Requires any person in the business of selling, assigning or buying an equitable interest in real estate without taking legal title to such property, to be licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson and to comply with the disclosure requirements.
Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for using artificial intelligence in mental health care. It requires licensed mental health professionals (like therapists and counselors) to get specific written consent from clients before using AI tools in therapy sessions, and prohibits AI from simulating emotional bonds or making therapeutic decisions. The law allows AI only for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) or supplementary support (e.g., analyzing anonymized data for progress tracking), while ensuring therapists maintain full responsibility for care. It directly affects all mental health providers and organizations offering therapy services in the state.
Authorizes the use of campaign funds for security related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, in response to threats arising from their public service or candidacy.
Maddy summaryHB 7358 requires the state board of elections to publish all write-in votes for every office on its website, regardless of whether the write-in candidate meets eligibility requirements or if the votes could affect election results. This includes every write-in vote, even for candidates who did not qualify for the ballot or received fewer than five votes in a race. Local election boards must also review and count write-in votes in contests where the total could impact the outcome, such as within a recount margin. The bill increases transparency by making all write-in vote data publicly accessible without exceptions.
Hospital Conversions act amended to authorize AG and DOH to permit expedited review application for hospital insolvency proceedings. Sunsets in one year.
Maddy summaryHB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.
Maddy summaryHB 8006 establishes a special 8% property tax rate for qualifying affordable housing in Rhode Island, instead of standard local tax rates. To qualify, properties must have legal agreements restricting rents to 30% of tenant income for households at or below 80% of area median income (for 40% of units) or 60% AMI (for 30% of units). Conversions of existing non-residential buildings to housing qualify until 2037, with tax rates gradually increasing from 8% to 12% over 30 years. This directly affects property owners of qualifying affordable housing and local governments setting tax policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of the late Honorable Edward L. Maggiacomo. It directly affects his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, by formally acknowledging their loss. The resolution honors Maggiacomo's distinguished public service career, which included roles as a U.S. Army Lieutenant, a state representative, and a Democratic National Committeeman. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his immediate family.
