New laws to know about in Rhode Island

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The summer is always a time for sunshine, beach days and new laws.

The Rhode Island General Assembly passed dozens of bills before their session ended in June that became laws over past few weeks.

Here’s a look at some of the new laws you should know.

Animals

A new law will allow animal control officers to take immediate control of animals that they find abandoned, neglected, injured or mistreated in any way. Learn more here.
Veterinary telemedicine is now legal in Rhode Island in an effort to expand access to care for pets. Learn more here.

As of July 1, any student who has lived in Rhode Island for two years will qualify for in-state tuition. Previously, students had to live in the state for three years to qualify. Learn more here.
In the new school year, transaction and processing fees for school meals will be limited at all public schools in the state. Learn more here.

In an effort to divert food from landfills, all new school food service contracts must include provisions that “mandate composting or recycling of organic waste.”
A new law will ban the sale of rat poisons in Rhode Island. The legislation would prohibit the sale of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides starting on March 1, 2027, and ban the sale of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides beginning Jan. 1, 2028. Learn more here.

State-regulated health insurers are now required by law in Rhode Island to cover routine vaccines that are recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health without “cost-sharing barriers.” Learn more here.

“Casey’s Law,” named in honor of a Johnston woman killed on I-295 last year, strengthens penalties for crimes involving road rage. Learn more here.
Childhood sexual abuse survivors can now pursue civil claims that were previously considered past the statute of limitations. The new law also establishes that “institutions, organizations and individuals can be held civilly liable for negligent supervision or concealment of a person who sexually abused a minor.” The new legislation was designed to give clergy sex abuse survivors their day in court. Learn more here.
Legislation in the state’s budget will create an independent Office of the Inspector General to investigate the management and operation of state agencies in Rhode Island. Learn more here.

Abuse survivors can now terminate leases without penalty or liability for future rent for the sake of their protection. Learn more here.
A new law will create special license plates for Rhode Island drivers who have disabilities and drive modified vehicles. Learn more here.
Deed theft is now criminalized in Rhode Island. The schemes usually involve forged documents and scammers selling stolen or vacant homes. Learn more here.
Federal immigration authorities are now prohibited from conducting any civil arrests in Rhode Island without a judicial warrant or order while individuals are “traveling to, attending or directly leaving a judicial proceeding.” Learn more here.
The Genetic Information Privacy Act will allow Rhode Islanders to retain control over their own genetic information when they use a genetic testing company. Learn more here.

Crash data is now considered public record in Rhode Island. The new law was designed to allow the public to access data so they can more effectively advocate for safety improvements in incident-prone areas. Learn more here.
Gun ranges in Rhode Island now must put up signs that share the state’s suicide and crisis hotlines. Non-members at gun ranges must also be accompanied at all times.

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