Rhode IslandH85012026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO STATUTES AND STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION .

Sponsored By: Christopher R. Blazejewski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

60 provisions identified: 38 benefits, 5 costs, 17 mixed.

Big penalties for breaking loan repayment

If you do not start or finish your required service in the state’s health professional loan repayment program, you owe the state. You must pay the amounts the state paid for you, plus $7,500 for each month not served, plus interest. The total is at least $31,000. Payment is due within one year after written notice. The director may cancel the debt for justifiable cause with board approval.

Tight deadlines for injured‑on‑duty retirement

State employees hurt before July 1, 2019 had 90 days from July 1, 2019 to apply if they had 18+ months of injured‑on‑duty pay by that date. Those with less than 18 months must apply within 18 months of injury, with at least 90 days to apply. Late applicants had 90 days from July 1, 2019 to file. If you do not apply in time, injured‑on‑duty payments stop. A final disability decision also stops those payments.

West Greenwich can take land for water

The West Greenwich Water District can buy or take private land for water facilities. It cannot take state or city/town land without that owner’s consent. If it takes your land, the district must file its vote and deposit estimated compensation in court within six months. Title shifts when the filing and deposit happen. You have set time limits to ask the court to decide fair pay. The district may offer other land or improvements as part of your compensation.

Right to repair powered wheelchairs

You can get manufacturer documentation, parts, software, and firmware for powered wheelchairs on fair terms. Documentation is free; printed copies can charge only reasonable actual costs. Software and firmware are free, do not need internet or special authorization, and must enable full use. Prices must match the best terms offered to authorized repair suppliers. The state can make rules to enforce these rights.

Safer kratom products and clear labels

Starting April 1, 2026, it is illegal to sell or advertise kratom that fails safety or labeling rules. Each serving may have no more than 150 mg mitragynine; 7‑hydroxymitragynine must be no more than 0.5 mg per gram, no more than 1 mg per serving, and no more than 1% of total alkaloids. Heavy metals must meet strict ppm limits (As ≤2, Cd ≤0.8, Pb ≤1.2, Hg ≤0.4). Products need clear warnings, amounts per serving, and child‑resistant packaging. Retailers and makers must be licensed; unsafe products are contraband.

Audiology and speech therapy by telehealth

Licensed audiologists and speech‑language pathologists may deliver care in person or by telepractice. Telepractice must follow the same ethics and scope of practice as in‑person care.

Less prior authorization and insurance delays

The state insurance office sets and enforces rules to cut insurer paperwork and delays that hold up care. A standing group of insurers and providers works to simplify prior authorization and reports to lawmakers each July 1 during the pilot. If your in‑network primary care doctor orders a service, your insurer cannot require prior authorization for it. This ban does not apply to prescription drugs.

Stronger mental health coverage oversight

The insurance regulator makes sure mental health and addiction care follow the same coverage rules as other care. OHIC pushes insurers to better integrate physical and behavioral health and reduce roadblocks to treatment. OHIC also had to report to lawmakers by June 1, 2023 on how these parity rules affect premiums and access.

Stronger nursing home staffing and protections

Nursing homes must post the minimum direct‑care staff required per shift and a phone number or website to report problems. They must keep daily staffing postings for at least three years and share them on request. Regular double shifts are banned, and in homes with more than 30 beds the director of nursing cannot serve as charge nurse. Inspectors can order more staff within 10 days and can curb admissions if a home fails; the health department may fine violators. Homes may not retaliate against residents, families, or staff who file complaints; violators owe triple damages and reinstatement or restoration.

Clear test for affordable housing

For homes you buy, costs for mortgage, taxes, and insurance must be at or below 30% of your gross income, and your income must be under 120% of area median income (140% in New Shoreham for inventory). For rentals, rent plus heat and utilities (not phone) must be at or below 30% of your gross income if your income is 80% of area median income or less. The definition includes accessory dwelling units, Section 8 units, assisted living, and qualifying manufactured/mobile homes.

Pilot expands homebuying for moderate incomes

The state runs a four‑year pilot that lets moderate‑income buyers (100%–120% of area median income) qualify with housing costs up to 38% of gross income. The pilot ends December 31, 2029. Homes sold under the pilot can count toward local affordable housing goals. The Secretary of Housing reports results each year.

