Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7494: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7494 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 4, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS. Primary sponsor: Joseph Solomon (Democratic), Casimiro, Katie Kazarian (Democratic), Jon Brien (Independent), Brian Kennedy (Democratic), Matthew Dawson (Democratic), Evan Shanley (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (June 23, 2026): 06/23/2026 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.
Requires the board of elections to establish a secure area for the public observation of mail ballot processing and require the mail ballot voter’s signature be compared to the signature on file within the state central voter registration system.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5 · Independent 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Solomon | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 22 |
| Casimiro | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Katie Kazarian | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 63 |
| Jon Brien | Primary sponsor | Independent | House | 49 |
| Brian Kennedy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Matthew Dawson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 65 |
| Evan Shanley | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 24 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
- 06/18/2026 Transmitted to Governor
- 06/09/2026 Senate passed in concurrence
- 06/05/2026 Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/09/2026)
- 06/03/2026 House read and passed
- 05/29/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/03/2026)
- 05/28/2026 Committee recommends passage
- 05/22/2026 Scheduled for consideration (05/28/2026)
- 03/10/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/06/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/10/2026)
- 02/04/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections