Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7173: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7173 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 21, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024. Primary sponsor: Bill O'Brien (Democratic), Sam Azzinaro (Democratic), Joseph Solomon (Democratic), Jay Edwards (Democratic), Mia Ackerman (Democratic), Grace Diaz (Democratic), Pat Serpa (Democratic), Deb Fellela (Democratic), Megan Cotter (Democratic), Brian Kennedy (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (June 18, 2026): 06/18/2026 Signed by Governor.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Incorporates broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill O'Brien | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 54 |
| Sam Azzinaro | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 37 |
| Joseph Solomon | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 22 |
| Jay Edwards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
| Mia Ackerman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 45 |
| Grace Diaz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 11 |
| Pat Serpa | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 27 |
| Deb Fellela | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 43 |
| Megan Cotter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 39 |
| Brian Kennedy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
- 06/16/2026 Transmitted to Governor
- 06/09/2026 Senate passed as amended in concurrence
- 06/05/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/09/2026)
- 05/28/2026 Committee recommends passage as amended in concurrence
- 05/26/2026 Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)
- 05/01/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
- 04/28/2026 House passed as amended (floor amendment)
- 04/24/2026 Placed on House Calendar (04/28/2026)
- 04/07/2026 Committee recommends passage
- 04/03/2026 Scheduled for consideration (04/07/2026)
- 02/03/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history