Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.
Maddy summaryHB 5817 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" by repealing state regulations on VoIP and internet protocol services while creating a statewide broadband mapping requirement. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to submit data on service speeds, technology types, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which must maintain an updated public map showing broadband availability across all areas. This map will identify underserved regions and guide infrastructure planning, with state agencies obligated to provide supporting data. The law directly affects ISPs (through data reporting), state agencies (through data sharing), and Rhode Island residents (by targeting broadband expansion to unconnected communities).
Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 would need to consider.
Exempts recovery claims for damages due to a town's neglect in maintaining highways or bridges from the provisions of chapter 31 of title 9 on governmental tort liability.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state - particularly those in schools, hospitals, mental health services, and community support roles - who help address issues like mental health, substance use disorders, homelessness, and social justice. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as symbolic recognition of the profession's impact.
Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.
Maddy summaryHB 5433 amends Rhode Island's Health Care Reform Act to strengthen oversight of health insurance. It requires the health insurance commissioner to hold quarterly public meetings on insurer rates and services, establish an advisory council with consumer and business representatives to address small business insurance affordability, and analyze the impact of merging individual and small-employer insurance markets. The advisory council must produce annual reports on topics like provider fee transparency, claim processes, and data on quality and costs to help consumers make informed choices. These provisions directly affect health insurers, small businesses, and healthcare providers by increasing accountability and transparency in insurance regulation.
Maddy summaryHB 5620 regulates prescription drug price increases in Rhode Island by imposing penalties on manufacturers who raise prices without supporting medical evidence. It targets drugs identified as having "unsupported price increases" through the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) annual report. Manufacturers with over $250,000 in annual sales within the state face a penalty equal to 80% of the revenue difference between actual sales and what would have been earned at the previous year’s wholesale cost (adjusted for inflation). This law directly affects pharmaceutical companies selling prescription drugs in Rhode Island and aims to curb unjustified price hikes.
Maddy summaryHB 5965 would authorize Cranston's city council to create a homestead exemption program, allowing residential property owners to reduce their local property tax bill by up to 20% of their home's assessed value. This exemption would apply only to properties used exclusively for single-family residential purposes (with fewer than three dwelling units) and requires the city council to establish specific eligibility rules. The bill does not automatically implement the exemption but grants Cranston the legal authority to adopt such a program through local ordinance. It would take effect on December 31, 2025, if passed. This bill directly affects Cranston homeowners who own qualifying single-family residences.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology, but does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on residents. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition of colorectal cancer prevention efforts, referencing statistics about the disease's impact in Rhode Island.
