Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Rhode Island
Democratic
· Senator
Melissa Murray
Represents District 24 in the State Senate.
Votes with Democrats
97%
on 93 party-line votes · Senate Democrats median 97%
Cast a vote
83%
Yea or Nay on 879 of 1,058 roll calls · Senate median 93%
Their bills that became law
17 of 49
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 10.5
Roll calls on record
1,058
2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 29, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 2026 Regular Session.
How Melissa Murray votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Melissa Murray sits in the Senate
Each dot is one member of the Senate, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Melissa Murray is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
3 of 93 party-line votes.
H8400 · Prohibits the operation of any thermal waste conversion facility such as pyrolysis within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park and expires on June 1, 2027.
In plain English Prohibits operating thermal waste conversion facilities like pyrolysis in the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park until June 1, 2027.
Passage · 2026-06-11 · Passed 29–9 · most Democrats voted the other way
S3224 · Prohibits the operation of any thermal waste conversion facility such as pyrolysis within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park and expires on June 1, 2027.
In plain English Prohibits operating thermal waste conversion facilities like pyrolysis in the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park until June 1, 2027.
Passage · 2026-06-10 · Passed 29–9 · most Democrats voted the other way
H8544 · Amends sections of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act relative to proof of residency terminology, and amends the definition of applicant and provides a new process for the approval and certification for social equity and cannabis retail sales licenses.
In plain English Changes proof of residency requirements and creates a new approval process for social equity and cannabis retail sales licenses.
Passage · 2026-06-09 · Passed 29–8 · most Democrats voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
S3184 · Provides and clarify procedures for the administration of deep sedation and general anesthesia by certain types of nurses.
In plain English Allows certain nurses to administer deep sedation and general anesthesia under specified procedures.
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services: Passage of Sub A · 2026-04-30 · Passed 7–3
S2468 · Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
In plain English Allows medical providers to request exceptions to insurers' step therapy protocols that require trying certain drugs before others.
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services: Be held for further study · 2026-04-16 · Passed 5–0
S2687 · Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.
In plain English Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws and ensure mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services: Be held for further study · 2026-04-16 · Passed 5–0
S2463 · Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2027.
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services: Be held for further study · 2026-04-16 · Passed 5–0
S2573 · Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and help control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).
In plain English Creates a universal single-payer health insurance program called the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program.
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services: Be held for further study · 2026-04-16 · Passed 5–0
Republicans they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Gordon RogersRepublican · District 21 · 94 shared contested votes
24%
Thomas PaolinoRepublican · District 17 · 95 shared contested votes
20%
Elaine MorganRepublican · District 34 · 92 shared contested votes
20%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (179 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Rhode Island Delegation
NVYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Melissa Murray was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced49
Out of committee27
Passed one chamber27
Passed both chambers17
Became law17
Never left committee22
For comparison, the median Democratic member of the Senate has 10.5 bills that became law this session.
What their bills are about
State Affairs And Government 5Health And Safety 5Education 5Insurance 4Property 3Businesses And Professions 3
JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY SAFE STAFFING RATIOS IN HOSPITALS (Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.)
Became lawEffective without Governor's signature · 2026-06-24
Revises sections of the uniform controlled substances act to remove specific opioid dosage requirements and revises the uniform controlled substances act in accordance with current standards of professional practice.
In plain English Removes specific opioid dosage requirements from state controlled substances law and updates it to match current professional practice standards.
Official synopsis: FOOD AND DRUGS — UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT – Revises sections of the uniform controlled substances act to remove specific opioid dosage requirements and revises the uniform controlled substances act in accordance with current standards of professional practice.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-23
Changes the direct client contact hour requirements for applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist associate and applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist.
In plain English Changes the direct client contact hour requirements for marriage and family therapist licensure applicants.
Official synopsis: BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS — MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS – Changes the direct client contact hour requirements for applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist associate and applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-22
Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities that choose to participate. Reports to be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and submitted to the department of environmental management.
In plain English Creates voluntary rodent pest management pilot programs for participating municipalities with reports approved by local officials and sent to the state environmental agency.
