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.
Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.
Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information or proof of identity.
Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.
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 summaryThis bill ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and services that receive state funding or operate under federal programs. It requires that if federal disability protections (like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) are repealed or invalidated, Rhode Island will maintain the same level of protection that existed before the federal change. The law applies to all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state financial assistance. This creates a legal safeguard to prevent gaps in disability rights during potential federal policy shifts.
Mandates paid leave by allowing qualified employees to take medical leave to undergo donation procedures, medical tests, and recovery related to being a living organ donor, or bone marrow transplant donor.
Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to one per year unless an identified problem exists or fraud or misrepresentation is suspected.
Amends the definition of “hobby breeder” to limit the sale or offering for sale to no more than two (2) litters of dogs or cats, or a combination thereof, in a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period.
