Maddy summaryHB 5577, the "2025 Utility Company Billing Transparency Act," requires large electric and gas distribution companies (with over 100,000 customers) to provide clear explanations of charges on consumer bills, addressing confusion about costs like fees and taxes. It mandates that these companies file proposals with the Public Utilities Commission detailing how they will implement revenue decoupling - ensuring they aren’t incentivized to increase sales to boost profits - and includes annual reconciliation for revenue over- or under-recovery. The bill also requires companies to submit annual infrastructure and safety spending plans for commission review, aiming to align costs with service reliability. These changes directly affect major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and aim to help residential customers better understand and manage their energy costs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5492, the Microplastics Reduction Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic microplastics (like those in some cosmetics, cleaning supplies, or personal care items) starting January 1, 2029. It requires the Department of Environmental Management to develop a public testing plan for microplastics in water and soil by July 2028, and a statewide strategy plan by January 2029 to address microplastic sources and impacts. The law directly affects product manufacturers and importers, excluding items preempted by federal law. It focuses on reducing microplastics intentionally added to consumer products, not all plastic pollution, and mandates regular updates to the testing and strategy plans every 24 months.
Redefines “farm” by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from ten thousand ($10,000) to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500).
Maddy summaryHB 5606 bans wildlife killing contests - where participants compete to kill animals like coyotes or foxes for cash, prizes, or other rewards - on both public and private lands in the state. It directly affects organizers, sponsors, promoters, and participants of such contests, including businesses or groups hosting these events. The bill includes exemptions for lawful hunting, wildlife damage control, and field trials permitted by wildlife authorities. Violators face fines starting at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 5597 requires schools with HVAC systems to meet specific indoor air quality standards. It mandates the Department of Health to establish recommended levels for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particle levels (PM2.5/PM10), while the Department of Education must conduct school air quality inspections every five years using a skilled workforce. Schools must install MERV 13 air filtration where feasible and report deficiencies in capital improvement plans. The bill directly affects all public schools with HVAC systems, ensuring air quality data is shared online with principals, school boards, and the education department. Key provisions include mandatory filtration standards, regular inspections, and public transparency of results.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Arts in the Schools Month" in Rhode Island, recognizing the importance of arts education in schools. It urges all citizens to observe the month and acknowledge arts educators, artists, and administrators who support arts learning. The House passed the resolution on March 18, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but formally highlights existing state efforts to advance arts education.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 6105), not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates the Bryant University Men's Basketball Team for winning the America East Regular Season Championship, America East Tournament Championship, and earning a berth in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's 23-11 record, their tournament victories (including a 20-point championship game win), and individual honors for players like Earl Timberlake and coach Phil Martelli Jr. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to acknowledge the team's athletic achievements.
Adds new sections that set forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation drug therapies, including education approved by state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies to be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/26.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 6083) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program. It recognizes anglers, the sportfishing industry, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in creating and sustaining the "American System of Conservation Funding." The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely expresses appreciation for the program's historical contributions to fisheries conservation. It does not affect any individuals, agencies, or legislative procedures.
Requires that one of the seven (7) directors of the Rhode Island airport corporation be appointed by the governor from a list of individuals submitted by the mayor of the city of Warwick.