New Rhode Island laws in 2024, what to expect

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — New laws are going into effect Monday morning.

On New Year’s Day, Rhode Island will welcome multiple new laws regarding the minimum wage, health care, affordable housing, going green, and more.

Here is what to expect in 2024:

Environmental

A statewide ban on plastic bags will go into effect on Monday. Stores that do not comply with the law will be fined $100 or more.

A ban on the sale of mercury-containing florescent lightbulbs, with many exceptions attached.

Health care

The Rhode Island Department of Health will be rejoining the Nurse Licensure Compact, which will allow for multistate licensing for RNs and LPNs, as well as the allowance of other complying states to practice in Rhode Island.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications must be covered by insurers. This also allows for pharmacists to prescribe these medications to eligible patients.

Holiday

Governor McKee has signed Juneteenth (June 19) into law as a state holiday. This holiday celebrates the end of slavery after the Civil War in the United States.

Housing

The State of Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act will prohibit landlords, property management companies, and real estate brokers from charging an application fee, with the exception of a fee for credit check, background check, screening, or administrative services. Those who violate this law will be punished with a misdemeanor and a fine of $500.

The aggregate deductible for tenants will increase from $125 to $500.

Labor

The RI General Law states that the minimum wage will increase to $14.00 per hour on January 1, 2024, and increase to $15.00 in 2025.

Voting

17-year-olds are allowed to vote in a primary election, as long as they are registered to vote and will be 18 by the time of the general election.

16-year-olds can register to vote.