Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2397: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2397 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island Senate on January 30, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS. Primary sponsor: Thomas Paolino (Republican), Pete Appollonio (Democratic), Todd Patalano (Democratic), Andrew Dimitri (Democratic), Bob Britto (Democratic), Jake Bissaillon (Democratic), Matt LaMountain (Democratic), David Tikoian (Democratic), Lori Urso (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (June 4, 2026): 06/04/2026 Referred to House Judiciary.
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 penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $250 or no more than $1,000 and up to 11 months imprisonment for violating the law on the care of dogs.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 8 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Paolino | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 17 |
| Pete Appollonio | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 29 |
| Todd Patalano | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 26 |
| Andrew Dimitri | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 25 |
| Bob Britto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 18 |
| Jake Bissaillon | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 1 |
| Matt LaMountain | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 31 |
| David Tikoian | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 22 |
| Lori Urso | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 8 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 06/04/2026 Referred to House Judiciary
- 06/03/2026 Senate passed Sub A
- 05/27/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/03/2026)
- 05/26/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
- 05/22/2026 Proposed Substitute
- 05/22/2026 Scheduled for consideration (05/26/2026)
- 04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/14/2026)
- 01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary