elections subject to the risk-limiting audits within the jurisdiction of the board of elections.

Criminalizes the filing of a false lien, instrument, or encumbrance against a federal, state, or municipal judge or magistrate or his or her immediate family, and permits the court to take action to mitigate the negative consequences of such a filing.

Allows members of the Rhode Island judiciary and their staff to be issued a driver's license that contains the applicant's official business address in lieu of a residence address.

Requires one of the seven (7) directors of the Rhode Island airport corporation be appointed by the mayor of the city of Warwick.

Increases role of division of motor vehicles in voter registration and addresses verification process, by establishing very specific obligations and responsibilities that must be followed before offering an individual application to register to vote.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Expands the crime of false reporting to include shootings or other dangerous events.

Makes it a misdemeanor to harass another person by following them and using an electronic device to record their movements in any public or private place.

Updates the process by which the Supreme Court reports, holds, and escheats unclaimed property in the court registries.

Provides amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code for emerging technologies.

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.

Prohibits an insurance carrier from assessing a premium surcharge against an insured for making an inquiry regarding the terms of their policy.

Assures rental vehicle coverage under private auto policy, extends to the named insured and any drivers listed on the insured’s policy and requires that the insurer pay for a rental that is of like quality as the insured’s damaged rental vehicle.

Provides that landlords would pay interest on security deposits in residential landlord-tenant matters.

Amends certain election statutes to require ballot questions be written in plain language reasonably calculated to be understood by persons with an eighth-grade reading level.

Allows the sexual offender board of review to use, in addition to applicable validated risk assessment tools, a structured professional judgment approach to determine the level of risk a registered sex offender poses to the community.

Permits state child support agencies to bring actions under the child support statute on behalf of a noncustodial parent who is incarcerated and unable to pay child support.

Adds the doctrine of assumption of risk to the current comparative negligence statute.

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.

Repeals provisions that assess costs for women in the community corrections program for women offenders.

Amends the definition of public record to exempt from public disclosure the city or town of residence of the justices, judges, and magistrates of the unified judicial system.

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.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies10 years after sentence completed.

Allows town and city councils to impose penalties for the violation of ordinances and regulations not exceeding the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Amends the Bonnet Shores Fire District charter to establish who is an eligible voter in said district and would eliminate proxy voting.

Allows victims of violent crime receiving awards under the state's crime victim compensation program to use up to $1,000 of their total award to make reasonable modification to their residence to ensure their future safety.

Brings greater public scrutiny to the public auction sales of real estate in Rhode Island by requiring public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein shall only be done in person, not by electronic or remote procedures.

Allows for a qualified abandonment of town highways/driftways and grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to a walking/hiking/biking trail as well as for access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.

Repeals the required HIV testing for an individual convicted under chapter 34.1 of title 11 and allows the option for HIV testing for any person convicted under this chapter.

Includes the offense of second-degree sexual assault among the offenses to which there shall be no statute of limitations and provides for a ten (10) year statute of limitations for third-degree sexual assault.

Amends the filing fees and time frame for certain claims of appeal to superior court.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Allows the Honorable Gregory A. Mancini, Esq., to join Abigail Elizabeth Moretti and Jake Scott Owen in marriage on or about October 12, 2024, within the City of Warwick, Rhode Island.

Establishes a restrictive housing oversight committee for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing, as well as disciplinary confinement at the department of corrections.

Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.

Establishes concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and the Federal Government for the purposes of adjudicating minors who have allegedly committed a crime while residing on a military installation located in Rhode Island.

Increases the minimum claim amount necessary to require a matter involving motor vehicle liability be submitted to mandatory arbitration.

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).

Provides for enhanced penalties if a victim of unauthorized dissemination of indecent material is a minor or the offender is in a position of authority over the victim or the offense results in serious bodily injury or death of the victim.

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for childcare assistance.

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Provides for just cause evictions for residential landlord tenancies.

Makes it a deceptive trade practice for landlords to conspire with each other to set rents or withhold rental dwelling units from the market in order to increase demand.

Allows Patrick Sean Golden to join Catherine Amani Bhattacharya and John Joseph Golden in marriage on or about May 3, 2024, within the Town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Includes the offense of second-degree sexual assault among the offenses to which there shall be no statute of limitations and provides for a ten (10) year statute of limitations for third-degree sexual assault.

