Rhode Island’s Governor recently signed the Rhode Island Judicial Security Act (H5892), which aims to bolster the privacy and security of current and former judicial officers and their families by introducing several measures...more
Recent legislation enacted by the Rhode Island General Assembly brings reforms to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) in March 2026. Other new laws and CRMC priorities, and changes to permitting...more
On June 26, the governor of Rhode Island signed into law S0169, which amends the state’s deceptive trade practices laws to prohibit credit reporting agencies from reporting a consumer’s medical debt. The law also bars filing...more
On June 26, 2025, Rhode Island enacted Bill 579 SUB A, Chapter 41, establishing new compliance and reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations operating within the state. Aimed at enhancing transparency and...more
On June 24, the governor of Rhode Island signed into law H 5811 to amend the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2009. The amendment changes the law to prohibit an individual who is licensed as both a...more
Earth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on environmental and sustainability topics, including recently proposed legislation in the Rhode Island General Assembly including efforts to enshrine a right to a clean and...more
With Rhode Island municipal revaluations of property going into effect for the 2025 tax year, many homeowners and business owners are beginning to explore their options on challenging the new assessment, as most assessments...more
Rhode Island recently passed the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, which will ban the manufacture, use and distribution of certain products with intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2027. The Act further states “[i]t is...more
Cannabis policy reform in Rhode Island has spanned nearly two decades, starting with the legalization of medical marijuana in 2006. Then, after years of determined advocacy and legislative debate, the Rhode Island Cannabis...more
Land use matters in Rhode Island are often challenging to interpreappt and navigate. In fact, the Ocean State is known for having among the most restrictive policies for zoning and land use control in the U.S. It’s not hard...more
Despite two Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) issued by federal courts in Rhode Island and Washington, DC, the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island found that the Trump Administration’s funding freeze...more
As the holidays approach, family is at the forefront in many people’s minds. Families come in every variety of size, color, age, gender and chaos. Some families look like the Cleavers or the Cosbys. Others look more like the...more
In late June 2024, Rhode Island joined the growing list of states that have enacted phased bans on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of various types of products containing PFAS. Rhode Island’s statute, entitled the...more
Rhode Island is the latest state to adopt a comprehensive data privacy law, titled the Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act....more
Rhode Island’s new privacy law has now passed into law, adding to the constantly evolving US privacy law patchwork. Rhode Island becomes the 20th state to enact a “comprehensive” privacy law (this one passing by default,...more
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a new law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-34-50) that prohibits the enforcement of non-competition agreements with advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the state on June 17, 2024....more
On June 25, 2024, the governor of Rhode Island transmitted without signature a comprehensive privacy bill, the Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (DTPPA), back to the state legislature, which is still...more
It is that time of year again, when the Rhode Island legislature ends its session and passes a number of laws that affect businesses with Rhode Island-based employees. 2024 was no different. Though in some ways this year was...more
In an effort to “fundamentally change [the State’s] approach to housing development, particularly for the moderate and affordable development we need most,” the Rhode Island General Assembly recently passed a slew of...more
Rhode Island Senate leadership is backing legislation that would exempt the first $100,000 of tangible property from property taxation by municipalities. The tangible tax is currently levied on businesses for property other...more
November saw a lot of local activity regarding Rhode Island's upcoming adult-use cannabis retail licensing round. As discussed in a previous post, the Rhode Island Cannabis Act (RICA) permitted cities and towns to include a...more
Last month, the Rhode Island General Assembly adjourned for 2022. Two years removed from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislative session finally returned to a familiar pace and structure. In contrast, the ongoing...more
On May 24th, Governor Daniel McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act (the “Act”) into law, making the Ocean State the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adult-use. While adult-use retail sales will not launch in the...more
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana in the state on May 25, 2022. The new law took effect immediately. Adults age 21 and older now can possess up to an ounce of cannabis, may grow...more
After years of debate, Rhode Island's General Assembly voted to legalize adult-use cannabis on May 24, 2022. Governor Daniel McKee signed "The Rhode Island Cannabis Act" into law on May 25, making The Ocean State the 19th to...more