Advocate
Several pieces of legislation in the 2026 RI legislative session would help immigrant communities. See below for important bills supported by local advocates, an overview of the General Assembly, and how you can help a bill become law.
What Can You Do at a Public Hearing?
Testify in person. Tips for testifying here.
Attend to show support for people testifying. A full room shows legislators that these bills are important to many people. Bring a friend.
Email your testimony to the committee before the hearing even if you can't show up in person.
Watch on Capitol TV: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv
The “364” Bill
Change the definitions of the sentencing for minor offenses by one day – from 365 to 364 – to protect immigrants from deportation. Under federal immigration law, some convictions that carry a sentence of one year or more may result in detention or deportation.
2026-H 7198, sponsored by Representative Leonela Felix (D-61, Pawtucket)
Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
Public Hearing: view video of 3/4/26 hearing
2026-S 2047, sponsored by Senator Jonathon Acosta (D-16, Central Falls, Pawtucket)
Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
Protect Our Courts Act
Limit the ability of federal immigration authorities to investigate, detain or arrest anyone without a judicial warrant at courthouses. This protects community members’ right to a fair trial and access to justice, regardless of immigration status.
2026-H 7360 — sponsored by Rep. José Batista (D-12, Providence)
Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
Public Hearing: view video of 3/4/26 hearing
2026-S 2045, sponsored by Sen. Megan Kallman, (D-15, Pawtucket, Providence)
Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
Rhode Island Works Act
Eliminate the waiting period for Green Card holders to use Rhode Island Works, the cash assistance and work program for very low-income families. In 2008, Rhode Island imposed a 5-year waiting period for families with lawful permanent residency (Green Cards) to use RI Works. Ending the waiting period will help families to support their children.
2025-H 5724 — sponsored by Representative Arthur Handy (D-18, Cranston)
Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
Public Hearing: view video of 3/4/26 hearing
2026-S - sponsored by Senator Melissa Murray (D-24, Woonsocket)
Status: Bill yet to be introduced
RI Community Protection Act
Bar law enforcement officers, including ICE, from wearing masks or disguises when interacting with the public, except as protection from smoke, infectious diseases and other hazards. It would also require a visible ID and impose criminal penalties and civil liability for violations.
2026-H 7211, sponsored by Representative Leonela Felix (D-61, Pawtucket)
Status: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
Public Hearing: view video of 3/4/26 hearing
2026-S 2608, sponsored by Sen. Megan Kallman, (D-15, Pawtucket, Providence)
Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
About the RI General Assembly
Help a Bill
Become Law
in Rhode Island
The legislative process can be confusing, but it follows a basic flow. The diagram below attempts to explain the usual path for how a bill can be stopped or succeed. It often takes several years for a bill to become law.
You can view the chart in a larger screen here.
To track a specific bill, sign up for the Bill Tracker tool here.
