The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a bill that aims to prevent auto insurers from charging higher rates to widowed individuals. Rep. Arthur Handy sponsored the bill after discovering the rate hikes following his own wife’s passing. Handy explained that marital status is one of many factors insurance companies take into consideration when assessing risk, but losing a spouse does not make one a greater risk. The bill has the support of the local insurance industry and, if passed by the Senate, will go into effect for policies issued after Jan. 1, 2024.