Increases the public utilities reserve fund cap and the cap on expenses relating to the public utilities commission and the division of public utilities and carriers representing the state before federal agencies.
Maddy summaryHB 5575 amends Rhode Island's energy procurement rules to allow public utilities to include nuclear power in regional competitive solicitations alongside renewable sources like offshore wind. It directly affects electric and gas utilities, which can now bid on projects transmitting nuclear power or renewable energy to New England, with costs shared among ratepayers. Key provisions require the state energy office and utilities to jointly evaluate projects for reliability, security, and cost impacts before seeking public utility commission approval. The bill does not mandate nuclear use but establishes a framework for considering it as part of Rhode Island's energy planning.
Maddy summaryHB 5108 allows foreign-trained physicians to obtain a temporary license to practice medicine in Rhode Island under specific conditions. It directly affects physicians who graduated from medical schools outside the U.S., require ECFMG certification, completed residency training abroad (accredited by ACGME-I or recognized international bodies), and have held an unrestricted license in another country for at least three years. The law requires these physicians to work under a participating healthcare facility that provides structured training and assessment to address clinical gaps, while maintaining oversight through the Board of Medical Licensure. This creates a formal pathway for qualified international physicians to contribute to Rhode Island's healthcare workforce under defined safeguards.
Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a sixty-day (60) supply may be dispensed at any one time.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It formally celebrates the 30th anniversary of Father Bernard A. Healey's ordination to the priesthood on June 24, 1995. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send Father Healey a certified copy of the resolution. It directly affects Father Healey as the recipient of this symbolic honor, recognizing his decades of service to Rhode Island communities through the Catholic Church.
Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recall obligation policies.
Maddy summaryHB 5549 amends Rhode Island’s Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association rules to clarify how the association handles claims from insolvent insurers. It sets specific payment limits: up to $10,000 per policy for unearned premiums, $1 million for property claims (post-January 2026), and lower caps for older claims. The bill also details how insurers are assessed fees (capped at 2% of premiums) to cover these claims and outlines procedures for claim processing and administrative costs. *Note: The official abstract incorrectly mentions a "home hardening program"; the bill text focuses solely on guaranty association operations, not new funding for home hardening.* This is a procedural change affecting insurers and claimants in Rhode Island during insurer insolvencies.
Maddy summaryHB 5309 increases the property tax exemption for qualifying veterans from $1,000 to $6,000 on municipal property taxes. It directly affects veterans who served in designated conflicts (including the Civil War, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War) and were honorably discharged. The bill amends existing law to raise the base exemption amount, though some towns like Burrillville, Cranston, and Smithfield already maintain different local exemption levels. This change provides greater tax relief for veterans owning property in Rhode Island municipalities.
Mandates municipalities to participate in the parking mobility app program where individuals may submit photos on the app of vehicles that are parked in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities and the violator may be cited and fined.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