Waterfront access, marinas, and long leases

Marinas and recreational boating facilities count as public‑trust uses. If you own riparian or littoral land, you can apply to lease filled land next to your upland for up to 50 years, with one 50‑year renewal. Leases keep public rights like navigation and fishing, and the state can cancel for cause. The council also names and manages public rights‑of‑way to tidal waters. Towns must keep a current list and give the council 60 days’ notice before trying to abandon one. Note: a special approval path for residential boating facilities built before January 1, 1985 required applications by January 31, 1999.

Easier access to out-of-district CTE programs

Students can enroll in a state‑approved career and technical education (CTE) program outside their home district when no substantially similar state‑approved program exists locally. This right applies only to programs approved by the state CTE board. Students already enrolled or accepted as of January 1, 2022 can keep attending through grades 9–12, even if the home district later adds a similar program. Siblings who apply to the same program get the same right. Sending districts may request attendance and grades from the receiving district.

Two $500 stipends for older retirees

Public retirement system members and beneficiaries who retired on or before July 1, 2015 receive two one‑time $500 payments. The first is paid within 60 days after the implementing legislation, and the second in the same month the next year. These payments are not cost‑of‑living increases.

Workers’ comp ends when pay rebounds

If you return to work and your average weekly pay equals your pre‑injury pay (not counting overtime), the law presumes you regained your earning capacity. That can stop or reduce your wage‑loss workers’ compensation benefits.

Tighter permits for coastal projects

The coastal council must review and can approve, condition, or deny work in tidal waters and within 200 feet of the coast. Big or sensitive projects, like >40 MW power plants, desalination, petroleum or chemical facilities, sewage plants, and dredge disposal, face extra review. You must show your project fits coastal plans and will not harm the coast. The council can charge fees and set permit conditions. Piers and wharfs with new or bigger use need engineering proof they are safe. If unsafe, the council can order repairs or close them. Ignoring an order can cost $5,000 per day, up to $20,000 total.

Career and tech program funding and access

Programs that do not meet board standards cannot enroll out‑of‑district students and lose state or federal CTE funding. Money under §16‑7.2‑6 must be used only to improve approved CTE programs or to start new ones. For out‑of‑region enrollment, the home district pays only its average per‑pupil transport cost; the receiving district pays the rest. Out‑of‑district CTE tuition equals the average per‑pupil cost of both districts. Students statewide may seek enrollment at the two named CTE schools under their procedures.

Municipal retiree raises and 1% pay‑in

Towns can adopt retiree raises: Plan A adds 1.5% a year; Plans B and C add 3% a year (not compounded). East Greenwich may adopt Plan C for certain employees retiring on or after January 1, 2003. Employees in towns that adopt a plan must pay an extra 1% of pay starting the next January 1. Retiree adjustments from July 1, 2012–June 30, 2015 follow an investment‑based formula applied to up to $25,000. From 2016 on, yearly increases blend investment returns and inflation, capped at 3.5% and applied to a capped amount, with a one‑time 2% for those retired by June 30, 2012. Full increases depend on plan funding; from July 1, 2024 the full‑increase threshold is 75%.

Workers’ comp earnings and medical‑improvement rules

Earnings capacity can be set from a real offer of suitable work or by court evidence. Actual light‑duty wages do not set capacity until 13 successful weeks. Maximum medical improvement means your condition is stable and unlikely to materially improve; a court’s MMI finding is reviewed only after a clear change. Starting July 1, 2025, most state and airport employees file under workers’ comp court case rules for new petitions. The court can appoint impartial medical examiners.

Expanded coastal dredging and planning

The coastal council must make a marine resources plan with goals and performance checks. It must update the plan at least every five years. The council manages dredging programs and can accept grants and loans. This helps coastal protection and planning and may change rules for towns and builders.

Clearer prices and easier rebate redemption

Starting March 31, 2026, if an ad shows a net price after a maker’s rebate, the retailer must tell you the rebate amount at checkout and handle the rebate redemption. Sellers must also list labor and service charges separately if you ask.

