Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Rhode Island
Val Lawson
Democratic · Senator

Val Lawson

Represents District 14 in the State Senate.

Official site ↗ Email
Votes with Democrats
100%
on 90 party-line votes · Senate Democrats median 97%
Cast a vote
99%
Yea or Nay on 554 of 562 roll calls · Senate median 93%
Their bills that became law
19 of 24
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 10.5
Roll calls on record
562
2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Nov 4, 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 Val Lawson 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 Val Lawson 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. Val Lawson is circled.

Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party

0 of 90 party-line votes.

They voted with most Democrats on every party-line vote this session.

Closest votes they cast

Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.

H8004 · Provides technical amendments relating to comprehensive planning and land use, subdivision of land, zoning ordinances and low- and moderate-income housing.
In plain English Makes technical amendments to laws governing comprehensive planning, land use, subdivisions, zoning, and low- and moderate-income housing.
Yea
Passage · 2026-06-11 · Passed 22–16
S2078 · Creates the School Libraries Act.
In plain English Creates a School Libraries Act.
Yea
Senate Committee on Education: Be held for further study · 2026-03-04 · Passed 8–0
S2016 · Adds "media literacy" to the standards currently taught in civic education for K-12, which are the history of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship and the principles of democracy.
In plain English Requires schools to include media literacy in civic education standards for kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Yea
Senate Committee on Education: Be held for further study · 2026-03-04 · Passed 9–0
S3302 · Provides technical amendments relating to comprehensive planning and land use, subdivision of land, zoning ordinances and low- and moderate-income housing.
In plain English Makes technical amendments to laws governing comprehensive planning, land use, subdivisions, zoning, and low- and moderate-income housing.
Yea
Passage · 2026-06-10 · Passed 24–14
S2360 · Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.
Yea
Passage · 2026-06-04 · Passed 24–14
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 · 93 shared contested votes
20%
Thomas PaolinoRepublican · District 17 · 92 shared contested votes
17%
Elaine MorganRepublican · District 34 · 92 shared contested votes
16%
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 (8 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.

2026-02: 4 roll calls, 0 without a Yea or Nay2026-03: 34 roll calls, 0 without a Yea or Nay2026-04: 23 roll calls, 0 without a Yea or Nay2026-05: 149 roll calls, 1 without a Yea or Nay2026-06: 352 roll calls, 7 without a Yea or NayFeb 2026Jun 2026
← Rhode Island Delegation
Their bills, from filing to law

Bills Val Lawson 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.

Introduced24
Out of committee21
Passed one chamber21
Passed both chambers19
Became law19
Never left committee3

For comparison, the median Democratic member of the Senate has 10.5 bills that became law this session.

What their bills are about
Labor And Labor Relations 2LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS — RESTRICTIONS ON SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS ACT 1Taxation 1TAXATION — FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER SAVINGS ACCOUNT ACT 1Motor And Other Vehicles 1MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES — REGISTRATION FEES 1
Expands guaranteed issue rights for Medigap plan enrollees who enroll outside of a plan’s initial enrollment period.
In plain English Expands guaranteed issue rights for people enrolling in Medigap plans outside their initial enrollment period.
Official synopsis: INSURANCE — MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES – Expands guaranteed issue rights for Medigap plan enrollees who enroll outside of a plan’s initial enrollment period.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-22
Establishes a statewide mobile response and stabilization services program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their natural environments.
In plain English Establishes a statewide mobile response program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their communities.
Official synopsis: STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT — CHILDREN'S MOBILE RESPONSE AND STABILIZATION SERVICES – Establishes a statewide mobile response and stabilization services program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their natural environments.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-22
Includes veterans 75 years or older with a combined service connected disability rating of 70% as eligible for disabled veterans license plates.
In plain English Allows veterans age 75 or older with a 70% service-connected disability rating to get disabled veterans license plates.
Official synopsis: MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES — REGISTRATION FEES – Includes veterans 75 years or older with a combined service connected disability rating of 70% as eligible for disabled veterans license plates.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-19
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.
In plain English Limits the number of self-service checkout stations grocery stores can have and restricts how many stations employees must monitor.
Official synopsis: LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS — RESTRICTIONS ON SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS ACT – 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.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-18
Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud and allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters and creates penalties for real estate title fraud.
In plain English Establishes the crime of real estate title fraud, allows municipalities to refuse recording suspicious documents from untrusted submitters, and sets penalties.
Official synopsis: CRIMINAL OFFENSES — FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING – Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud and allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters and creates penalties for real estate title fraud.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-10
Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.
In plain English Requires school districts to offer at least one free payment method for school lunches and disclose any fees charged by payment platforms.
Official synopsis: EDUCATION — FEDERAL AID – Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.
Became lawSigned by Governor · 2026-06-10
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $4,800,000 TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) EAT WELL, BE WELL REWARDS PROGRAM (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $4,800,000 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program.)
Passed one chamberReferred to House Finance · 2026-06-04
Expands the benefit definitions of temporary care giver leave to include a grandchild and care recipient and would increase a leave benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and twelve 12 weeks for 2028.
In plain English Expands temporary caregiver leave to include grandchildren and care recipients, increasing leave to 10 weeks in 2027 and 12 weeks in 2028.
Official synopsis: LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS — TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE — GENERAL PROVISIONS – Expands the benefit definitions of temporary care giver leave to include a grandchild and care recipient and would increase a leave benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and twelve 12 weeks for…
Passed one chamberReferred to House Labor · 2026-05-29
SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING "NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK" ON MAY 10-16, 2026, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-05-14
SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ARTHUR PAIVA
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-05-07
Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first-time homebuyer savings account with Rhode Island housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home and receive tax deductions and exemptions.
In plain English Allows first-time homebuyers to contribute to a savings account for home purchase costs and receive tax deductions.
Official synopsis: TAXATION — FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER SAVINGS ACCOUNT ACT – Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first-time homebuyer savings account with Rhode Island housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home and receive tax deductions and exemptions.
Not out of committeeCommittee recommended measure be held for further study · 2026-05-07
SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 4, 2026, AS RHODE ISLAND INDEPENDENCE DAY AND THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S HISTORIC ACT OF RENUNCIATION
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-04-30
SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING SANDRA BERUBE ON HER RETIREMENT AFTER 33 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS A SENIOR STAFF MEMBER WITH THE RHODE ISLAND STATE SENATE
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-04-16
SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BASEBALL ICON DAVEY LOPES AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY ON HIS PASSING
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-04-16
SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE VALIANT INTERVENTION EFFORTS OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JOSEPH J. MCBURNEY AND HEAD OF SECURITY, DANA SMITH ON BEHALF OF HIS COURT INTERN WHO WAS WRONGFULLY IDENTIFIED AND TARGETED BY IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE) AGENTS
Became lawSenate read and passed · 2026-04-07

“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.

Loading committees…
H8436 · 2026-06-11
Amends the current statute governing exemptions from property taxes for elderly and the disabled in the town of Glocester. (Passage)
Passed · 36-0
Yea
H7477 · 2026-06-11
Replaces the existing limited liability company act with a newer and updated model act. (Passage)
Passed · 36-2
Yea
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)
Passed · 35-3
Yea
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)
Passed · 25-13
Yea
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)
Passed · 25-13
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
S2365 · 2026-06-11
Eliminates the age requirement for modification on Social Security income. (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 35-2
Yea
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)
Passed · 32-5
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 33-5
Yea
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)
Passed · 32-6
Yea
S2555 · 2026-06-11
Requires DOE to establish a bilingual education support fund. (Passage)
Passed · 36-2
Yea
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)
Passed · 35-3
Yea
S3290 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a separate domestic violence calendar within the superior court to handle felony domestic violence cases. (Passage)
Passed · 37-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 33-5
Yea
S2678 · 2026-06-11
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. (Passage)
Passed · 37-0
Absent
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
S3185 · 2026-06-11
Exempts property that consists of the lake bed and Wilson’s Reservoir in the town of Burrillville from taxes. (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
H7585 · 2026-06-11
Permits hit and run victims suffering serious bodily injury to recover under the crime victim compensation program. (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
H8582 · 2026-06-11
Imposes certain duties, transparency, and accountability from pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacy benefits management services. (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 34-4
Yea
H7198 · 2026-06-11
Further delineate the definitions of felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor. (Passage)
Passed · 32-6
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
H8046 · 2026-06-11
Establishes a set service rate of seventy dollars ($70.00) for the service of all writs, citations or subpoenas. (Passage)
Passed · 37-0
Yea
H7740 · 2026-06-11
Provides and clarifies procedures for the administration of deep sedation and general anesthesia by certain types of nurses. (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 37-1
Yea
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)
Passed · 37-1
Yea
H7866 · 2026-06-11
Raises the percentage from eighty percent (80%) to eighty-five percent (85%) regarding declaring a vehicle a total loss. (Passage)
Passed · 33-5
Yea
H8605 · 2026-06-11
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PAY CERTAIN CLAIMS (Authorizes the appropriation to pay certain claims.) (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0 · 2 roll calls that day, voted the same way on each
Yea
H8005 · 2026-06-11
Amends the standards and limitations on permitted parking requirements for dwelling units. (Passage)
Passed · 35-2
Yea
H7975 · 2026-06-11
Requires licensed retailers authorized to sell intoxicating beverages to provide a lid to a consumer upon request. (Passage)
Passed · 37-1
Yea
H8546 · 2026-06-11
REGARDING MOTIONS AT THE TOWN OF SCITUATE ANNUAL FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
H7683 · 2026-06-11
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. (Passage)
Passed · 37-0
Absent
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)
Passed · 32-6
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 29-9
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 37-1
Yea
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)
Passed · 37-1
Yea
S2047 · 2026-06-11
Further delineates the definitions of felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor. (Passage)
Passed · 32-6
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
H7538 · 2026-06-11
Requires healthcare providers and healthcare facilities to inform patients of the use of artificial intelligence to memorialize patient visits. (Passage)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0 · 2 roll calls that day, voted the same way on each
Yea
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)
Passed · 34-4
Yea
S2667 · 2026-06-11
Increases income limits for eligible families and also increases the exit threshold. (Passage)
Passed · 35-3
Yea
S2667 · 2026-06-11
Increases income limits for eligible families and also increases the exit threshold. (Passage)
Passed · 34-4
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 34-4
Yea
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)
Passed · 38-0
Yea
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)
Passed · 32-5
Yea
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 562 total roll-call votes this session).
Voting data provided by LegiScan, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Follow Val Lawson

One email a week, only when there’s something: every time they broke with their party, and the closest votes they cast. Free, and you can stop any time.

+ Advertise on this pageReach District 14 constituents