Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2027, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.
Directs the office of energy resources to develop building performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island that would cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline in line with the act on climate requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 10, 2026, as "Homeless Service Provider Day" in Rhode Island to honor the work of organizations and individuals who support people experiencing homelessness. The resolution recognizes the efforts of nonprofits, shelter staff, outreach teams, and volunteers who provide essential services like emergency housing, meals, and case management. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Housing Network of Rhode Island/Community Housing Land Trust. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy requirements or funding.
Requires that student mentors in public schools be certified support educators, ensuring mentors have professional training, established student relationships, and access to skills and information needed to support student success.
Maddy summaryHB 7759 gives nursing home patients and their estates the right to sue nursing homes that violate their rights under existing state law. It allows them to seek actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees if they win a lawsuit. Nursing homes that fail to post required information or break the rules face criminal penalties, including fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail. The Department of Health can also enforce the law by taking legal action on behalf of the state. The bill applies to all nursing homes in the state and takes effect immediately upon passage.
Provides that evidence of life or work expectancy be based on statistical data using blended statistics and provides a chart with "completed age" and "expectation" which shall be used by courts as evidence and not be based on race, ethnicity or sex.
Creates a 13-member joint commission to study Rhode Island’s method of funding charter schools, and would report back to the Governor and the General Assembly by April 1, 2027, and would expire on July 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 7954 requires large social media platforms to disclose how their algorithms prioritize content. It directly affects major platforms with significant user engagement, mandating transparency about algorithmic decision-making. The bill's key provision is a requirement for platforms to explain their content-ranking systems to users and regulators. This aims to increase clarity around how user feeds are curated, without specifying particular content rules or outcomes. The bill is currently under further study in committee.
Expands the definition of operator to anyone who enables customers to purchase virtual currency. Expands the definition of a transaction to include a digital product or application where payment is made in person or through a third party intermediary.
Enables employees to no longer have to utilize sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave or other paid time off as a condition to their maternity leave.