Honest prices for tickets and lodging

Beginning March 31, 2026, advertisers and sellers of live‑event tickets and short‑term lodging must follow the federal pricing rule (16 C.F.R. Part 464). Violations are unfair or deceptive acts under state law.

Kiosks must warn and give receipts

Virtual currency kiosks must show clear terms in your preferred language and get your acknowledgement. They must display bold warnings that transactions are irreversible and list risks, fees, and exchange rates. Starting November 1, 2025, operators must give you a physical receipt with the date and time, amount, fees, exchange rate, transaction hash, addresses, complaint phone number, and refund policy.

Stronger protections for veterans’ claim help

Starting March 31, 2026, it is unlawful to give unfair or deceptive help to a veteran filing a VA disability claim. This protects veterans from misleading advisers.

Nursing homes must post and report staffing

Nursing homes must post the actual number of direct care nurses on duty for each shift in a public place. Homes must send quarterly staffing data to the health department, which posts it online with plain‑language notes. Staffing data is checked during annual licensing surveys and is made public. Each home must also file a yearly staffing report, with its license renewal, covering the prior 12 months ending on or after September 30, including agency use and turnover.

Local district budgets and assessment appeals

The Quonochontaug East Beach Water District council is set as the moderator, treasurer, district clerk, and the finance and public works chairs. Three members make a quorum, notices must be mailed at least five days before meetings, and the council must meet at least 20 days before the annual meeting to take funding requests and present budgets and plans. If you are assessed by a district management authority, you can appeal: file a notice within three months after the last day to pay without penalty (or after the first installment), then file in superior court within 30 days.

Schools cannot search retained student devices

Beginning August 1, 2026, school staff cannot search a student’s personal device that the school holds during school hours. This applies when the device is not in the student’s possession in a locked pouch or container.

Relocation aid won’t cut benefits or taxes

If you receive a relocation payment under the Uniform Relocation Payments law, it does not count as income or resources for state assistance. It is also excluded from Rhode Island personal and corporate income taxes. Your public assistance amount will not be reduced by these payments.

Ethics panel barred from lobbying ties

Ethics Commission members and staff cannot own or work for a business that makes money from lobbying. If a member violates this rule, the Governor must declare the seat vacant.

Faster coastal decisions and dredging reuse

The coastal council can act as a final, binding decision‑maker in coastal disputes between state agencies and/or towns. The council is also the lead contact for dredging. Before buying landfill cover, the state must first check with the council to see if suitable dredged material is available.

New governance rules for the hub

The board may hold meetings by videoconference; remote directors count for quorum and votes, with public notice and access. Director terms are staggered after January 2028. Directors must disclose any financial interest in advance, record it in minutes, and recuse from related votes. The governor may remove directors for cause; an institutional director’s designee fills the rest of that term. With Senate consent, the board hires a president/CEO (a non‑voting board member) and may hire staff and set pay. The board may form advisory committees of 3–7 directors and keep their records.

Stronger public records and archives

When a general officer ends their final term, their official records go to the state archives within 30 days. By January 1, 2026, each agency must name and train a records officer to run records programs and submit yearly destruction requests. Agencies must get an approved destruction certification before destroying records; the certification becomes the permanent record. The state archives must provide a public research room. The public records program will set uniform rules for record disposal.

Stronger rules for public records

Agencies must send record schedules for review. The attorney general and auditor general have 120 days to comment. If no comments come back in 120 days, the agency can finalize the schedule. Agencies cannot destroy records without approval. Records moved to the state archives become public under archive rules.

Towns can name environmental advocates

A mayor or town administrator can choose the conservation commission to serve as the town’s environmental advocate. The city or town council must approve the choice.

When Articles I and II start

Article I takes effect December 31, 2026. Article II takes effect on passage. These dates tell you when each part of the law applies.

Stronger consumer law for veterans

Starting March 31, 2026, violating the Rhode Island Veterans’ Protection law counts as an unfair or deceptive act. Violators face the civil penalties used for deceptive trade practices.

