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HB 8365

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH COLLABORATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island authorizes international public health partnerships and data sharing to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness for cross-border health threats.

06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 8365

Legislative bill overview

HB 8365 establishes a framework for Rhode Island to collaborate with international partners on public health matters, research, and disease prevention initiatives. The bill enables the state to enter into agreements and partnerships with foreign governments, international organizations, and academic institutions to address cross-border health threats and share epidemiological data and best practices.

Why is this important

Public health challenges like pandemics, drug-resistant infections, and environmental health risks increasingly transcend state and national borders. Formalizing international collaboration allows Rhode Island to access global disease surveillance networks, participate in coordinated research, and strengthen preparedness for emerging health threats that could directly affect state residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Data sovereignty concerns: Questions about what health information can be shared with foreign entities and how patient privacy is protected under different international legal standards
  • Cost and resource allocation: Unclear fiscal impact of new international partnerships and whether these commitments divert resources from existing state health programs
  • Foreign policy alignment: Potential friction between state-level health collaboration and federal foreign policy objectives, particularly regarding partnerships with certain countries

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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