Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7980: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7980 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS. Primary sponsor: Jackie Baginski (Democratic), Raymond Hull (Democratic), Pat Serpa (Democratic), Deb Fellela (Democratic), Brandon Voas (Democratic), Karen Alzate (Democratic), Mary Messier (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 10, 2026): 03/10/2026 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.
Increases the role of the DMV in the voter registration and address verification process, by establishing very specific obligations and responsibilities that must be followed before offering an individual an application to register to vote.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackie Baginski | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 17 |
| Raymond Hull | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 6 |
| Pat Serpa | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 27 |
| Deb Fellela | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 43 |
| Brandon Voas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
| Karen Alzate | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 60 |
| Mary Messier | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 62 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/10/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/06/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/10/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections