Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7186: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NOTIFICATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AFTER EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7186 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 21, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NOTIFICATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AFTER EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Primary sponsor: Kathleen Fogarty (Democratic), Lauren Carson (Democratic), Brian Kennedy (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Casimiro, Karen Alzate (Democratic), Stephen Casey (Democratic), David Bennett (Democratic), Jay Edwards (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (January 29, 2026): 01/29/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
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.
Amends the definition of infectious diseases to include the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and would include emergency medical technicians eligible for benefits.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 8
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathleen Fogarty | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 35 |
| Lauren Carson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 75 |
| Brian Kennedy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Casimiro | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Karen Alzate | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 60 |
| Stephen Casey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 50 |
| David Bennett | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 20 |
| Jay Edwards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 01/29/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 01/23/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/29/2026)
- 01/21/2026 Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services