Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2298: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2298 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island Senate on January 23, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Primary sponsor: Lammis Vargas (Democratic), Pete Appollonio (Democratic), John Burke (Democratic), Todd Patalano (Democratic), Stefano Famiglietti (Democratic), Melissa Murray (Democratic), David Tikoian (Democratic), Lori Urso (Democratic), Brian Thompson (Democratic), Andrew Dimitri (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 14, 2026): 04/14/2026 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 penalty for cruelty to animals, first offense, from eleven months to twelve months incarceration.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lammis Vargas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 28 |
| Pete Appollonio | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 29 |
| John Burke | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Todd Patalano | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 26 |
| Stefano Famiglietti | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Melissa Murray | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 24 |
| David Tikoian | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 22 |
| Lori Urso | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 8 |
| Brian Thompson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 20 |
| Andrew Dimitri | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 25 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/14/2026)
- 01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary