Requests that the Cannabis Control Commission conduct a study on statutory reform and rules and regulations to regulate the sale of hemp THC-infused beverages.
Allows for the issuance of Class BV liquor licenses for the properties located at 94 Carpenter Street and 1023 Broad Street, both in the city of Providence.
Makes the provisions of §§ 45-19.1-3 and 45-19.1-4, benefits for firefighters with cancer, effective regardless of any general, special or specific law, or any charter and/or municipal ordinance to the contrary.
Makes numerous technical corrections related to insurance, provides a definition for "cybersecurity insurance", and would repeal the chapter relating to reciprocal exchanges and interinsurers.
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.
Maddy summaryRhode Island's Kratom Act (HB 5565) legalizes and regulates the sale and distribution of kratom products within the state. It prohibits specific forms like synthetic alkaloids, candy-like packaging appealing to minors, combustible products, and items exceeding safety limits for heavy metals or active compounds (e.g., mitragynine above 150 mg per serving). The law mandates child-resistant packaging, detailed labeling (including health warnings and ingredient concentrations), and restricts sales to consumers under 21. It directly affects distributors, manufacturers, and retailers who must obtain licenses and comply with these safety and labeling requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 6394 modifies property tax levy limits for cities and towns in Rhode Island, with specific provisions for Providence. It gradually reduces the maximum annual tax increase cap from 5.5% (through 2007) down to 4% (starting 2013), requiring local governments to stay within these limits unless exceptions apply. The bill includes a special provision allowing Providence to exceed its cap in fiscal year 2026 for revenue from Class 2B property tax rates above $28.80 per $1,000 valuation. Exceptions permitting higher taxes include certified revenue shortfalls, emergencies (like health insurance spikes), debt service increases, or major new construction requiring infrastructure spending.
Maddy summaryHB 5247 prohibits retailers from advertising products with a "net price" (price after rebate) without disclosing the rebate amount at the point of purchase. It directly affects retailers selling goods with manufacturer rebates, requiring them to provide the rebate details to consumers when the item is purchased. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice to advertise rebates without this disclosure, aligning with federal rules for live-event tickets and short-term lodging. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all retail sales involving rebates in the state.
Maddy summaryHB 6244 prohibits licensed healthcare facilities in this state from asking patients about their immigration status or requiring proof of legal presence. This applies to all patients receiving care at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities covered under healthcare licensing laws. The bill amends existing patient rights standards to explicitly add that facilities cannot inquire about immigration status (new section 19), ensuring equal access to care regardless of immigration status. It took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5042 repeals the state law that permitted "payday lenders" to operate by removing authorization for "deferred-deposit transactions" (commonly known as payday loans). This directly affects payday lenders, who will no longer be legally allowed to offer short-term loans secured by a customer's check or bank account debit, as the definition of such transactions is deleted from the law. The bill eliminates the specific legal framework enabling these loans, meaning payday lenders can no longer conduct this business under current state law. It does not create new licensing requirements but effectively bans the practice by removing the enabling statute.