Official synopsis: HEALTH AND SAFETY — PESTICIDE CONTROL – Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities that choose to participate. Reports to be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and submitted to the department of environmental management.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-18
Bars the council from granting approval to create or expand a charter school beginning operations in 26-27 school year and bars the state from approving or appropriating funds to a new charter school not approved before July 1, 2025.
In plain English Bars approval of new or expanded charter schools starting in the 2026-27 school year and blocks state funding for charter schools not approved by July 1, 2025.
Official synopsis: EDUCATION — ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS – Bars the council from granting approval to create or expand a charter school beginning operations in 26-27 school year and bars the state from approving or appropriating funds to a new charter school not approved before July…
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-18
Prohibits restrictive covenants related to grocery stores.
In plain English Bans property restrictions that prevent grocery stores from being built or operated on land.
Official synopsis: PROPERTY — ESTATES IN REAL PROPERTY – Prohibits restrictive covenants related to grocery stores.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-18
Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent. Effective 7/1/26.
In plain English Allows tenants who are victims of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, or stalking to end their lease early without penalties or owing remaining rent.
Official synopsis: PROPERTY — RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT — RHODE ISLAND SURVIVOR EARLY LEASE TERMINATION ACT – Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement…
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-18
Amends the Rhode Island works program to increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.
In plain English Increases the monthly cash benefit in the Rhode Island Works program to 100 percent of the federal poverty level starting July 1, 2026.
Official synopsis: HUMAN SERVICES — THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM – Amends the Rhode Island works program to increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.
Passed one chamberSenate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment) · 2026-06-11
Establishes a procedure to permit DCYF to apply for benefits on behalf of children, who are eligible, that are within temporary custody or guardianship of the department.
In plain English Allows the Department of Children, Youth and Families to apply for benefits on behalf of eligible children in its temporary custody or guardianship.
Official synopsis: STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT — DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES – Establishes a procedure to permit DCYF to apply for benefits on behalf of children, who are eligible, that are within temporary custody or guardianship of the department.
Passed one chamberSenate passed Sub A · 2026-06-11
Provides conditions under which BHDDH has the authority to compel certain healthcare providers to finish requested healthcare records without violating The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
In plain English Allows the state health department to require certain healthcare providers to complete requested medical records if doing so does not violate federal privacy law.
Official synopsis: BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS — CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ACT – Provides conditions under which BHDDH has the authority to compel certain healthcare providers to finish requested healthcare records without violating The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Passed one chamberSenate passed Sub A · 2026-06-10
Changes the definition of employee to include individuals employed in the domestic service of any person.
In plain English Expands the definition of employee to include people employed in domestic service.
Official synopsis: LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS — FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES – Changes the definition of employee to include individuals employed in the domestic service of any person.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-10
Requires any licensed lab performing blood lead analyses of a child under 6 to be certified by the director and said laboratory must perform this test regardless of the child or child’s parent’s ability to pay and at no cost.
In plain English Requires licensed labs to be certified to perform free blood lead tests for children under 6, regardless of ability to pay.
Official synopsis: HEALTH AND SAFETY — LEAD POISONING PREVENTION ACT – Requires any licensed lab performing blood lead analyses of a child under 6 to be certified by the director and said laboratory must perform this test regardless of the child or child’s parent’s ability to pay…
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-10
Requires the state, and private insurers that cover prescription hormone therapy, to dispense twelve (12) months’ worth of the prescription as a single prescription.
In plain English Requires state and private insurers covering prescription hormone therapy to dispense twelve months' worth as a single prescription.
Official synopsis: INSURANCE — ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES – Requires the state, and private insurers that cover prescription hormone therapy, to dispense twelve (12) months’ worth of the prescription as a single prescription.
Passed one chamberReferred to House Health & Human Services · 2026-06-05
SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026 AS "PRIDE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-06-04
Provides proper authority for the division of taxation to provide HSRI with contact information for Rhode Islanders who report they were uninsured on their RI state income tax return.
In plain English Allows the tax division to share contact information of uninsured Rhode Islanders with the state health insurance program.
Official synopsis: TAXATION — PERSONAL INCOME TAX – Provides proper authority for the division of taxation to provide HSRI with contact information for Rhode Islanders who report they were uninsured on their RI state income tax return.
Not out of committeeCommittee recommended measure be held for further study · 2026-06-03
“In plain English” lines are written by ThePolitibase with AI (Claude), from the official synopsis only; the synopsis is the authoritative text. Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
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H8436 · 2026-06-11
Amends the current statute governing exemptions from property taxes for elderly and the disabled in the town of Glocester. (Passage)
H7477 · 2026-06-11
Replaces the existing limited liability company act with a newer and updated model act. (Passage)
H7079 · 2026-06-11
Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provides criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good character. (Passage)
S2733 · 2026-06-11
Makes it unlawful for a person in the custody of the department of corrections to use any force or weapon to resist a lawful request or directive. (Passage)
H8463 · 2026-06-11
Makes it unlawful for a person in the custody of the department of corrections to use any force or weapon to resist a lawful request or directive. (Passage)
S2829 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a procedure to permit DCYF to apply for benefits on behalf of children, who are eligible, that are within temporary custody or guardianship of the department. (Passage)
S3080 · 2026-06-11
Establishes the thermal energy network & jobs act facilitating study of the technology to determine if goals can be met by implementing thermal energy networks in Rhode Island/creates a task force of interested parties to be an advisory committee. (Passage)
S2365 · 2026-06-11
Eliminates the age requirement for modification on Social Security income. (Passage)
S3361 · 2026-06-11
Allows for sending of the notice under power of sale and rights of active military servicemembers by USPS First Class Mail and/or an overnight delivery service, instead of by USPS certified mail return receipt requested. (Passage)
S3361 · 2026-06-11
Allows for sending of the notice under power of sale and rights of active military servicemembers by USPS First Class Mail and/or an overnight delivery service, instead of by USPS certified mail return receipt requested. (Passage)
S2334 · 2026-06-11
Authorizes the use of campaign funds for security related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, in response to threats arising from their public service or candidacy. (Passage)
S3370 · 2026-06-11
Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Amos House, provided it remains a qualified tax-exempt corporation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. (Passage)
S2045 · 2026-06-11
Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations. (Passage)
S2045 · 2026-06-11
Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations. (Passage)
S2555 · 2026-06-11
Requires DOE to establish a bilingual education support fund. (Passage)
H7030 · 2026-06-11
Establishes the healthcare worker platform and would require platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the department of health by June 1, 2027, while, specifically, exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies. (Passage)
S3290 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a separate domestic violence calendar within the superior court to handle felony domestic violence cases. (Passage)
S2292 · 2026-06-11
Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general. (Passage)
S2678 · 2026-06-11
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. (Passage)
S2834 · 2026-06-11
Permits extended early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities whose third birthday is between May 1 and August 31. (Passage)
S3185 · 2026-06-11
Exempts property that consists of the lake bed and Wilson’s Reservoir in the town of Burrillville from taxes. (Passage)
H7585 · 2026-06-11
Permits hit and run victims suffering serious bodily injury to recover under the crime victim compensation program. (Passage)
H8582 · 2026-06-11
Imposes certain duties, transparency, and accountability from pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacy benefits management services. (Passage)
H8155 · 2026-06-11
Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim. (Passage)
S2823 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a child tax credit in the amount of three hundred thirty dollars ($330) for eligible taxpayers adjusted for inflation annually commencing January 1, 2027. (Passage)
H7625 · 2026-06-11
Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations. (Passage)
H7198 · 2026-06-11
Further delineate the definitions of felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor. (Passage)
H7879 · 2026-06-11
Facilitates the study of thermal energy technology to determine if these goals can be met by the implementation of thermal energy networks in Rhode Island. (Passage)
H8046 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a set service rate of seventy dollars ($70.00) for the service of all writs, citations or subpoenas. (Passage)
H7740 · 2026-06-11
Provides and clarifies procedures for the administration of deep sedation and general anesthesia by certain types of nurses. (Passage)
