Establishes that a renewable energy resource shall pay $5.00 per kilowatt of alternating current nameplate capacity for tangible property and $3.50 per kilowatt of alternating nameplate capacity for real property.
Makes numerous technical corrections related to insurance, provides a definition for "cybersecurity insurance", and would repeal the chapter relating to reciprocal exchanges and interinsurers.
HB 5871 prevents the amendment of historical vital records (births, marriages, and deaths) once they are transferred to the Rhode Island State Archives. Records become "historical" after 100 years for births/marriages or 50 years for deaths, at which point they are permanently moved to the state archives under the secretary of state's control. The bill ensures these archived records cannot be changed, preserving their historical integrity, while requiring electronic copies to be kept with local registrars for issuing certified copies to the public. This affects only records transferred to the archives, not current vital records managed by local registrars.
HB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.
Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.
This pilot program would create a $3,000 trust for each Rhode Island child ages zero to one year born to a family enrolled in the Rhode Island Works Program (“RI Works”) during the preceding calendar year.
Protects the rights of employees in the workplace relating to free speech, assembly and religion, as well as attendance at employer-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious matters.
Provides standards for developing, implementing, and maintaining reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.
Expands the definition of "employee," and clarifies that the board may defer a pending unfair labor practice charge to allow for the grievance and arbitration process to move forward pursuant to the charging parties collective bargaining agreement.
Changes the process by which a dispute between the insured and their insurance company, concerning property damages and requires that the umpire appraisers shall be disinterested and the cost shared equally.
SB 932 extends a temporary rule allowing nonprofit organizations that sponsor special license plates to order as few as 150 plates per design (instead of the standard 600) without needing full prepayment. This change, originally set to expire December 31, 2025, is made permanent by the bill. It directly affects nonprofits that create custom plates for causes like charities or community groups, reducing their financial barrier to launching new designs. The bill repeals the expiration date, ensuring the lower minimum order requirement continues indefinitely.
Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.
