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Personal stories help people understand the importance of Death with Dignity legislation, and how it's being enacted.
Rhode Island
CURRENT STATUS: Considering DWD
Bring end-of-life freedom to Rhode Island!
Three Ways to Take Action
- Share your story. If you are living with a terminal illness, lost someone you love, or believe deeply in personal autonomy and dignity at the end of life, your voice matters.
- Learn how you can advocate for Death with Dignity in Rhode Island.
- Read the latest updates on Rhode Island’s legislative process.
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Rhode Island
Timeline of Death with Dignity in Rhode Island
2026
2026
Bills Do Not Advance
The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (S2051/H7760) is introduced and referred to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.
A hearing for H7760 is scheduled for Thursday, April 30. The committee recommends that the bill be held for further study.
A hearing S2051 is scheduled for May 7 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee recommends that the bill be held for further study.
The session ends, and the bills do not advance.
2025
2025
Bill Does Not Pass
H5219 held its hearing on February 11, and while no action was taken, the committee recommended it be held for further study. S151 is referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The session ends, and the bills do not advance.
2024
2024
Bills Do Not Advance
In January, the Rhode Island legislature introduced the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (H7100/S2093). Both bills are referred to their respective Judiciary Committees.The House Judiciary committee recommends that H7100 be held for further study. S2093 has a public hearing scheduled on March 5 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. After the hearing, the committee recommends that the measure be held for further study. The deadline passes for Senate and House bills to make it through public hearings, and the bills do not advance.
2023
2023
Bill Does Not Advance
On January 19 the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (H5210/S126) is introduced and referred to the House and Senate Judiciary Committee. A public hearing is held in the House Judiciary Committee for the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act. The bill is held for further study and does not advance.
2022
2022
Bill Does Not Move Forward
The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (HB6600/S2112) is introduced January 6. The bill does not move forward.
