Rhode IslandH83242026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE -- SECURED TRANSACTIONS .

Sponsored By: Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Crackdown on deceptive business solicitations

Beginning July 1, 2026, third‑party mail or electronic offers to businesses must carry a big ad disclaimer in at least 24‑point type. They must say where to file or get records from the Secretary of State, show the sender’s name and street address, and mail must state “THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT” on the envelope. Solicitations cannot look like official notices, use state seals, or imply you must act or face a penalty. The Attorney General can enforce these rules, and any business can sue. Requests you initiate and marketing to existing customers are exempt.

Faster fix for bogus lien filings

If you are named as a debtor, you can file a sworn, notarized affidavit to stop an unauthorized UCC lien. The filing office must post a termination with no fee; it takes effect after 60 days. The secured party gets same-day notice, can seek an expedited review, and can ask the superior court to reinstate within six months after it takes effect. The office may refuse filings that appear false, meant to harass, target public employees without a judgment, name the same person as debtor and secured party, or come from non‑trusted filers; it may later accept them. If an initially refused filing is later accepted, it counts as if never refused, except against a buyer who paid in reasonable reliance on its absence.

Clearer business filing rules and appeals

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law clarifies how you can file business‑name records: paper or authorized electronic transmissions and electronic signatures are valid. It defines “solicitation” used in these chapters for clarity. If the Secretary of State disapproves your articles or other document, your entity can appeal to superior court for a fresh review. The Secretary of State can also send sworn complaints about unauthorized reporting to the Attorney General or state police for possible criminal investigation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mary Ann Shallcross Smith
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Samuel A. Azzinaro
Democratic • House
Stephen M. Casey
Democratic • House
Julie A. Casimiro
Democratic • House
Anthony J. DeSimone
Democratic • House
Kathleen A. Fogarty
Democratic • House
Jenni A. Furtado
Democratic • House
Raymond A. Hull
Democratic • House
Mary Messier
Democratic • House
Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 67 • No: 0

House vote • 5/26/2026

COMM. CODE/SECURED TRANSACT PASSAGE