Amends the statute so as to conform to current statutory penalties for possession of marijuana offenses promulgated in the Rhode Island cannabis act allowing for possession of up to two (2) ounces of marijuana.

Amends the statutory penalties for a second and third possession of marijuana offense to conform to the penalties promulgated in § 21-28-4.01.

Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.

Creates a tenant bill of rights to the right to counsel, the right to habitability, the right to organize free, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to first refusal if the landlord decides to sell the property, and right to renew lease.

Prohibits the civil arrest of any person who is attending court either on behalf of themselves or a family or household member. Any person who violates this act shall be subject to civil suit and for contempt of court.

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

Provides for a 10 year statute of limitations for the violation of second degree sexual assault.

Provides for a single, increased range of penalties for all driving offenses which result in serious bodily injury or death.

Enables municipalities to install and use automated systems to detect noise limit violations in order to enhance enforcement abilities and reduce noise violations state-wide.

Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist’s hand.

Prohibits defendants who are serving probation for driving under the influence death resulting from earning good time off their probationary period.

Increases penalties for a variety of motor vehicle offenses.

Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from 5 years to 10 years.

Provides the arbitrator in mechanics' lien actions submitted to arbitration the authority to make certain findings of fact regarding procedure compliance and amounts owed which findings would be binding in the mechanics' lien action.

Amends current law to make denial of a right of footway applicable only to a private right of footway and not to the public right of footway accrued under the doctrine of implied dedication.

Amends procedures and fees relative to claims of appeal in small claims actions.

Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to a walking/hiking/biking trail as well as for access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORMS ON BLACK RHODE ISLANDERS AND THE STATE (Creates an eleven (11) member commission to study the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms on Black Rhode Islanders and the State, and would report back by February 5, 2025, and expire on April 5, 2025.)

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

Provides for a single, increased range of penalties for all driving offenses which result in serious bodily injury or death.

Allows non-affiliated party voters to vote in party primaries, without becoming an affiliated party voter.

Requires companies that develop or deploy high-risk AI systems to conduct impact assessments and adopt risk management programs, would apply to both developers and deployers of AI systems with different obligations based on their role in AI ecosystem.

Replaces the existing limited liability company act with a newer and updated model act.

JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE (Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 5 years, continuously, prior to taking office.)

Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity.

Requires any competency examinations of criminal defendants take place on an outpatient basis or at the facility in which they are detained.

Considers state government caseworkers or investigators "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

Provides for tiered and reduced penalties for the offenses of larceny, and shoplifting, classifies certain shoplifting offenses as petty misdemeanors and repeals habitual offender provisions.

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.

Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.

Prohibit the family court from detaining any juvenile or committing any juvenile, under the age of 14 years, to the training school, for any offense other than murder, first degree sexual assault, or an attempt to commit such offenses.

Makes all sexual abuse or exploitation of a child causes of action not subject to statute of limitations whether lapsed or time-barred.

Requires the courts to consider the parental status of the defendant at the time of sentencing and allows the defendant to present a family impact statement, including testimony, videos and documents relative to their parental status.

Establishes the second look act and would permit incarcerated individuals to petition the sentencing court to consider a motion to reduce a sentence after the defendant has served at least ten (10) years of the sentence.

Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, be punishable as a felony.

Reduces the required number of members present to constitute a quorum from three (3) to two (2) members.

Includes the deputy chief of inspection and inspector within the provision of law related to retirement on service allowance relating to correctional officers.

Amends the definition of public record to exempt from public disclosure the city or town of residence of the justices, judges, and magistrates of the unified judicial system.

Establishes criteria for the criminal offense of sexual assault when the victim is in the custody of a peace officer and also provides that a person convicted of custodial sexual assault would face imprisonment for not more than three (3) years.

Provides that compensation comparability studies of senior management, documents discussed at an open meeting, annual contracting reports, list of current salaries and positions, and all policies and procedures of public corporations be made public.

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Expands the authority of the police officers commission on standards and training. It makes it applicable to the city of Providence. It creates and maintains a database containing records for each certified and decertified law enforcement officers.

Prohibits on-duty/off-duty law enforcement officer from utilizing any robot/police robot dog/UAV, whether armed/unarmed, within the scope of their employment as well as police departments from purchase/procurement of any robots/UVAs/police robot dogs.

Amends the jury list and jury qualification statutes to add individuals receiving public assistance benefits.

Permits grand juries to issue reports and would provide for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.

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.

Provides for free APRA records, DOA manages all APRA Records, and uses an online database for records.

