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Rhode IslandS32122026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Robert Britto (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Quick way to clear bogus lien filings

Beginning July 1, 2026, a debtor can file a free, sworn affidavit to flag a lien filing as unauthorized and meant to harass or defraud. The filing office must file a termination that takes effect in 60 days and notify the secured party the same day. For filings sent by a trusted financial institution, the office runs an expedited review and, if harassment is found, ends the filing right away. A secured party can seek fast administrative review before the 60 days run and can sue within six months after the termination to reinstate. Courts can reinstate authorized filings as if they were never ended, and victims and the Secretary of State can recover costs and lawyers’ fees when a filing was made to harass or defraud.

Crackdown on fake government-looking mail

Beginning July 1, 2026, business mail and emails that sell filing or reporting services must show a bold notice at the top: “THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT…” in at least 24‑point type. Envelopes must say “THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT.” Senders cannot use the state seal or look like an official notice or claim you face penalties if you do nothing. Ads must list the sender’s street address and where to file or get records with the Secretary of State. The attorney general can enforce these rules, and businesses can sue. Real customer‑initiated requests and ads to existing customers are exempt.

Easier online trade-name filing

Beginning July 1, 2026, you can file trade‑name documents electronically through systems the Secretary of State authorizes. You may use original, faxed, or electronic signatures submitted through an approved method.

Changes start July 1, 2026

All parts of this law take effect July 1, 2026.

Fast fix for sham company filings

Beginning July 1, 2026, if someone used your identity or false facts to create or report a company, you can file an affidavit. The Secretary of State reviews in five business days, can ask sworn written answers, and may void and remove false records. Your answers and the office’s questions are not public. Knowingly filing a false affidavit is a crime. Not answering the Secretary’s questions within 10 business days is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. You can appeal decisions to superior court.

Tighter checks on lien filings

Beginning July 1, 2026, the filing office may refuse non‑bank filings it reasonably thinks were sent to harass or defraud, using clear warning signs. A filing only works if an authorized person sent it, and a record is filed when it is sent with the fee or accepted by the office. You must file a continuation in the six‑month window or it is ineffective. If a record is later accepted after an initial refusal, it generally counts as if accepted from the start, except against a purchaser who paid relying on its absence. If the office wrongly refused for other reasons, the record still counts against most parties, again with protection for purchasers who reasonably relied on no record.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robert Britto

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • John P. Burke

    Democratic • Senate

  • Alana M. DiMario

    Democratic • Senate

  • Louis P. DiPalma

    Democratic • Senate

  • Walter S. Felag Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

COMMERCIAL CODE - TRANSACTIONS PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE -- SECURED TRANSACTIONS Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 415

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/4/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/2/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/1/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/28/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)

    4/24/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce

    4/14/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3212 - As Introduced

    4/14/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S3212 - Substitute

    4/14/2026

    HTMLPDF

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