All Roll Calls
Yes: 173 • No: 1
Rhode IslandH71732026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024 .
Sponsored By: Brian Patrick Kennedy (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Stricter scrap metal rules for dealers
Beginning January 1, 2027, licensed scrap metal dealers must hold certain items for three days and keep them separate. They must immediately tell local police when they receive those items. Before paying, they must tell the seller that the seller must notify police. Parts of wired or wireless communications gear now count as regulated metals. Covered items include copper, brass, statues, grave markers, beer kegs, and utility or communications parts. If insulation was burned or stripped, the law presumes it is regulated property.
Criminal penalties for damaging broadband gear
Beginning January 1, 2027, willfully damaging broadband, Internet, or wireless equipment is a crime. The penalty stays the same: up to a $3,000 fine, up to two years in jail, or both. Lawful work by authorized crews is still allowed.
Zoning tools to protect broadband and utilities
Beginning January 1, 2027, wireless and broadband equipment counts as critical infrastructure. A city or town may grant zoning relief to protect it. Relief is allowed when the site faced or faces vandalism, theft, trespass, or extreme weather or climate damage. Standard local notice and hearing rules still apply. Cities may also require planning‑board reports and charge applicants for review costs.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Brian Patrick Kennedy
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Mia A. Ackerman
Democratic • House
Samuel A. Azzinaro
Democratic • House
Megan L. Cotter
Democratic • House
Grace Diaz
Democratic • House
John G. Edwards
Democratic • House
Deborah A. Fellela
Democratic • House
William W. O'Brien
Democratic • House
Patricia A. Serpa
Democratic • House
Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/9/2026
BUSINESSES/PROFESSIONS -- STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024 In Concurrence Passage
Yes: 36 • No: 1
House vote • 4/28/2026
STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT 2024 PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT
Yes: 69 • No: 0
House vote • 4/28/2026
STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT 2024 PASSAGE AS AMENDED
Yes: 68 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor — Chapter 143
6/18/2026GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/16/2026GovernorSenate passed as amended in concurrence
6/9/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/09/2026)
6/5/2026SenateCommittee recommends passage as amended in concurrence
5/28/2026Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)
5/26/2026Referred to Senate Judiciary
5/1/2026SenateHouse passed as amended (floor amendment)
4/28/2026HousePlaced on House Calendar (04/28/2026)
4/24/2026HouseCommittee recommends passage
4/7/2026Scheduled for consideration (04/07/2026)
4/3/2026Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2/3/2026Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/03/2026)
1/30/2026Introduced, referred to House Corporations
1/21/2026House
Bill Text
H7173 - As Amended
1/21/2026
H7173 - As Introduced
1/21/2026
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