Tougher rules for card fraud

Penalties increase when someone uses a stolen, forged, or revoked credit or debit card to get more than $100 in value in any six‑month period. Under $100 in six months uses lesser penalties. Card revocation notices are presumed received four days after mailing in the U.S. and ten days for certain foreign addresses; if mailed by air to an address over 500 miles away, notice is presumed when mailed.

Dietetics licensing board and compact updates

The state creates a nine‑member dietetics board with three‑year terms and a two‑term limit. The board recommends rules, decides license fitness, issues or reinstates licenses, and can recommend discipline. The law also updates key Dietitian Licensure Compact definitions to guide multi‑state practice.

Regular reviews of service rates and access

The insurance office (OHIC) must hire experts to review social and human service programs. Reviews set baselines for eligibility, services, reimbursement rates, use trends, workforce, and wait lists. Reports were due January 1 and April 1, 2023. A biennial review process began by September 1, 2023, and continues every two years. A one‑time primary care financing report is due September 1, 2026. Starting October 1, 2023 and every two years, key departments must include the latest recommended rates and findings in their budget requests, or explain any differences. The legislature funds these studies as needed.

State health office coordinates Medicaid waivers

The health and human services secretary coordinates how Medicaid waivers and state‑plan changes are aligned and financed. The secretary advises the governor and works with federal officials on Medicaid reform. Departments still keep the job of preparing and submitting waiver and plan applications.

Five-year housing plan and councils

The state must adopt a five‑year housing plan with goals and steps. When the plan is adopted, cities and towns must update local plans to match it, unless they have an approved affordable housing plan. The law creates a permanent Interagency Council on Homelessness (meets beginning June 29, 2025) and a council on housing production and preservation.

Licenses for residential structural contractors

Rhode Island now licenses contractors who supervise or do structural work on one‑ to four‑family homes. The program sets minimum standards to improve safety and quality.

Stronger state building code and office

The state can adopt and run a building code and resolve conflicts with fire rules. It adopts model codes for homes and commercial buildings and the latest National Electrical Code, effective July 1 of the edition year. The law creates a state building code office inside the State Fire Marshal’s office to coordinate these functions.

New board for police relief fund

A seven‑member Police Officer’s Relief Board is set in the Department of Labor and Training. Most members are full‑time municipal police officers, plus one member from police chiefs and one retired Providence police officer. The general treasurer runs all financial duties.

Stronger standards and annual CTE lists

All state‑approved CTE programs must meet industry standards or tie to a recognized national program. Each year, by January 15, the state posts a list of programs it deems substantially similar for the next school year, using factors like occupation, credentials, and work‑based learning; schools have 30 days to appeal. The CTE board also must send annual recommendations by October 15 on funding, program quality, outcomes, work‑based learning, transportation, and graduation rules.

Prudent investing for Baby Bond Trust

The General Treasurer must invest Rhode Island Baby Bond Trust assets prudently, considering return, risk, term, diversification, liquidity, and expected payments. Funds must be continuously invested until used for eligible costs or operations. The trust cannot be required to buy state or local obligations or to invest in Treasurer‑run funds.

Life Science Hub funding with board review

The law creates the Rhode Island Life Science Hub with a 16‑member board. A board committee reviews company certification using verifiable evidence, and the board records findings. Certified companies can get competitive grants, loans, or investments, plus help securing other funds and clinical trials, but all awards need a majority board vote and the chair must be present for key votes. No funding or incentives can be issued without board approval.

School bus camera tickets by mail

Police can issue a ticket based only on live video from a school bus violation camera. The ticket must be mailed to the registered owner within 10 days and include images and a sworn officer statement. Only authorized officers can issue these tickets. The notice explains how to pay or contest it, and which court handles it.

Narrower coastal council reach on land

The coastal council may act on land only within 200 feet of a coastal feature, or as needed to manage resources. It may approve, condition, or reject activities only when there is a likely conflict with plans or risk of coastal damage.

New limits on student phone use at school

Beginning August 1, 2026, every public school must have a policy that blocks student access to personal devices during the school day. The policy must allow written exceptions for assistive tech in 504 plans or IEPs, medical needs, and language access for new English learners. Schools must notify parents, make the policy with local leaders and unions, and file it with the state. The education department must post guidance, consult with the attorney general and health department, and update it every year.

