Maddy summaryHB 5880 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, examining their effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with laws (including equal employment and minority business rules). This directly affects all state agencies, such as departments and boards, but excludes legislative branch entities and public utilities. Key mechanisms include mandatory exit conferences with agency officials, written responses to audit findings within 60 days, and annual reports to the legislature detailing audit results and agency responses. The bill mandates these audits begin January 1, 2026, with the auditor general reporting non-compliant agencies to the governor and legislative leaders each year.
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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.
Maddy summaryHB 5627 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover specific pharmacist services starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for services like medication management, immunizations, medication administration, and lab test ordering - provided these would be covered if performed by a physician or advanced provider. The law prohibits insurers from requiring physician supervision for pharmacist services and requires health plans to include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (separate from pharmacy drug benefits). Coverage must also extend outside networks when necessary services aren't available locally, with the law set to expire on January 1, 2030, unless renewed.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6052) is a symbolic resolution declaring March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the importance of music education by highlighting its benefits for student engagement, creativity, and academic outcomes, as documented by research. The resolution formally supports music education in public schools and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Music Education Association. It does not create new funding or policy changes, but serves as a public acknowledgment of music education's value.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Armand M. LaMontagne, a Rhode Island artist known for sculptures displayed at venues like the Baseball Hall of Fame and the New England Sports Museum. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on his passing and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Lorraine A. LaMontagne, and family. As a purely commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
Provides that an agreement resolving a patent infringement claim, in connection with the sale of a pharmaceutical product, is to be presumed to have anticompetitive effects if a nonreference drug filer receives anything of value.
Maddy summaryHB 5932 raises the threshold for mandatory arbitration in motor vehicle liability claims from $50,000 to $100,000. This means drivers or passengers filing claims for $100,000 or less can now choose to go directly to court instead of being required to use arbitration. The bill maintains existing arbitration procedures for larger claims, including rules for selecting arbitrators, hearing processes, and the option to request a jury trial within 60 days. It directly affects individuals involved in minor auto accident claims under $100,000 who previously would have faced mandatory arbitration. The change aims to streamline the claims process for lower-value cases without altering other insurance requirements.
Provides that a hearing required before a judge or magistrate may adjudge a motorist in contempt for failure to comply with the court's orders regarding a conditional hardship license, and defines penalties for violation of a hardship/interlock order.
Maddy summaryHB 5646 adds individuals aged 70 or older to the list of people eligible to request exemption from jury service in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents of Rhode Island who are 70 years or older and receive a jury summons. The bill amends existing law to allow these individuals to formally decline jury duty by claiming the exemption, rather than being automatically exempt. This change applies to all Rhode Island courts and civil procedures involving jury selection.
Maddy summaryHB 5868 prohibits courts or authorities from forcing individuals to hand over their private cryptographic keys that unlock digital assets (like cryptocurrency), digital identities, or related rights in any legal proceeding. It directly affects people holding digital assets by protecting their private keys from compelled disclosure, except when a public key cannot access the information. The bill allows authorities to still require disclosure of the digital asset itself or related information, but not the private key. This law would take effect immediately upon passage and applies to all civil, criminal, and administrative cases in the state.