Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7786: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL STATE OFFICERS -- NON-PARTISAN ELECTION OF SECRETARY OF STATE
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7786 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 12, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- GENERAL STATE OFFICERS -- NON-PARTISAN ELECTION OF SECRETARY OF STATE. Primary sponsor: David Place (Republican), George Nardone (Republican), Mike Chippendale (Republican), Brian Newberry (Republican). Most recent recorded action (April 30, 2026): 04/30/2026 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.
Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow a non-partisan election of the secretary of state, commencing with the 2030 election.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 4
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Place | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 47 |
| George Nardone | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 28 |
| Mike Chippendale | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 40 |
| Brian Newberry | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 48 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)
- 03/23/2026 Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/26/2026)
- 03/20/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- 02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections