AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chippendale and 3 co-sponsors

Grants Paul J. Rao temporary authority to solemnize a specific marriage in Foster, RI on or about June 20, 2026.

06/17/2026 Effective without Governor's signature

Summary of HB 7666 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

This act is a targeted authorization related to the solemnization of marriages. It expressly permits a specified individual, Paul J. Rao, to solemnize a marriage between Spencer Rao and Michaela Smith in Foster, Rhode Island, on or about June 20, 2026.

The bill operates as a standalone, time-specific grant of authority rather than broad changes to marriage solemnization rules.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Grants Paul J. Rao the authority to solemnize the marriage of Spencer Rao and Michaela Smith in the Town of Foster, RI, on or about June 20, 2026.

Rao is authorized to perform the marriage in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 3 of Title 15 (Solemnization of Marriages).
The location is explicitly limited to Foster, Rhode Island.

Section 2: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

Primary beneficiary: Paul J. Rao (the individual who may solemnize the marriage).

Intended spouses: Spencer Rao and Michaela Smith.

Geographic scope: Town of Foster, Rhode Island.

The act does not modify existing requirements for other individuals who may solemnize marriages or broaden qualifications for officiants beyond this one targeted authorization.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced February 11, 2026, with sponsors listed (Chippendale, Santucci, Newberry, Place; co-sponsors include Chippendale, Newberry, Place, Santucci).

Referred to House Special Legislation; subsequently moved through the standard legislative process:

House passed (March 24, 2026) and placed on Senate consideration.
Senate Judiciary received the bill (April 3, 2026) and scheduled for hearing/consideration (June 3, 2026) after a prior scheduling note (June 1, 2026 hearing.

The act becomes effective immediately upon passage.

Notable considerations

The bill is narrowly tailored and time-bound, authorizing a single officiant for a specific ceremony on a specific date.

It does not alter general eligibility criteria for marriage officiants, does not establish ongoing authority, and does not create permanent changes to Rhode Island’s marriage laws beyond this one-off authorization.

Potential considerations for readers include the rarity of time-limited authorizations and how such authorizations interact with standard licensing or eligibility requirements for officiants under Rhode Island law.