Bills affecting Person of color in Rhode Island — 2026 session

Creates the Rhode Island voting rights act to establish procedures to prevent discrimination in the voting process.

Provides for fair pharmacy reimbursement from a pharmacy benefit manager, and also provides anti-discrimination prohibitions in regard to non-affiliated pharmacies or pharmacists.

Amends unfair discrimination statutes to encompass more protected categories and protect against additional forms of discrimination.

Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.

Defines “anti-Semitism” for the state human affairs commission to use while investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination and for the commission against prejudice and bias to use in defining hate crimes.

Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.

Establishes the trades worker justice and safety act to help provide workers with a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, bullying, abuse and retaliation.

Established a cause of action against state government entities for violation of civil rights.

Provides a definition for antisemitism to be used by state agencies to evaluate whether discrimination is present.