Makes any offense under this statute that could result in the death of an animal punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each offense.
Allows on and after September 1, 2025, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.
Maddy summaryHB 5236 would increase the maximum local tax rate to 12% for certain federally supported housing properties. Specifically, it applies to residential properties in Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, Section 811 Supporting Housing for Persons with Disabilities, or project-based Section 8 housing that use an operating cost basis for federal reimbursement. This 12% rate would take effect January 1, 2026, replacing the current 8% maximum for these properties. The bill does not change existing tax rates but sets a higher cap for these specific federally assisted housing programs.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution would approve changes to Rhode Island's Medicaid program, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state budget allocations. Key provisions include capping nursing facility and hospital rate increases at 2.3% (aligned with projected state tax revenue growth), eliminating annual home care rate increases, and removing hospital payment limits. It also establishes a new interprofessional consultation program and authorizes $396 million in hospital payments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These adjustments require state plan amendments to implement under federal Medicaid waiver rules. The resolution was scheduled for consideration but was withdrawn in March 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of Judge Bruce Selya, a former U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the First Circuit. It formally honors his 40+ year judicial career, his service to Rhode Island, and his legacy as a respected jurist and community leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Judge Selya's family. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution expressing condolences to the family of Michael Charles Gerhardt, a former Rhode Island healthcare executive and community leader, following his death. The resolution cites his professional career (including roles at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI and nonprofit organizations), community service (on local boards and the Warren Land Trust), and personal life. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Gerhardt’s wife, two sons, and stepsons. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any specific group beyond the family receiving the expression of sympathy.
Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in Rhode Island to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal.
Creates the Old Growth Forest Protection Act to provide protection for state-owned forestland in their natural state prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 5540) formally designates February 2025 as "Children’s Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island, supporting the American Dental Association’s 2025 theme "Brushing Fights Cavities." It does not create new laws or change access to dental care; instead, it is a symbolic gesture to highlight existing efforts to address childhood dental health, such as preventive education and reducing barriers to care. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island House on February 25, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Dental Association. It does not impose new requirements or affect any specific group.
Maddy summaryHB 5334 requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with a consultation when prescribing or dispensing medication for an animal patient. The consultation must cover the drug name, dosage instructions, storage, actions for missed doses, and potential severe side effects, as specified in the bill. Veterinarians may delegate this task to registered veterinary technicians and must document whether the consultation was provided or declined in the animal's medical record. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting veterinarians and pet owners in their medication communication process.