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY CALLING FOR PUBLICATION AND AFFIRMATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (Requests that the President, Joseph R. Biden, publish without delay the Equal Rights Amendment as our Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.)

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.

Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to a deprivation or violation of rights by the State of Rhode Island or its political and/or administrative units or subdivisions, secured by the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island.

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.)

Requires appointments to the Ethics Commission obtain the advice and consent of the senate.

Requires a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant.

Allows college athletes and prospects to enter into contracts receive compensation for use of their name, image and likeness rights and would prohibit colleges and athletic associations from interfering with such compensation rights.

Limits the use of certain criminal records and credit history reports in denying housing to prospective applicants, and provides for fines for failure to comply, and requires notices of denials to be sent to the prospective tenants.

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee from directly or indirectly committing any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice.

Provides that any insurer refusing to honor a "direction to pay" executed by an insured for payment of a property damage benefit constitutes an unfair claims practice.

Provides that any benefit that a beneficiary is entitled to shall be exempt from lien, attachment or garnishment and would not be transferable or assignable and provides provisions for disclaiming any such benefit.

Allows a homebuyer to void a purchase and sales agreement prior to the transfer if the seller fails to provide a written sales disclosure.

Specifies that it is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) to possess a firearm.

Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Increases sentences for carrying a firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm and requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole or probation.

Prohibits any city or town or licensing authority from charging more than forty dollars ($40.00) for any license or permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.

Allows an individual to lawfully possess a device that would silence the sound of a natural report of a rifle or shotgun to hunt game, as long as the host rifle or shotgun is allowed.

Prohibits the sale or possession of firearm silencers unless the person complies with federal law in the sale, possession and use.

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.

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.

Requires automatic expungement of records and records of conviction, if the conviction was for a non-violent misdemeanor, 5 years after completion of the sentence.

Prohibits synthetic media within ninety (90) days of an election.

Requires a write-in candidate to file a declaration of intent with the same office at which the declaration of candidacy would be filed, and require similar residency requirements for write-in candidates that exists for declared candidates.

Clarifies that the calculation for the total number of eligible voters to be served by the same polling place shall be established using active voters.

Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate from three thousand (3,000) to three thousand five hundred (3,500).

Would amend certain signature requirements and deadlines regarding primaries for election of delegates to national conventions for presidential preference.

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

Establishes the E-Verify compliance program which would require all non-governmental employers within the state with 3 or more employees to apply to participate in the federal E-Verify program and to agree to participate in the program, if accepted.

Requires the Rhode Island general assembly to address its legislation with attention to equity and the impact its legislation will have on Rhode Island's diverse and various communities.

Codifies the federal legislation pertaining to the federal Indian child welfare act into state law.

Provides for a parents' bill of rights related to the health, education and welfare of their minor children.

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

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.

Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.

Allows Timothy Conlon to join Sarah Conlon and Andrew Proulx in marriage on or about March 22, 2024, within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.

Amends the comprehensive community-police relationship act of 2015 to require an annual study by an outside agency chosen by the department.

Amends calculations of interest in civil actions a rate determined by average accepted auction price for last auction of 52 week U.S. treasury bills.

Requires that whenever a person is charged with possession of a firearm with alteration of identification marks, the alteration would create a rebuttable presumption that the person is a danger to the safety of the community.

Prohibits the distribution, transfer, or possession of any material that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

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.

Liability Insurance -- Rental Vehicle Coverage

Relating To Statutes And Statutory Construction

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Task Force To Improve The Long-term Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females Within The Criminal Justice Population (creates A 19 Member Task Force Whose Purpose It Would Be To Improve Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females In The Criminal Justice System, And Who Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

Low And Moderate Income Housing

Superior Court

Relating To Solemnization Of Marriages

Voting Districts And Officials

Residential Landlord And Tenant Act

Certificates Of Title And Security Interests

Causes Of Action

The Rhode Island Cannabis Act

Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act

Inspection Of Motor Vehicles

Primaries For Election Of Delegates To National Conventions And For Presidential Preference

Third Party Health Insurance Administrators

Public Utilities

Code Of Ethics

Motor Vehicle Offenses

Cruelty To Animals

Treatment Of Juveniles For Chemical Dependency

Procedure In Particular Actions -- Small Claims And Consumer Claims

District Court Practice

Ryan's Law

Conduct Of Election And Voting Equipment And Supplies

Condominium Law