New property tax appeal deadlines

You must file your local property tax appeal by November 15 each year and at least 90 days after your first tax payment is due. Assessors have until December 31 to decide. For income‑producing residential buildings with six or more units, you must submit a 12‑month income and expense statement; missing it can lead to denial and bar a court petition. You can combine contiguous parcels into one appeal, and the director can grant 90‑day global extensions for local deadlines. You may petition superior court within 30 days of the board’s decision and can amend your case to add later tax years if filed by November 15.

Public board members unpaid, liability limited

Board directors, except the president/CEO, serve without pay. They can be repaid for real, necessary expenses. Directors, officers, and employees are not liable for their actions unless they commit malfeasance or intentionally break the law.

State receivers can run city finances

The Director of Revenue can end a local budget commission and appoint a receiver. The receiver can take over fiscal duties, including school and zoning actions tied to money. The Director can remove the receiver at any time. The city, town, or district pays the receiver’s salary.

Towns must fund adopted pension COLAs

When a town adopts a pension COLA, it must pay any extra employer contributions needed to fund it. This raises town pension costs and may affect local budgets or services.

Medicaid and benefits rules under review

The health secretary reviews Medicaid eligibility every two years to improve access and quality. Agencies must share data on time. The secretary must build integrated data systems across departments and perform independent reviews when asked by the governor or legislature. For the October 1, 2023 budget, the secretary identifies ways to replace fixed cutoffs with sliding scales so benefits fall gradually as income rises, up to 450% of the federal poverty level. This can reduce benefit cliffs but also means lower benefits as income goes up.

Tighter supervision for speech and hearing assistants

Support staff cannot work on their own. A licensed supervisor with 24 months’ experience must direct them and is responsible for their work. Supervisors must use qualified aides, assign only trained tasks, tell clients when aides help, and complete at least two hours of supervision training. Limits apply to ratios: one SLP may supervise one full‑time equivalent SLPA (no more than two at once); one audiologist may supervise up to three aides unless the board approves more. A supervisor must be reachable at all times; required direct and indirect observations apply for audiometric aides and SLPAs, with documentation. Supervisors must have first contact before an SLPA works independently and must keep supervision records for board audits.

Hazardous sites can be labeled blighted

When a community has a special law and passes a local ordinance, areas with hazardous materials can be treated as “blighted” for redevelopment. This lets redevelopment agencies use special tools on those sites. It only applies if both the special act and the local ordinance authorize it.

CTE data now collected by receiving schools

Starting July 1, 2025, the district where a CTE student attends must collect and report required student data. The sending district no longer has that duty.

State support and asset rules for hub

The commerce corporation must provide operating space for the hub for at least its first year. The hub stays in place while bonds are outstanding. If the hub ends, the state takes its assets and must assume its obligations. No hub earnings go to private persons.

Utility district can issue tax‑exempt bonds

The Clear River Electric and Water District can issue bonds and short‑term notes, with maturities up to 40 years. It can refinance with refunding bonds and place money in escrow. District bonds and the income from them are tax‑exempt, and eligible for many institutional investors. The district can pledge revenues and, after default, grant a conditional franchise so a trustee can run facilities and collect revenues for up to 40 years. The law sets strong bondholder protections, secure deposit rules, and allows interfund loans at reasonable interest.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Christopher R. Blazejewski
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 102 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO STATUTES & STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION In Concurrence

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 5/19/2026

STATUTES / STATUTORY CONST. PASSAGE

Yes: 64 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor — Chapter 352
6/23/2026Governor
Transmitted to Governor
6/18/2026Governor
Senate passed in concurrence
6/11/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
6/10/2026Senate
Committee recommends passage in concurrence
6/9/2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/09/2026)
6/5/2026
Referred to Senate Judiciary
5/22/2026Senate
House read and passed
5/19/2026House
Placed on House Calendar (05/19/2026)
5/15/2026House
Committee recommends passage
5/14/2026
Scheduled for consideration (05/14/2026)
5/11/2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
5/5/2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)
5/1/2026
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
5/1/2026House

Bill Text

H8501 - As Introduced
5/1/2026
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