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Bill > S2496
RI S2496
RI S2496Allows a pregnant member or member that has given birth in the past six (6) months to appear remotely and permits any member that participates in a meeting remotely to vote at that meeting, provided that the meeting is held in person.
summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would allow a pregnant member or a member that has given birth in the past six (6) months to appear remotely to participate in a public body meeting. This act would further permit any member that participates in a meeting remotely to also vote remotely at that meeting, provided that the meeting is held in person. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill amends Rhode Island's Open Meetings law to allow any member of a public body who is pregnant or has given birth within the past six months to participate in meetings remotely using electronic or telephone communication, and importantly, permits any member participating remotely to also cast their vote remotely, provided the meeting itself is being held in person. This change aims to increase accessibility and participation for new mothers and pregnant individuals in public governance, ensuring their voices can still be heard and counted even if they cannot physically attend a meeting. The bill will become effective immediately upon its passage.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Bob Britto (D)*,
Peter Appollonio (D),
Alana DiMario (D),
Dawn Euer (D),
Pam Lauria (D),
Mark McKenney (D),
Melissa Murray (D),
Brian Thompson (D),
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary (on 02/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2496.pdf |
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