Rhode Island Overview – 2024 Session
RHODE ISLAND
Legislative Overview – 2024 Session
(Adjourned on June 14, 2024)
15 pet related items were proposed during the 2024 legislative session, 9 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| BILL # | SUMMARY | FINAL DISPOSITION |
| HB 7236/SB 2655 | Animal Cruelty Offense – Inclusion of Domestic Violence: Amends Title 12 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 29 (Domestic Violence Prevention Act), Section 12-29-2 (Definitions) of Rhode Island General Laws by amending the definition of “domestic violence” to include certain animal cruelty offenses. | DIED IN COMMITTEE (MISSED CROSSOVER DEADLINE) |
| HB 7840 | Vicious Dog Seizure/Disposition: Amends Title 4 (Animals & Animal Husbandry), Chapter 13.1 (Regulation of Vicious Dogs), Section 4-13.1-5 (Harboring dogs for dog fighting – Training dogs to attack humans – Selling, breeding, or buying dogs) of Rhode Island General Laws to further provide for the seizure, disposition and cost of care of vicious dogs. | PENDING SIGNATURE BY GOVERNOR |
| HB 8094/SB 2755 | Care of Dogs Statute – Penalty Provision Amendments: Amends Title 4 (Animals & Animal Husbandry), Chapter 4-13 (Dogs), Section 4-13-42 (Care of Dogs) of Rhode Island General Laws to increase the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 6/12/24) |
| SB 2056 | Repeal of Pet Care Services Sales Tax: Amends Title 44 (Taxation), Chapter 44-18 (Sales and Use Taxes – Liability and Computation), Section 7.3 (Services Defined) of RI General Laws to repeal the sales tax on pet care services. | DIED IN COMMITTEE (MISSED CROSSOVER DEADLINE) |
| HB 7305/SB 2221 | Fair Housing Act – “Assistance Animal” Definition: Amends Title 34 (Property), Chapter 34-37 (RI Fair Housing Practices Act), Sections 34-37-3 (Definitions) and 34-37-4 (Unlawful housing practices) of RI General Statutes to define “assistance animal” and clarify existing protections for persons with such animals consistent with the federal Fair Housing Act. | DIED IN COMMITTEE (MISSED CROSSOVER DEADLINE) |
| SB 2538 | Vicious Dogs – Euthanasia Restrictions: Amends Title 4 (Animals & Animal Husbandry), Chapter 13.1 (Regulation of Vicious Dogs), Section 4-13.1-5 (Harboring dogs for dog fighting – Training dogs to attack humans – Selling, breeding, or buying dogs) of Rhode Island General Laws to further provide for euthanasia of certain vicious dogs. | PENDING SIGNATURE BY GOVERNOR |
View ALL Rhode Island legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2024 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2024 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2023-24 session.