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This Week at the State House
Monday, March 30th At 4pm today in the House Lounge, the House Labor Committee will conduct hearings of concern to the Chamber. To submit testimony on these bills, please email: [email protected]. Employee Ownership Opportunity H 7964 would create the Rhode Island Opportunity for Employee Ownership Act, requiring a right-of-first opportunity for employees to purchase qualified businesses when it is being sold or transferred. It would apply to privately held, non-publicly traded, businesses operating in Rhode island for at least one year with at least three employees and meeting certain Small Business Administration industry size standards. However, it would exempt businesses being sold or transferred to a family member, due to medical necessity or death, compelled by court order, or necessitated by emergency circumstance or natural disaster. To sell or transfer a qualifying businesses the owner must provide notice to employees of the intent to sell the business and give a 30 day period for employees to organize and initiate a potential purchase effort including by forming a worker cooperative. The legislation injects procedural delays and uncertainty for potential purchasers that reduce owner’s valuation and jeopardizes transactions, undermines confidentiality in a manner that could expose strategic decisions to competitors, and can disrupt operations, morale, and create employee anxiety and turnover. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7964.pdf Extreme Temperatures The committee will also hear legislation imposing new standards on employers for the protections of workers when temperatures fall below 32 degrees and rise above 90 degrees. H 8311 amends the state’s Occupational health laws to require employers to implement plans that prevent and reduce exposure of employees to extreme temperatures, including paid rest breaks, adequate shade, working/cooling stations, drinking water, and personal protective equipment, and for quarterly training of supervisors on temperature related risks. Additional requirements are also required to be established for vehicle drivers, warehouse workers, and those working construction, farming, recreation and other outdoor venues. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8311.pdf H 7966 creates the Extreme Temperature Worker Protection Act, includes many of the provisions in H 8311, with additional regulatory requirements and compliance protocols, including written safety plans and recordkeeping obligations. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7966.pdf Tuesday, March 31st NRICC’s Arbitration Facilitation Bill On Tuesday at the Rise in Room 313, the Senate Judiciary Committee conduct a hearing on legislation introduced at the request of the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce. S 2396 seeks to amend a 2024 law that creates obstacles for businesses seeking to use arbitration agreements as a means to settle disputes. The current law requires businesses, under most circumstances, to pay certain fees and costs before the arbitration can proceed. These fees must be paid “within 30 days” of the “due date” otherwise the business is considered to be in breach of the arbitration agreement and the employee or consumer may choose to (1) withdraw the claim from arbitration and proceed to court (the court must impose sanctions on the business) or (2) compel arbitration and subject the business to attorneys’ fees and costs related to the arbitration. California passed this same law and is now fighting because a company was three days late, subjecting it to large expenses and a court proceeding. A business might send the payment on time, but it may arrive late, or sit on the arbitrator’s desk by mistake, leaving the business with costly ramifications. If the arbitration ends up withdrawn, the business is also subject to penalties such as attorneys’ fees and costs, an evidence sanction prohibiting the business from conducting discovery in the civil action, an order striking out pleadings or parts of the pleadings, or an order rendering a judgment by default against the business and contempt sanction by an order. These penalties make it harder for the business to defend itself in court. The new law also states that if an arbitration agreement contains a provision that deters a party from hiring a lawyer, the entire arbitration agreement is deemed illegal. The Chamber’s bill makes four changes to the existing law:
The Chamber is asking for your help. Please consider sending testimony in favor of S 2396 to the Senate Judiciary Committee at: [email protected]. Identity Theft Protection, Data Deletion Also on Tuesday, the Senate Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Committee will meet at 3pm in Room 212. Testimony on these matters can be sent to: [email protected]. S 2638 would amend the Identify Theft Protection Act of 2015 to amend definitions impacting the scope of regulated data that could include routine business records and digital identifiers, which would increase compliance burdens. It would also require any entity that stores or processes personally identifiable information to implement and maintain “risk-based information security program” that aligns with an “approved and industry recognized cybersecurity framework” without guidance regarding what satisfies such requirement, potentially exposing good faith compliance efforts to liability. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2638.pdf S 2766 would create the Rhode Island Delete Act, requiring data brokers that collect, share or sell to third parties the personal data of consumers with whom they do not have a direct relationship to register with the department of business regulation. It would provide consumers to request the deletion of their personal information through a mechanism to be established by DBR. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2766.pdf Thursday, April 2nd The House Corporations Committee will meet at the Rise in the House Lounge. Testimony can be submitted on the bills below by emailing: [email protected]. Vehicle Barriers H 7179 would require the installation of vehicle barrier safety devices at retail establishments, including restaurants as part of any new construction, while ensuring sufficient space for wheelchair access and ADA compliance. The bill suggests insurers may consider offering premium discounts, but there is no guarantee that such savings would offset the installation and engineering costs associated with these barriers. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7179.pdf Escrow Gift Card Funds H 8264 would requires retailers to put money received for gift certificates into a separate account until the certificates are redeemed, at which point funds can be transferred into the retailer’s business account. It would exempt gift certificates given without exchange for value. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8264.pdf New Introductions Senate Bill No. 3154 BY Kallman, Lauria, Valverde, Ujifusa, DiMario, Mack, Vargas, Britto, Sosnowski AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- WEALTH PROCEEDS TAX (Imposes a tax equal to four percent (4%) on net investment income, such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains and rental income, of high-income households, estates and trusts, based upon federal guidelines.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3154.pdf
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Tuesday, March 24th A number of bills will be heard in the Senate Commerce Committee at the Rise (approximately 4:30 pm) in Room 212. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected] Credit Card Fees S.2344 prohibits the charging of interchange fees, also known as “swipe fees,” on the portions of a credit card transaction related to taxes and gratuities. This bill is being promoted by hospitality businesses and local merchants, and is similar to legislation adopted in Illinois that recently withstood legal challenge. S.2344 is identical to H.7607 that was heard in the House on March 3rd. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2344.pdf S.2522 prohibits the charging of interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card. If a fee is charged, it is deemed to be a violation of the deceptive trade practices act and is subject to a penalty of $1,000 per electronic transaction. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2522.pdf Grocery Store and Retailer Restrictions S.2342 limits grocery stores by capping the number of self-service checkout stations they can operate to eight, and mandating a minimum ratio of manual checkout stations to self-service checkout stations. Stores would be required to operate one manual checkout station for every two self-check-out stations operating. Lastly, S.2342 states that “No more than two (2) self-service checkout stations may be simultaneously monitored by any one employee.” Any store having multiple violations is subject to a fine equal to the wages paid to the highest paid retail clerk during an eight-hour shift. If the violation is not rectified within thirty days, the business could be subject to a deceptive trade practice violation. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2342.pdf S.2642 (submitted on behalf of Lt. Governor Matos) places restrictions on covered suppliers from offering different terms of sale to covered retailers. Covered retailer is defined as a person that sells products to end consumers at one or more locations in Rhode Island. A covered supplier is a supplier that sells, either directly or through an agent, over $6 billion in products annually. Under S.2642, suppliers are restricted from offering different pricing or terms to different retailers. The act requires suppliers to provide anonymized terms of sale upon request to all covered retailers and wholesalers and allows the Attorney General or affected parties to sue for violations. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2642.pdf S.2643 (also submitted on behalf of the Lt. Governor) requires retailers that offer electronic coupons for food items covered under SNAP, to offer the same discounts to in-person customers who do not have electronic coupons. Covered retailers can set up kiosks to offer the coupons, provide paper alternatives or provide the discount directly at the point of sale. Failure to comply results in a fine up to $500. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2643.pdf The Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technology is meeting in Room 313 at 2:30 Tuesday. Testimony can be submitted to: [email protected] AI Regulations for Business Use S.2195 introduces new regulations for businesses that provide AI chatbot or virtual companion services by mandating specific safety protocols and notifications. The bill prohibits operators from providing an AI companion unless it contains a protocol for addressing potential user-expressed risks, like suicidal ideation, self-harm, physical harm to others, or financial harm. Businesses providing these services must provide a recurring notification (at the start and at least every three hours) that the companion is a computer program, not a human, and cannot feel emotions. The warning must be conveyed verbally or via text in bold, capitalized letters of at least 16-point type. S.2195 gives the Attorney General the power to investigate complaints, sue, seek injunctions and bring a suit under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The bill can be found at: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2195.pdf Wednesday, March 25th The House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is hearing two bills of interest to the business community. The hearing is scheduled for 4:00 in the House Lounge (behind the House session floor). Testimony on either of these bills can be emailed to [email protected] Retroactive Liability H.7004 requires the state and municipalities to add up all of the costs expended in the last twenty-five years related to items the bill deems a result of climate change (“sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, extreme heat, drought, erosion, and other climate-driven hazards) including items such as “coastal and flood protection and resilience projects; Stormwater management, drainage, and water infrastructure upgrades; Heat mitigation, air quality improvement, emergency preparedness, and other hazard protection measures that safeguard public health; Resilient transportation, housing, and community infrastructure; Energy system resilience, including grid modernization and distributed energy resources; Ecosystem, agricultural, forest, watershed, and fisheries restoration or protection projects; and Hazard mitigation planning, modeling, monitoring, and early warning systems.” Once the total is calculated, an invoice would be sent to “responsible parties” defined as large businesses that extract and refine fossil fuels (a legal activity under federal and state laws). A ten percent daily penalty is added to late payments. This legislation, passed in Vermont, is being challenged by the US Chamber of Commerce in the federal district court for Vermont. Vermont allocated $600,000 in FY25 to set up the fund and prepare for a legal fight. In FY26, an additional $300,000 was allocated to defend the case. The state’s Agency of Natural Resources and Treasurer’s Office requested an additional $1.5 million in 2025 to hire outside experts to defend against lawsuits. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7004.pdf Clean Heat Standard H.7912 directs the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to implement a program to force the phase out of fossil fuels, used for heating purposes, by setting targets the heating sector must meet. Starting July 1, 2028, obligated parties – the gas company, petroleum terminals, and companies such as heating fuel delivery companies that pick up fuel in MA or CT for delivery in RI – would be required to reduce their carbon fuel use by switching clients to alternative fuels (for which they receive credit), or buying credits from another entity that has excess credits. Renewable natural gas and hydrogen are not permitted to be used as an alternative fuel. The cost of the credit is set by the DEM. If the obligated party fails to comply, that party may have to pay a noncompliance payment of three times the amount established by the DEM for timely credit payments. To date, no cost analysis has been completed for this program. Massachusetts passed a similar program that was set to take effect in 2026; however, Governor Healy delayed the implementation date to prevent increases in home heating bills estimated to be $450 per year. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7912.pdf The House Small Business Committee is scheduled to take testimony on H.7499 at 4:00pm in Room 101. Testimony can be submitted at: [email protected] Small Business Regulatory Fairness H.7499 requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for proposed rules applying to small businesses to includes a finding that the anticipated compliance costs of the proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that larger businesses are able to absorb more easily. Without such a finding, adoption of the rule is more difficult, requiring more justification. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7449.pdf The Senate Labor & Gaming Committee is meeting at 4:00pm in Room 212. Testimony can be submitted to: [email protected] State to Head Off Any OSHA Changes S.2736 seeks to take action before the federal government adopts any changes to the regulatory authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, whether through repeal, defunding, reduction in force, rulemaking, executive order, or any other federal action. The bill requires the Director of Labor and Training to notify the legislature if any such changes occur. In the event such action does take place, the bill requires the legislature to appropriate funds and authorize additional full-time equivalent positions necessary to enable the department of labor to effectively administer and enforce the standards previously in place. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2736.pdf New Introductions House Bill No. 8311 BY Dawson, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8311.pdf House Bill No. 8324 (Secretary of State) Shallcross Smith, Casey, Fogarty, Hull, Azzinaro, DeSimone, Casimiro, Solomon, Furtado, Messier ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE -- SECURED TRANSACTIONS (Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8324.pdf House Bill No. 8330 BY Alzate, Kazarian, Casimiro, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HEALTHY AND SAFE FAMILIES AND WORKPLACES ACT (Requires employers to provide full-time employees four (4) hours of paid leave once a year to donate blood through and any approved blood donation program.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8330.pdf East Bay Chamber Celebrates a Successful Business Expo and Networking Event at RWU on March 10 A big thank you to all who attended, our generous sponsors, and our incredible Events Team for making the event such a success. This Week at the State House
Wednesday, March 18th Payment of Wages On Wednesday at 4pm in Room 101, the House Labor Committee will convene for hearings on a few bills impacting payment of wages, including changes to minimum wage. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected]. Minimum Wage & Overtime H 7490 would make additional salaried employees eligible for overtime pay. Small employers of 1-50 employees and large employers of 50 or more would be required to pay overtime to currently exempt workers if their salary falls below 1.5 times or 2 times, respectively, the minimum hourly wage for a forty hour workweek. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7490.pdf H 7769 would amend the minimum wage on January 1, 2027 from $17 to $20 per hour. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7769.pdf H 7771would amend the minimum wage on January 1, 2027 from $17 to $24 per hour. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7771.pdf H 7770 would provide that the $17 per hour minimum wage continue from January 1, 2027 until January 1, 2029, where it would then be increased by the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for calendar year 2027, but not subject to any decrease. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7770.pdf Sunday & Holiday Pay H 7772 would provide that all healthcare and medical direct support professionals employed in a healthcare facility would be compensate on Sundays and holidays at time and one-half. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7772.pdf H 7973 would exempt catering, commissary, and food establishments from the requirement to pay wages at time and one-half on Sundays and holidays, by adding them to the exemptions for restaurants and hotels. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7973.pdf Pay Stubs H 7959 would require employers to furnish employees itemized statement of earnings each payday, detailing gross wages, hours worked, deductions, and applicable rates. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7959.pdf Vicarious Liability for Construction Contractors H 7961 would make construction contractors performing work under the International Building Code (IBC) liable for up to 120 days of any claims related to nonpayment or wage theft by any subcontractors within a chain of construction contracts at any tier upon notice of violations within 45 days of the alleged wage theft. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7961.pdf Landlord-Tenant The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet at 4:30pm in the House Lounge to hear a large number of bills impacting landlords and tenants, including bills impacting: background checks, security deposits, lead registry, evictions, and rent control. The full agenda can be viewed here: https://status.rilegislature.gov/documents/agenda-21394.pdf. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected] Thursday, March 19th Decoupling from R&D Expensing On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee will meet at 3pm in Room 211 regarding portions of Governor’s Budget Article 5 relative to decoupling from changes to the federal tax code for research and development expensing. HR1 allows the expensing of qualified R&D costs in the year they occurred. In the FY26 Budget, the state decoupled from this provision for tax year 2025, preserving pre-HR1 treatment for R&D expenses. Section 2 & Section 6 of Article 5 seek to preserve the tax year 2025 treatment and further decouple the state from the R&D expensing provisions for tax years 2026 and beyond. It is estimated to save the State $22.6M in each of FY26 and FY27, $10.9M in FY28, $8M in FY29, and $2.8M in FY30. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected]. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/Article-005.pdf New Introductions Senate Bill No. 2638 BY Gu, Zurier, Urso, DiPalma, Paolino, Vargas, Burke AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015 (Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2638.pdf Senate Bill No. 2642 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Britto, Gu, DiMario, McKenney, Zurier, Bissaillon, Urso AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PROTECTING RHODE ISLANDERS FROM COERCIVE ECONOMIC TACTICS AT GROCERY STORES (Creates a new chapter to protect Rhode Island consumers from coercive tactics at grocery stores.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2642.pdf Senate Bill No. 2643 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Gu, Britto, Tikoian, Kallman AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Provides that stores offering food product discounts must provide the same discounts to in-store customers that are offered to customers using electronic digital coupons.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2643.pdf Senate Bill No. 2644 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Murray, Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ESTATES IN REAL PROPERTY (Prohibits restrictive covenants related to grocery stores.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2644.pdf Senate Bill No. 2662 BY DiMario, Lauria, Gallo, Valverde, Mack, Murray, Kallman AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (Allows Rhode Island employers can help pay employees’ student loans in high-need fields if they work full-time for 2 years in undeserved areas and are in an income driven repayment plan. RISLA must provide annual reporting.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2662.pdf Senate Bill No. 2665 BY Dimitri, LaMountain, Raptakis, Thompson, Famiglietti, Paolino, de la Cruz, Rogers, Morgan AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FAIRNESS IN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES-ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENTS (Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2665.pdf Senate Bill No. 2672 BY de la Cruz, Rogers, Dimitri, Thompson, Patalano, Famiglietti, Burke, Tikoian AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX (Establishes phased reduction of personal income tax rates.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2672.pdf Senate Bill No. 2703 BY Raptakis, Burke, Tikoian, Patalano, Famiglietti, Thompson, Rogers, Dimitri, McKenney, de la Cruz AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PROPERTY TAX/RENT FREEZE BILL (Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2703.pdf Senate Bill No. 2709 BY Raptakis, Burke, de la Cruz, Bell, Ciccone, Famiglietti, Appollonio, Dimitri, Rogers, Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- COMMITTEES AND STAFF (Requires nonprofit entities who receive grants or other funding, to provide a detailed list of their ten highest paid directors, officers or employees’ salaries and benefits, including the names of said individuals.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2709.pdf Senate Bill No. 2736 BY Burke, Bissaillon, Thompson, Famiglietti, Patalano, Raptakis AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY (Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2736.pdf Senate Bill No. 2737 BY Lawson, Ciccone, Tikoian, Burke, Bissaillon, LaMountain, Murray, Britto, McKenney, Felag AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS (Expands the benefit definitions to include a grandchild and care recipient and increases benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028 and provides a TDI/TCI opt-in option for self-employed workers.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2737.pdf Senate Bill No. 2739 BY Famiglietti, Dimitri, Euer, McKenney, Zurier, Bissaillon, Thompson, Bell, Raptakis, Burke AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION -- PROCEDURE (Amends the workers' compensation reimbursement provisions related to the liability of third person for damages.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2739.pdf Senate Bill No. 2744 BY Ciccone, Burke, Felag, Acosta AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT (Establishes an opportunity for employee ownership where the owner notifies all current full-time and part-time employees and provides them with a 30-day window in which to initiate a process to potentially purchase the business as a workers' cooperative.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2744.pdf Senate Bill No. 2761 BY de la Cruz, Rogers AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT -- THE RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CLIMATE REFORM ACT https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2761.pdf Senate Bill No. 2766 BY Gu, DiPalma, Urso, Vargas, Zurier, Paolino, Burke AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND DELETE ACT (Requires any entity that knowingly collects, shares or sells to third parties the personal data of a consumer to register with the department of business regulations and permits for the consumer to request deletion of the personal data.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2766.pdf Senate Bill No. 2768 BY Thompson, Murray AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Requires any business entity that makes automatic renewal offers or memberships or subscriptions that are available on-line, also make the canceling such agreements for goods, services, memberships or subscriptions equally accessible on-line.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2768.pdf Senate Bill No. 2773 BY Gu, Paolino, Murray, Urso, Valverde, Appollonio, McKenney, Ujifusa, Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- CONSUMER-PROVIDED TAKEOUT CONTAINERS (Permits eating and drinking establishments to accept consumer-provided containers to fill or refill with takeout food or beverages.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2773.pdf Senate Bill No. 2809 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Ciccone, DiPalma AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TAX CREDIT (Establishes a tax credit for businesses transitioning to employee ownership.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2809.pdf Senate Bill No. 2811 BY DiPalma, DiMario, Murray, Thompson, Zurier, Vargas AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND PROTECT OUR HEALTHCARE ACT OF 2026 (Creates a publicly funded program for uninsured individuals requiring on an appropriation of $53,200,000 for fiscal year 2027 and an appropriation of 109,600,000 for fiscal year 2028 and every fiscal year thereafter.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2811.pdf Senate Bill No. 2833 BY Valverde, Ciccone, Lauria, DiPalma, Acosta, Bissaillon, Kallman, Felag, Pearson, Quezada AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND LOCAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT (Provides a tax credit to a taxpayer that makes a qualified investment in a qualified business.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2833.pdf Senate Bill No. 2847 BY Thompson, DiPalma, Murray AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- STATE TAX OFFICIALS (Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2847.pdf Senate Bill No. 2884 BY de la Cruz, Rogers AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT OF 2004--HEALTH INSURANCE OVERSIGHT (Requires health insurance commissioner to conduct a review of health insurance benefit mandates, including an analysis of the impact on premium costs, conducted every 5 yrs and report findings and recommendations to governor, senate president and speaker.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2884.pdf Senate Bill No. 2903 BY Gu, DiMario, Urso, Kallman, McKenney, Euer, Thompson, DiPalma AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROGRAM ACT (Establishes the Residential and Commercial Property Acquisition Program Act to implement residential or commercial property acquisitions, paired with funding for relocation costs within or proximate to the current community.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2903.pdf Senate Bill No. 2923 BY Thompson, Raptakis, Burke, Ciccone, Tikoian, Morgan, Dimitri, Appollonio, Murray AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES (Increases the minimum hourly wage commencing January 1, 2029, by an amount equal to the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for the calendar year 2027.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2923.pdf Senate Bill No. 2924 BY Thompson, Patalano, Murray AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- LABOR RELATIONS ACT (Allows employees, not represented by a union, to create a group to collectively bargain with employers.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2924.pdf Senate Bill No. 2928 BY Vargas, Quezada, Lauria, Bell, Appollonio, Urso, Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- HEALTHY AND SAFE FAMILIES AND WORKPLACES ACT (Requires employers to provide full-time employees four (4) hours of paid leave once a year to donate blood through and any approved blood donation program.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2928.pdf Senate Bill No. 2929 (Dept. of Labor and Training) BY Burke, Felag, Tikoian, Patalano, Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY (Eliminates the "until June 30, 2026" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2929.pdf Senate Bill No. 2930 BY Mack, Quezada, Acosta, Bell, Vargas AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES (Provides that commencing January 1, 2027, the minimum wage shall be twenty-four dollars ($24.00) per hour.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2930.pdf Senate Bill No. 2944 BY Thompson, Famiglietti AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT (Requires businesses that conduct business to register and maintain required filings with the secretary of state so that consumers and small businesses may readily identify responsible parties, verify good standing, and effectuate service of process.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2944.pdf Senate Bill No. 2959 BY Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Tolls the statute of limitations for causes of action arising out of business activities conducted in this state by a person or entity required to register with the secretary of state but failing to do so, until such person or entity becomes registered.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2959.pdf Senate Bill No. 2965 BY Lauria, DiMario, Valverde, Murray, Vargas, Ujifusa, Urso, Mack, Acosta, Kallman, Pearson AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT (Allows a party to condition a transaction by electronic means on their stated desire to obtain and receive a written copy of the document in English or Spanish before electronic execution of the agreement or performance is required of the party.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2965.pdf Senate Bill No. 3017 BY Dimitri, Famiglietti, Raptakis, Tikoian, Thompson AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX (Allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income for personal income tax for qualified tips and overtime income consistent with the federal tax treatment.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3017.pdf Senate Bill No. 3032 BY Tikoian, Ciccone, Gallo, Rogers AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE (Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2031, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3032.pdf Senate Bill No. 3086 (General Treasurer) BY Kallman, DiMario, DiPalma AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- RHODE ISLAND SECURE CHOICE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PROGRAM ACT (Makes several technical amendments to the Rhode Island secure choice retirement savings program act necessary for continued administration and inter-state partnership.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3086.pdf Senate Bill No. 3104 (Attorney General) BY LaMountain, McKenney AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL (Establishes a bureau of public protection within the department of attorney general.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S3104.pdf House Bill No. 7844 BY Casey AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT (Requires businesses that conduct business to register and maintain required filings with the secretary of state so that consumers and small businesses may readily identify responsible parties, verify good standing, and effectuate service of process.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7844.pdf House Bill No. 7849 BY Marszalkowski AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- FILING OF TRADE NAME (Creates the surveillance pricing and online retailing act that would prohibit algorithmic price increases for online purchases.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7849.pdf House Bill No. 7880 BY Slater, Kislak, Stewart, Ajello, Handy, Cruz AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS (Creates an income-sensitive tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7880.pdf House Bill No. 7884 BY Handy, McGaw, Stewart, Tanzi, Hull, Edwards, Caldwell, Cruz, Potter, Furtado AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- FEDERAL BACKSTOP LANGUAGE (Establishes federal back stop language for any provisions of federal law relating to any of the energy or water conservation standards issued or approved for publication by the office of the United States Secretary of Energy as of January 19, 2025) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7884.pdf House Resolution No. 7891 BY Cortvriend, McGaw, Kazarian, Spears, Boylan HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO TERMINATE GAS LINE EXTENSION ALLOWANCES AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7891.pdf House Bill No. 7910 BY Bennett, McEntee, Speakman, McNamara, Handy, Hull, Carson, Shallcross Smith, Casimiro, Diaz AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING AND PAPER ACT (Creates the extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper program for the recycling of packaging and paper products.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7910.pdf House Bill No. 7911 BY McEntee, Spears, Bennett, Knight, Boylan, Caldwell, Carson, Handy, Speakman, Donovan AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING AND PAPER ACT (Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7911.pdf House Bill No. 7959 BY Giraldo, Alzate, Cruz, Morales AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES (Requires the employer, at the time of hiring, to furnish to their employees an itemized list of the terms and conditions of the employment and mandates that each payday a pay stub explaining how their wages were calculated is provided.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7959.pdf House Bill No. 7960 (Dept. of Labor and Training) BY Corvese AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES (Eliminates prescribed timelines for hearing and determination in certain enforcement actions before the department labor and training to align with reasonable practice.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7960.pdf House Bill No. 7962 (Dept. of Labor and Training) BY McEntee, Caldwell, Spears, O'Brien, Bennett AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY (Eliminates the "until June 30, 2026" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7962.pdf House Bill No. 7964 BY Stewart, Potter, Cruz, Kislak, Cotter, Morales, Furtado, McEntee, Tanzi, Donovan AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT (Establishes an opportunity for employee ownership where the owner notifies all current full-time and part-time employees and provides them with a 30-day window in which to initiate a process to potentially purchase the business as a workers' cooperative.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7964.pdf House Bill No. 7965 BY Dawson AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IN CHILDREN RELIEF FUND (Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7965.pdf House Bill No. 7968 BY Giraldo, Alzate, Cruz, Donovan, Morales AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS (Expands the benefit definitions to include a grandchild and care recipient and increases benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028 and provides a TDI/TCI opt-in option for self-employed workers.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7968.pdf House Bill No. 7969 BY Fellela, Serpa, Hull, Edwards, Corvese AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY (Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7969.pdf House Bill No. 7993 (Attorney General) BY Morales, Stewart, Cotter, Potter, Sanchez, Giraldo, Cruz, Tanzi ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL (Establishes a bureau of public protection within the department of attorney general.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7993.pdf House Bill No. 8035 BY Santucci, Chippendale, Nardone, Newberry, Costantino, Place, Roberts, Hopkins AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PROPERTY TAX/RENT FREEZE BILL (Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8035.pdf House Bill No. 8044 BY Baginski, Read, Casimiro AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GIFT CARD FRAUD (Makes offenses against gift card holders subject to the penalties for larceny.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8044.pdf House Bill No. 8047 BY Dawson AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DECISIONS, SPECIAL FINDINGS AND ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES (Adds the doctrine of assumption of risk to the current comparative negligence statute.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8047.pdf House Bill No. 8051 BY Casey AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Tolls the statute of limitations for causes of action arising out of business activities conducted in this state by a person or entity required to register with the secretary of state but failing to do so, until such person or entity becomes registered.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8051.pdf House Bill No. 8060 BY Solomon AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IMPERSONATION AND IDENTITY FRAUD (Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud. This act would also protect individuals and businesses from digital forgery.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8060.pdf House Bill No. 8106 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Casey AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ESTATES IN REAL PROPERTY (Prohibits restrictive covenants related to grocery stores.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8106.pdf House Bill No. 8108 BY Potter, Cruz, Handy, DeSimone, Alzate, Stewart, Morales, Kislak, Giraldo, Batista AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT (Limits rent increases to 4% annually, but allows an additional increase for taxes, insurance, or health and safety costs if the landlord gets an exemption from the secretary of housing, and provides tenants civil remedies for violations.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8108.pdf House Bill No. 8126 BY Morales, Sanchez, Cruz, Voas, Giraldo, Potter, Tanzi, Cotter AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and help control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8126.pdf House Bill No. 8137 BY Donovan, Tanzi, Alzate, McGaw, Boylan, Speakman, Casimiro, Cruz, Diaz, Furtado AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND PROTECT OUR HEALTHCARE ACT OF 2026 (Creates a publicly funded program for uninsured individuals requiring on an appropriation of $53,200,000 for fiscal year 2027 and an appropriation of 109,600,000 for fiscal year 2028 and every fiscal year thereafter.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8137.pdf House Bill No. 8169 BY Cortvriend, Spears, McGaw, Speakman, Boylan AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROGRAM ACT (Establishes the Residential and Commercial Property Acquisition Program Act to implement residential or commercial property acquisitions, paired with funding for relocation costs within or proximate to the current community.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8169.pdf House Bill No. 8187 BY Shallcross Smith, Casey AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX (Provides that credits issued pursuant to § 44-11-2.3 relating to pass through entities would be refundable.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8187.pdf House Bill No. 8189 BY Finkelman AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- EMPLOYER TAX CREDITS FOR RETIREMENT PLAN ESTABLISHMENT, PARTICIPATION AND AUTO-ENROLLMENT (Establishes employer tax credits for establishing a retirement plan for employee participation with auto-enrollment.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8189.pdf House Bill No. 8190 BY Phillips, Corvese, Noret, Newberry, Santucci, Hopkins, Casey, Voas, Azzinaro, Brien AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE AND TRANSFER TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (Increase the estate exemption to $5,000,000 for January 1, 2027, $7,500,000 for January 1, 2029, $10,000,000 for January 1, 2031. This act would eliminate the estate tax for decedents whose death occurs on or after January 1, 2033.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8190.pdf House Bill No. 8195 BY Shallcross Smith, Casey AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND LOCAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT (Provides a tax credit to a taxpayer that makes a qualified investment in a qualified business.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8195.pdf House Bill No. 8198 BY Cortvriend, Tanzi, Kazarian, Boylan, Cruz, Kislak AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- SALES AND USE TAXES -- LIABILITY AND COMPUTATION (Imposes a sales tax on digital advertising services.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8198.pdf House Bill No. 8200 BY Tanzi, Alzate, Potter, McGaw, Batista, Shanley, Stewart, Kislak, Handy, Ajello AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- WEALTH PROCEEDS TAX (Imposes a tax equal to four percent (4%) on net investment income, such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains and rental income, of high-income households, estates and trusts, based upon federal guidelines.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8200.pdf House Bill No. 8212 BY Serpa AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTERCHANGE FEE RESTRICTION ACT (Creates the interchange fee restriction act prohibiting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8212.pdf House Bill No. 8264 BY Phillips, Batista, Brien, Casey, Corvese, Noret, Read AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Requires that retailers retain money received for gift certificates in a separate account, until the gift certificate is used or redeemed.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8264.pdf This Week at the State House
Tuesday, March 10th New Employer Tax Proposal The companion bill to last week’s H.7965 is scheduled for hearing in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee at the Rise (approximately 4:30 p.m.) in the Senate Lounge. S.2110 establishes a fund to aid families of children with serious illnesses by paying medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance. Monies for the fund are raised through a $1.50 per employee tax on businesses. According to the Department of Labor and Training’s January report, Rhode Island has approximately 513,100 nonfarm employees, including 66,200 government employees. Based on these figures, the proposed assessment should generate more than $670,000 annually. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2110.pdf Testimony can be submitted to: [email protected] Gift Card Fraud House Judiciary will meet at the Rise in the House Lounge. Gift card fraud is on the agenda. H.8044 creates penalties for using gift cards fraudulently. Using such cards with a value of less and $1500 would be larceny, subject to a fine of $1000, imprisonment up to one year, and restitution. If the card is worth $1500 to $5000, the fine is $1500 and potential imprisonment of three years. For cards worth $5000 to $10,000, the fine is up to $3000 and possible imprisonment up to six years. If the card is more than $10,000, the prison sentence could be ten years and a fine of $5000. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8044.pdf Safety Barrier Installation Requirement for Retail Establishment The Senate Commerce Committee has on its agenda for Tuesday at the Rise in Room 212, S.2523 which would require commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishments: (1) when new construction is underway, (2) within three years after the passage of the act, or (3) when undertaking renovations subject to a building permit. The bill allows insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy. Failure to comply with the barrier requirement results in a civil penalty up to $5000 and a possible suspension of the occupancy permit. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2523.pdf Testimony may be submitted at: [email protected] Wednesday, March 11th Building Benchmarking, Building Performance Standards, Carbon Emission Reductions On Wednesday at 4pm in the House Lounge, the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will convene for hearings on a few bills impacting commercial buildings. Last year, one of these bills passed the House during the last night of session and was getting a great deal of attention as proponents pushed to pass it in the Senate. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected] H.7183 – Building Benchmarking and Reporting Act of 2026 - creates a new statute – Chapter 27.5 – to facilitate an energy reporting requirement for residential, commercial and industrial buildings with twenty-five thousand gross square feet or more. The following information must be provided to the Office of Energy Resources (OER): property address, primary use, gross floor area, annual energy use, source of energy use, annual greenhouse gas emissions, and a statement of compliance or noncompliance with the statute. Buildings with 50,000 sq ft or more begin reporting May 15, 2028. Building between 25,000 – 49.999 sq. ft. begin reporting May 15, 2030. Exemptions are available for vacant buildings, buildings possessing a demolition permit and buildings with no energy services provided. OER is required to collect the data and to post building specific information on its website, as well as “Progress against baseline year data for intervening years for both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.” H.7183, under the enforcement provision, allows OER to withhold grants and Infrastructure Bank monies from buildings that fail to comply with reporting requirements or “decarbonization efforts.” No other sections of the bill provide OER with the ability to implement decarbonization requirements based on the results of the benchmarking reports. Bills in previous years have included such explicit authority. Lastly, any municipality currently implementing a reporting program (Providence) may continue to do so and submit its information to OER - relieving building owners from a double reporting requirement. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7183.pdf H.7184 – Building Performance Standards – is sponsored by the same Representative Kislak that sponsored H.7183. Like H.7183, it creates Chapter 27.5 but provides an alternative avenue to addressing building emissions. H.7184 requires the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to work with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to create building performance metrices for buildings with more than 25,000 gross sq. ft. of space. This applies to residential and commercial buildings, but not to buildings where a majority of energy is used for manufacturing, electricity generating, or thermal energy generating purposes. The bill does not establish a specific reporting requirement like H.7183; but it does give OER explicit authority to adopt energy use and greenhouse gas emission standards for covered buildings based on use types. Starting December 31, 2028, OER and DEM would adopt the metrics and set standards that would eventually lead to a net zero emissions standard. The standards would be updated every five years between 2028 and 2050 and are expected to be adopted in such a way to establish a straight-line trajectory to the net zero target. Interim standards can be adopted for certain property types if it is deemed necessary. Starting June 30, 2035, and every five years thereafter, property owners must demonstrate progress toward the performance standards. The bill provides the ability to apply for waivers for hardship for a five-year period or to propose an alternative action plan for consideration. OER must establish penalties for violations of the law. Monies raised through the penalties are deposited in a “Building Performance Standard Fund” overseen by a newly established Environmental Justice Advisor Board comprised of nonprofits, public agencies, housing advocates, small businesses, experts in racial and social equity and the AFL-CIO. Board members receive a stipend for their service as well as reimbursement for childcare needs to attend meetings. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7184.pdf H.7484 – Buildings Carbon Emissions Reduction Act – bans municipalities from issuing a permit, after December 31, 2026, for construction of any new large development (over 50,000 sq.ft gross space) unless it will likely meet 100% clean energy use by 2050. An exemption does exist for buildings in the event it is deemed unfeasible, although financial considerations are not acceptable. Modification can only be issued if the building is unable to meet building code requirements, cannot operate without gas or oil piping systems, is a commercial food service establishment or is built all-electric ready. Hospitals, medical facilities, laboratories for biological research and restaurants are exempt from the ban. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7484.pdf Thursday, March 12h Digital Right to Repair, Credit Card Transaction Fees On Thursday, the House Corporations Committee will meet at the Rise in Room 101 regarding a digital right to repair bill and credit card transaction fees. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected] H.7180 establishes a “digital electronics right to repair” act, which would allow for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2027, to be repaired at an independent repair provider. Additionally, it requires an original equipment manufacturer to make available to any independent repair facility any documentation, parts, and tools required for diagnosis, maintenance, or other repairs. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7180.pdf H.8121 prohibits the charging of interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card. If a fee is charged, it is deemed to be a violation of the deceptive trade practices act and is subject to a penalty of $1,000 per electronic transaction. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8212.pdf Non-compete Agreement S.2160, – Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act, will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the Rise in Room 313. Current law bans businesses from entering into noncompete agreements with individuals that make 250% of the federal poverty level or less ($39,125 for a single person). S.2160 strikes this language, making noncompete agreements illegal unless it is entered into as part of a sale of the business or is made with an employee making under $125,000 a year. An exemption also exists for businesses governed by the federal Gramm Leach-Bliley Act. The bill adds a provision allowing businesses to enter into agreements with employees not to share customer lists and future business plans. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2160.pdf New Introductions The House and Senate introduced 319 bills last week. This edition of Advocacy in Action includes a portion of the bills of interest to the business community. The remainder will be included in future weeks’ editions. Senate Bill No. 2736 Burke, Bissaillon, Thompson, Famiglietti, Patalano, Raptakis, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY (Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2736.pdf Senate Bill No. 2737 Lawson, Ciccone, Tikoian, Burke, Bissaillon, LaMountain, Murray, Britto, McKenney, Felag, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE -- GENERAL PROVISIONS (Expands the benefit definitions to include a grandchild and care recipient and increases benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028 and provides a TDI/TCI opt-in option for self-employed workers.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2737.pdf Senate Bill No. 2739 Famiglietti, Dimitri, Euer, McKenney, Zurier, Bissaillon, Thompson, Bell, Raptakis, Burke, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION -- PROCEDURE (Amends the workers' compensation reimbursement provisions related to the liability of third person for damages.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2739.pdf Senate Bill No. 2744 Ciccone, Burke, Felag, Acosta, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT (Establishes an opportunity for employee ownership where the owner notifies all current full-time and part-time employees and provides them with a 30-day window in which to initiate a process to potentially purchase the business as a workers' cooperative.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2744.pdf Senate Bill No. 2766 Gu, DiPalma, Urso, Vargas, Zurier, Paolino, Burke, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND DELETE ACT (Requires any entity that knowingly collects, shares or sells to third parties the personal data of a consumer to register with the department of business regulations and permits for the consumer to request deletion of the personal data.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2766.pdf Senate Bill No. 2768 Thompson, Murray, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Requires any business entity that makes automatic renewal offers or memberships or subscriptions that are available on-line, also make the canceling such agreements for goods, services, memberships or subscriptions equally accessible on-line.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2768.pdf Senate Bill No. 2809 (Lieutenant Governor) Ciccone, DiPalma, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TAX CREDIT (Establishes a tax credit for businesses transitioning to employee ownership.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2809.pdf Senate Bill No. 2833 Valverde, Ciccone, Lauria, DiPalma, Acosta, Bissaillon, Kallman, Felag, Pearson, Quezada, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- RHODE ISLAND LOCAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT (Provides a tax credit to a taxpayer that makes a qualified investment in a qualified business.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2833.pdf Senate Bill No. 2847 Thompson, DiPalma, Murray, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- STATE TAX OFFICIALS (Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2847.pdf Senate Bill No. 2903 Gu, DiMario, Urso, Kallman, McKenney, Euer, Thompson, DiPalma, AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROGRAM ACT (Establishes the Residential and Commercial Property Acquisition Program Act to implement residential or commercial property acquisitions, paired with funding for relocation costs within or proximate to the current community.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2903.pdf House Bill No. 7960 (Dept. of Labor and Training) Corvese, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES (Eliminates prescribed timelines for hearing and determination in certain enforcement actions before the department labor and training to align with reasonable practice.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7960.pdf House Bill No. 7964 Stewart, Potter, Cruz, Kislak, Cotter, Morales, Furtado, McEntee, Tanzi, Donovan, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT (Establishes an opportunity for employee ownership where the owner notifies all current full-time and part-time employees and provides them with a 30-day window in which to initiate a process to potentially purchase the business as a workers' cooperative.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7964.pdf House Bill No. 7966 Morales, Sanchez, Cruz, Potter, Tanzi, Cotter, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE EXTREME TEMPERATURE WORKER PROTECTION ACT (Requires employers to protect workers from extreme heat and cold by implementing safety plans, providing paid rest breaks, shade or warmth, drinking water, and protective equipment, ensuring training, and recordkeeping.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7966.pdf House Bill No. 7969 Fellela, Serpa, Hull, Edwards, Corvese, AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY (Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7969.pdf House Bill No. 7993 (Attorney General) Morales, Stewart, Cotter, Potter, Sanchez, Giraldo, Cruz, Tanzi, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL (Establishes a bureau of public protection within the department of attorney general.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7993.pdf House Bill No. 8035 Santucci, Chippendale, Nardone, Newberry, Costantino, Place, Roberts, Hopkins, AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PROPERTY TAX/RENT FREEZE BILL (Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8035.pdf House Bill No. 8047 Dawson, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DECISIONS, SPECIAL FINDINGS AND ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES (Adds the doctrine of assumption of risk to the current comparative negligence statute.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8047.pdf House Bill No. 8051 Casey, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Tolls the statute of limitations for causes of action arising out of business activities conducted in this state by a person or entity required to register with the secretary of state but failing to do so, until such person or entity becomes registered.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8051.pdf House Bill No. 8060 Solomon, AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IMPERSONATION AND IDENTITY FRAUD (Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud. This act would also protect individuals and businesses from digital forgery.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8060.pdf House Bill No. 8106 (Lieutenant Governor) Casey, AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ESTATES IN REAL PROPERTY (Prohibits restrictive covenants related to grocery stores.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8106.pdf House Bill No. 8108 Potter, Cruz, Handy, DeSimone, Alzate, Stewart, Morales, Kislak, Giraldo, Batista, AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT (Limits rent increases to 4% annually, but allows an additional increase for taxes, insurance, or health and safety costs if the landlord gets an exemption from the secretary of housing, and provides tenants civil remedies for violations.) https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8108.pdf This Week at the State House
Tuesday, March 3rd Tax Amnesty; Tax Rates The House Finance Committee will convene at the Rise (approximately 4:30 p.m.) in Room 35. The agenda includes the Governor’s tax amnesty program as well as the increase in the personal income tax rate for higher income earners, that are contained in Article 5:
This will be an important hearing. If these provisions impact you as an individual, or as the owner of a pass-through entity, the Chamber encourages you to attend the hearing and testify, or to submit written testimony at: [email protected] Also on Tuesday at the Rise in the House Lounge, the House Corporations Committee will be taking testimony on a few bills that may be of interest to Chamber Members. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected]. No Swipe Fees on Taxes or Gratuities H 7607 would prohibit the charging of interchange fees, also known as “swipe fees”, on the portions of a credit card transactions related to taxes and gratuities. This is being promoted by hospitality businesses and local merchants, and is similar to legislation adopted in Illinois that recently withstood legal challenge. Grocery Store Sales Practices Spearheaded by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, two bills impacting business activity at grocery stores will be heard by the Committee. H 7514 would prohibit covered suppliers from offering different terms of sale to covered retailers and wholesalers for the same goods. H 7719 would require retailers offering food product discounts through digital coupons to also provide them to in-store customers. Wednesday, March 4th Extreme Temperatures; Employment Records; Bullying; Warehouse Workers On Wednesday at 4pm in Room 313, the Senate Labor & Gaming Committee will convene for hearings on a few bills impacting employment protocols. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected]. S 2320 requires employers to conduct training and implement plans to prevent and reduce exposure of employees to temperatures above 90 degrees or at or below 32 degrees. Plans should include paid breaks, access to warming/cooling stations, and the use of personal protective equipment. S 2498 expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain employment records for 3 years post termination. S 2502 exposes employers to liability for workplace bullying. This legislation establishes an obligation on employers to create a work environment free from what “a reasonable person would consider threatening, hostile, or abusive and that unreasonably interferes with the target’s ability to perform job duties. Conduct may include false accusations, sabotage of work performance, consistent ignoring or ostracism, removal of major responsibilities, consistent unreasonable workloads, excessive monitoring…persistent hypercriticism, impossible deadlines…” These words can mean different things to different people, leaving everyone wondering what they can and cannot do or say in the workplace. S.2502 is not identical to H.7121 which also addresses psychological bullying in the workplace. S 2504 requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods; and also requires employers to provide information concerning adverse employment actions that an employee might face for failure to meet the quota. Thursday, March 5th Modifications to TDI/TCI, UI, and Maternity Leave; New Employer Tax On Thursday, the House Labor Committee will meet at the Rise in the House Lounge regarding various proposals modifying benefits under TDI/TCI, Unemployment Insurance, maternity leave, and imposing a new employer tax to fund a catastrophic illness relief fund for children. Testimony regarding these matters can be submitted to: [email protected]. H 7968 would expand temporary care giver leave to include a grandchild and care recipient (defined as a person for whom the employee is responsible for providing or arranging health or safety related care), increases the benefit period from 8 weeks to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028 and provides a TDI/TCI opt-in option for self-employed workers. H 7962 would eliminate the 6/30/26 sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits. The earnings increase was originally established during the COVID pandemic to address the limited job market. H 7440 would allow unemployment benefits for workers who are on strike or are locked out of their workplaces by their employer due to a labor dispute. Strikes and lockouts are part of the labor negotiation process, often arising from disagreements over wages, working conditions, or other terms of employment. These actions are typically voluntary on the part of the employees and should not be viewed as a situation of involuntary unemployment. H 7561 would prohibit employers from requiring employees to use sick, vacation, or personal leave, or other paid time off as a condition of maternity leave. The bill also allows employees to voluntarily choose to use accrued leave concurrently with TDI benefits. H 7965 would establish a fund to aid families of children with serious illnesses by paying medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance. Monies for the fund are raised through a $1.50 per employee tax on businesses. New Introductions The House and Senate introduced 506 bills last Friday. This edition of Advocacy in Action includes a portion of the bills of interest to the business community. The remainder will be included in next week’s edition. Senate Bill No. 2638 BY Gu, Zurier, Urso, DiPalma, Paolino, Vargas, Burke Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations. Senate Bill No. 2642 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Britto, Gu, DiMario, McKenney, Zurier, Bissaillon, Urso Creates a new chapter to protect Rhode Island consumers from coercive tactics at grocery stores. Senate Bill No. 2643 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Gu, Britto, Tikoian, Kallman Provides that stores offering food product discounts must provide the same discounts to in-store customers that are offered to customers using electronic digital coupons. Senate Bill No. 2644 (Lieutenant Governor) BY Murray, Thompson Prohibits restrictive covenants related to grocery stores. Senate Bill No. 2647 BY Appollonio Establishes the commercial kitchen exhaust system inspection and cleaning licensing and certification act. It also requires entities inspecting or cleaning commercial exhaust systems be licensed and insured. Senate Bill No. 2662 BY DiMario, Lauria, Gallo, Valverde, Mack, Murray, Kallman Allows Rhode Island employers can help pay employees’ student loans in high-need fields if they work full-time for 2 years in undeserved areas and are in an income driven repayment plan. RISLA must provide annual reporting. Senate Bill No. 2664 BY Britto, Dimitri, DiMario, Zurier, Bissaillon, Urso Removes the requirement that 5% of the hotel tax generated from the South County tourism district be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. Senate Bill No. 2665 BY Dimitri, LaMountain, Raptakis, Thompson, Famiglietti, Paolino, de la Cruz, Rogers, Morgan Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses. Senate Bill No. 2672 BY de la Cruz, Rogers, Dimitri, Thompson, Patalano, Famiglietti, Burke Establishes phased reduction of personal income tax rates. Senate Bill No. 2684 BY Burke, Bissaillon, Thompson, Famiglietti, Patalano, Raptakis Exempts from sales tax the amount paid for a parking space to a patron for one hour or less, in or on a parking facility on which a commercial establishment is located. Senate Bill No. 2709 BY Raptakis, Burke, de la Cruz, Bell, Ciccone, Famiglietti, Appollonio, Dimitri, Rogers, Thompson Requires nonprofit entities who receive grants or other funding, to provide a detailed list of their ten highest paid directors, officers or employees’ salaries and benefits, including the names of said individuals. House Bill No. 7844 BY Casey Requires businesses that conduct business to register and maintain required filings with the secretary of state so that consumers and small businesses may readily identify responsible parties, verify good standing, and effectuate service of process. House Bill No. 7849 BY Marszalkowski Creates the surveillance pricing and online retailing act that would prohibit algorithmic price increases for online purchases. House Bill No. 7880 BY Slater, Kislak, Stewart, Ajello, Handy, Cruz Creates an income-sensitive tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households. House Bill No. 7882 BY Casey, Phillips, Brien Requires any public utility company that needs to close any state or municipal roadway for work to provide notice to all residential and business property owners located within 1,000 ft of the closed highway at least 48 hrs before the road closure. House Bill No. 7884 BY Handy, McGaw, Stewart, Tanzi, Hull, Edwards, Caldwell, Cruz, Potter, Furtado Establishes federal back stop language for any provisions of federal law relating to any of the energy or water conservation standards issued or approved for publication by the office of the United States Secretary of Energy as of January 19, 2025. House Bill No. 7888 BY Cotter, Kazarian, Potter, Tanzi, McGaw, Morales, Stewart, Handy, Casimiro, Cruz Provides that effective July 1, 2026, the profit margin of any electric distribution company or distributor of natural gas, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year. House Resolution No. 7891 BY Cortvriend, McGaw, Kazarian, Spears, Boylan HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO TERMINATE GAS LINE EXTENSION ALLOWANCES AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE House Bill No. 7910 BY Bennett, McEntee, Speakman, McNamara, Handy, Hull, Carson, Shallcross Smith, Casimiro, Diaz Creates the extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper program for the recycling of packaging and paper products. House Bill No. 7911 BY McEntee, Spears, Bennett, Knight, Boylan, Caldwell, Carson, Handy, Speakman, Donovan Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers. House Bill No. 7959 BY Giraldo, Alzate, Cruz, Morales Requires the employer, at the time of hiring, to furnish to their employees an itemized list of the terms and conditions of the employment and mandates that each payday a pay stub explaining how their wages were calculated is provided. |
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