Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7031

Introduced

1/9/26

Refer

1/9/26

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY SAFE STAFFING RATIOS IN HOSPITALS (Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.)

Impact

The bill aims to provide a structured framework for analyzing the implications of staffing ratios on both patient safety and hospital efficiency. By requiring the commission to evaluate best practices from other states and assess compliance with national staffing standards, H7031 seeks to ensure that Rhode Island hospitals are well-equipped to meet the healthcare needs of the population. The final report, expected by September 1, 2027, will include findings and actionable recommendations aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the state.

Summary

House Bill H7031, also known as the Joint Resolution Creating a Special Legislative Commission to Study Safe Staffing Ratios in Hospitals, proposes the establishment of a 15-member commission. This commission is tasked with investigating and making recommendations on safe staffing levels in hospitals throughout Rhode Island. Introduced on January 09, 2026, by several representatives, the bill emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies on how staffing ratios affect patient outcomes, hospital finances, operational stability, and workforce dynamics.

Contention

While proponents of H7031 argue that establishing clear staffing ratios will enhance patient care quality and safety, critics may voice concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such regulations and the potential financial burdens on hospitals. Additionally, questions about the adequacy of resources dedicated to support these recommendations may arise, particularly in the face of existing staffing shortages and budget constraints. Balancing patient needs with operational realities is likely to be a central point of discussion as the commission conducts its studies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5970

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI S0831

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAFEGUARD RHODE ISLAND AGAINST THE USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (Creates an 11-member commission to study and provide recommendations to safeguard Rhode Island against use of nuclear weapons, and who would report back no later than August 6, 2026, and whose life would expire on November 6, 2026.)

RI H6427

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI S0373

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY (Creates a 5 member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submit an interim progress report by January 5, 2026, and a final report by January 5, 2027, and would expire on February 5, 2027.)

RI H5592

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL NECESSITY FOR CHANGES IN THE GENERAL LAWS PERTAINING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS (Creates a 13 member commission to evaluate and determine changes needed in Title 3 and Chapter 28.11 of Title 21 of the RIGL, and would report back by January 7, 2026, and would expire on March 7, 2026.)

RI H5810

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY (Creates a 7-member commission to for proposals encouraging a positive economic environment for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and would submit an interim report by January 5, 2026, a final report by January 5, 2027, and expires on February 5, 2027.)

RI S0156

RI H5131

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE TO INMATES AND INDIVIDUALS AWAITING TRIAL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5847

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THE FLOODING OF THE PAWTUXET RIVER (Creates an 11-member commission to study and provide recommendations and potential solutions to address the flooding of the Pawtuxet River, and who would report back by March 2, 2026, and would expire on June 2, 2026.)

RI S0023

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES IN LEGISLATION/OVERSIGHT OF THE ACT ON CLIMATE (Creates a 5 member commission to provide recommendations for legislation changes and/or oversight for the Act on Climate, and would report back by May 1, 2026, and would expire on June 1, 2026.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.