Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7640

Introduced
2/11/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  
Engrossed
4/14/26  

Caption

For purposes of the judicial security act permits an authorized agent to file a written notice with a state, county, or municipal agency on behalf of a protected individual.

Impact

If enacted, H7640 will significantly modify how state, county, and municipal agencies handle sensitive personal information of protected individuals. The bill mandates that upon a written request from a protected individual or their authorized agent, agencies must promptly remove personal information from public view and keep it confidential thereafter. This change intends to reduce the risks associated with potential harassment or threats faced by those in the judiciary due to their public roles. Compliance is legally required, which holds violators accountable should breaches occur.

Summary

House Bill 7640 aims to enhance the protection of personal information for individuals associated with the Rhode Island judicial system, including judges, magistrates, and their immediate family members. This bill amends existing court administration laws to establish confidentiality measures that prevent public agencies from posting or disclosing the personal details of these protected individuals without their explicit consent. The emphasis on confidentiality seeks to safeguard the privacy of those who serve or have served in the judiciary, ensuring that their personal details such as addresses and phone numbers are not publicly accessible.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding H7640 include the balance between public transparency and individual privacy rights. While proponents argue this bill is necessary for the safety and privacy of judicial members, critics may raise concerns about the implications for public access to information related to the judiciary's operations. Additional debates may center around how broadly 'personal information' is defined and whether this could inadvertently shield judicial proceedings from public scrutiny, affecting accountability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5225

Limits the ability for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend or arrest any individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws without a judicial warrant within certain protected locations.

RI S0537

Limits the ability for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend or arrest any individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws without a judicial warrant within certain protected locations.

RI S0794

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

RI H5892

Protects the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

RI H5883

Mandates municipalities to participate in the parking mobility app program where individuals may submit photos on the app of vehicles that are parked in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities and the violator may be cited and fined.

RI S0581

Protect the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

RI H5034

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.

RI S0849

Establishes a reimbursement system for a municipalities cost of training public safety personnel when they are hired by a different municipality or public safety agency within Rhode Island within 3 years of receiving the public safety training.

RI H5950

Establishes a reimbursement system for a municipalities cost of training public safety personnel when they are hired by a different municipality or public safety agency within Rhode Island within 3 years of receiving the public safety training.

RI H5935

Expands firearm rights to recognize out of state carry permits, authorizes weapons carried during emergency evacuation and establishes an appeal process for permit denied.

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