H8384 · 2026-06-11
Creates an enhanced penalty defined as "road rage" to be applied in addition to penalties for convictions of certain motor vehicle offenses. (Passage)
S2734 · 2026-06-11
Requires owners or landlords who rent shoreline property to provide their tenants, before the start of the tenancy, with a detailed, written disclosure regarding public shoreline access rights. (Passage)
H7866 · 2026-06-11
Raises the percentage from eighty percent (80%) to eighty-five percent (85%) regarding declaring a vehicle a total loss. (Passage)
H8605 · 2026-06-11
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PAY CERTAIN CLAIMS (Authorizes the appropriation to pay certain claims.) (Passage)
S3334 · 2026-06-11
Amends the compositions of the Rhode Island life science hub board of directors and amends the I-195 redevelopment district commission and provides additional amendments to the powers and duties of the commission. (Passage)
H8005 · 2026-06-11
Amends the standards and limitations on permitted parking requirements for dwelling units. (Passage)
H7975 · 2026-06-11
Requires licensed retailers authorized to sell intoxicating beverages to provide a lid to a consumer upon request. (Passage)
H8546 · 2026-06-11
REGARDING MOTIONS AT THE TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING (Passage)
S2676 · 2026-06-11
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) to the Main Street Rhode Island Program.) (Passage)
H7683 · 2026-06-11
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. (Passage)
H7290 · 2026-06-11
Places limits on the number of self-service checkout stations a grocery store can have and on the workload of employees assigned to monitor those checkout stations. (Passage)
S2123 · 2026-06-11
Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center located in the city of Pawtucket. Effective retroactively to December 31, 2025 and affects next levy issued by the city or town where property is located. (Passage)
H7020 · 2026-06-11
Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person. (Passage)
H8484 · 2026-06-11
Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Amos House, provided it remains a qualified tax-exempt corporation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. (Passage)
H8435 · 2026-06-11
Allows for the issuance of a Class B license for the property located at 102 Granite Street, in the town of Westerly. (Passage)
H8110 · 2026-06-11
Requires owners or landlords who rent shoreline property to provide their tenants, before the start of the tenancy, with a detailed, written disclosure regarding public shoreline access rights. (Passage)
H8527 · 2026-06-11
AUTHORIZING THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SERVING THE TOWNS OF CHARLESTOWN, RICHMOND AND HOPKINTON, CONSISTING OF ONE OR MORE BUILDINGS ON A SINGLE CAMPUS, AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE SWITCH ROAD CAMPUS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF LAND ACQUISITION, DEMOLITION, DESIGN, HEALTH AND SAFETY PROJECTS, PLAYGROUNDS, LANDSCAPING, PAVING, AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENTAL THERETO, BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $116,000,000 BONDS AND/OR NOTES THEREFOR, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 61% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE, WHICH RATE OR RATIO MAY INCREASE TO 65% AT PROJECT COMPLETION (Passage)
S2047 · 2026-06-11
Further delineates the definitions of felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor. (Passage)
S3366 · 2026-06-11
Creates special motor vehicle registration plates for vehicles based on the not-for-profit entity Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub. (Passage)
H7538 · 2026-06-11
Requires healthcare providers and healthcare facilities to inform patients of the use of artificial intelligence to memorialize patient visits. (Passage)
S2828 · 2026-06-11
Amends the Rhode Island works program to increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026. (Passage)
H8252 · 2026-06-11
Provides any student, who meets the requirements of this section, with an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges. (Passage)
S2667 · 2026-06-11
Increases income limits for eligible families and also increases the exit threshold. (Passage)
S2667 · 2026-06-11
Increases income limits for eligible families and also increases the exit threshold. (Passage)
S2330 · 2026-06-11
Permits the implementation of a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles, by the DMV and requires that rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter, be promulgated by the administrator of the DMV. (Passage)
S2650 · 2026-06-11
Provides any student, who meets the requirements of this section, with an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges, or community colleges. (Passage)
H7495 · 2026-06-11
Authorizes the use of campaign funds for security related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, in response to threats arising from their public service or candidacy. (Passage)
H7183 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a program for the energy and water benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance. (Passage)
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 1058 total roll-call votes this session).
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