Amends certain signature requirements and deadlines regarding primaries for election of delegates to national conventions for presidential preference.

# Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Changes to Presidential Primary Signature Requirements and Deadlines

This bill proposes changes to the rules governing how Rhode Island runs its presidential primary elections — specifically the process by which delegates are chosen to attend national party conventions and how presidential preference votes are conducted. The bill would modify the number of signatures candidates or delegates need to collect on petitions to get on the primary ballot, and it would also adjust the deadlines associated with this process.

These changes would primarily affect people who want to run as delegates to the Democratic or Republican national conventions, as well as presidential candidates seeking to appear on Rhode Island's primary ballot. By altering signature requirements and filing deadlines, the bill could make it easier or harder for candidates and potential delegates to qualify for the ballot, depending on whether the requirements are being raised or lowered.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee. As of its most recent action, the committee recommended that the measure be held for further study, with a hearing and/or consideration scheduled for February 5, 2026. This means the bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by either chamber.