Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8296: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8296 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on March 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE. Primary sponsor: Brandon Voas (Democratic), Chris Paplauskas (Republican), Casimiro, Stephen Casey (Democratic), Tom Noret (Democratic), Earl Read (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 31, 2026): 03/31/2026 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.
Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Voas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
| Chris Paplauskas | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 15 |
| Casimiro | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Stephen Casey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 50 |
| Tom Noret | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 25 |
| Earl Read | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 26 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)
- 03/13/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections