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Rhode IslandH86032026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES .

Sponsored By: Julie A. Casimiro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Foster youth get driver ed fee waiver

If you receive foster caregiving in a foster or adoptive home under § 42‑72.1‑2, your CCRI driver education tuition fee is waived. The Department of Children, Youth and Families can request and pay the fee for an eligible person. CCRI and the Board of Governors handle eligibility and payment under their rules.

Driver ed adds distracted, marijuana lessons

The law requires driver education classes to teach the dangers of distracted driving, including cell phone use. The state driver’s license exam now includes this material. The law also adds instruction on marijuana‑impaired driving. This starts June 19, 2023, but only after the State Board of Education approves the course content.

Free parent course for teen drivers

Parents, guardians, or a chosen adult for a driver under 18 must take a course on driver education and graduated licensing. The state provides it free, in many locations and times, and online once approved. You only need to take it once every five years, and it covers multiple children. Providers pay the costs, not families. If no qualified program exists for more than six months, the requirement is not enforced.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julie A. Casimiro

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

  • Susan R. Donovan

    Democratic • House

  • Joshua J. Giraldo

    Democratic • House

  • Marie A. Hopkins

    Republican • House

  • Joseph M. McNamara

    Democratic • House

  • Earl A. Read, III

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Ann Shallcross Smith

    Democratic • House

  • Tina L. Spears

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 104 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS & CHAUFFEURS LICENSES In Concurrence

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

OPERATORS' CHAUFFEURS' LICENSES PASSAGE

Yes: 66 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 133

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/10/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/8/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/6/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/5/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/3/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/05/2026)

    6/3/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    6/2/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/30/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to House Finance

    5/29/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8603 - As Introduced

    5/29/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H8603 - Substitute

    5/29/2026

    HTMLPDF

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