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HB 5349

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VITAL RECORDS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Waives the first vital records fee for inmates set for release, helping them obtain birth and other personal records to support reentry.

06/24/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 5349

Bill Summary — HB 5349

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — VITAL RECORDS
State: Rhode Island — 2025 Session
Status: Signed by Governor (June 24, 2025)

Purpose

To remove a financial barrier for incarcerated individuals who are preparing to re-enter the community by waiving fees charged by the Department of Health for a first request for their own vital records (vital statistics), thereby aiding reentry (e.g., obtaining a birth certificate or other personal vital records).

Key provisions

  • Adds R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 23-3, section 23-3-25.2.
  • Creates an exemption from payment of charges or fees for "any incarcerated person who is set to be released from prison to re-enter the community" when making a first request for their own vital statistics from the Department of Health.
  • The waiver applies only to the first request for personal records and only for incarcerated persons who are being released to the community.
  • Effective date: upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Directly affected: incarcerated persons in Rhode Island who, prior to release to the community, request their own vital statistics (e.g., birth, marriage, or other personal vital records) for the first time.
  • Indirectly affected: Rhode Island Department of Health (administration of record requests), Department of Corrections (verification/coordination), and any agencies or reentry service providers assisting with documentation needs.

Implementation and likely impacts

  • Administrative: the Department of Health will need procedures to verify eligibility (incarceration status and pending release) and to record that the fee waiver was used for a person's first request.
  • Fiscal: the bill contains no appropriation. The fiscal impact is not specified in the text; waiving first-request fees may have a small revenue impact on the Department of Health but could reduce downstream costs by facilitating reentry (employment, housing, benefits).
  • Scope limits: the exemption is limited to a first request and to requests for the person's own records; other requirements and fees (if any beyond the first request) are not waived by this act.

Legislative timeline & status

  • Introduced: Feb 7, 2025 (filed Mar 14, 2025). Sponsors: Reps. Felix, Craven, Knight, McEntee, Dawson, Batista, Cruz, Potter, Ajello, Place.
  • Referred to House Judiciary; committee actions and referral to Corrections occurred; committee recommended passage (Apr 22, 2025).
  • Passed House (Jun 12, 2025); passed Senate in concurrence (Jun 18, 2025); transmitted to Governor (Jun 18, 2025).
  • Signed into law by Governor: Jun 24, 2025. Law takes effect upon passage.

Notes

  • The statute refers broadly to "vital statistics"; common examples include birth and marriage certificates. The department may issue guidance on verification and the operational definition of "first request."
  • The measure is narrowly tailored to support reentry by ensuring individuals can obtain essential identity documents without an initial fee.

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

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