Rhode Island Votes

Bans the sale of so-called assault weapons.

Creates a baby-bond pilot program for certain low-income families.

Increases the minimum wage to $16 per hour on January 1, 2026, and then to $17 per hour on January 1, 2027.

Would place a "Green Amendment" before voters to amend the state constitution and create a constitutional right to clean air, water, and soil, as well as "a life-supporting climate," and environmental preservation.

Requires health-insurance plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women ages 25 to 42.

Would place a proposed constitutional amendment before voters to create a state constitutional right to an "adequate education" and equal opportunity to receive that education.

Allows the state Attorney General to investigate and bring an enforcement action against persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting, or transaction of business or governmental activity.

Amends Rhode Island's mail ballot laws to require that mail ballot drop boxes be accessible to the public starting 35 days prior to state and federal elections, and 20 days prior to special elections.

Amends Rhode Island's weapons laws to mandate safe storage of firearms, requiring they be secured in locked containers or equipped with safety devices when not in use.

Establishes the Rhode Island Drug Cost Review Commission to review and set price limits for prescription drugs when manufacturers increase or introduce prices above specified thresholds.

Amends Rhode Island's Office of Health and Human Services laws to provide Emergency Medicaid coverage for dialysis treatment and kidney transplants for non-citizens who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Establishes the Renewable Ready Program to promote renewable energy development on contaminated or state-owned sites by creating a fund within the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.

Creates tax credit opportunities for musicals, stage plays, and other productions in Rhode Island until 2027.

Would require companies to create new parking spaces outfitted with electric vehicle chargers.

Makes applicants without "proof of lawful presence" eligible for a Rhode Island driver's license and requires that these IDs "shall not be used as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest, or detention."

Would allow employees to sue if they face psychological damage in the workplace. The employer would be required to provide a workplace that doesn't have any such cases.

Would require insurance companies to provide abortion coverage to residents of Rhode Island.

Lowers the maximum penalty for misdemeanors from 365 days to 364 days, so that illegal immigrants do not have to be reported to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Allows the division of motor vehicles to issue "driver privilege cards and permits" to applicants "unable to establish legal presence in the United States."

Restricts the lawful sale of firearms or ammunition to persons 21 years of age or older, with the exemption of full-time law enforcement, state marshals, and members of the U.S. military.

Urges the federal government to sign and ratify the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Permits early voting by mail without an excuse, removes the requirement that mail ballots be signed by a notary public or two witnesses, and directs every municipality to maintain at least one ballot drop box.

Grants the ability to apply ex parte for a court order authorizing the "interception of any wire, electronic, or oral communications" based on alleged felony violations of the Uniform Act on Prevention for Human Trafficking.

Increases the minimum wage from $11.50 per hour to $15.00 per hour, over a 4-year period.