Amends the definitions of a “pupil transportation vehicle” to a vehicle contrasted to seat not more than ten (10) passengers plus the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight (8) passengers.
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 5598 requires all public schools in the state to create and implement a written policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) during school hours and school activities. The policy must aim to reduce distractions, support learning, and protect student privacy and safety, while explicitly allowing exceptions for students needing assistive technology under IEPs/504 plans, medical devices (e.g., glucose monitors), or language support programs. Schools must develop these policies in consultation with staff representatives, notify parents, and file them with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will provide annual guidance. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026.
Creates a process for licensure and oversight by DBR over the practices and procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and the regulating of fees.
Maddy summaryHB 6319 clarifies workers' compensation coverage for sworn police and fire department employees in Rhode Island. The bill explicitly excludes most city and town police and fire department members from standard workers' compensation benefits under chapters 29-38, except for appeals related to retirement board orders. However, it specifically includes Rhode Island Airport Corporation police and aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) units in coverage for all benefit determinations. This change directly affects municipal police/fire personnel (who lose standard workers' comp access) and airport ARFF staff (who gain consistent coverage), while maintaining existing rules for other employee categories.
Maddy summaryThis is a procedural House resolution congratulating Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). It formally recognizes her as the first alumna and second woman to lead CCRI, highlighting her 30+ years of service at the college - including roles as nursing faculty, department chair, interim president, and her leadership in securing accreditation and major donations. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions; it is solely a ceremonial acknowledgment of her career achievements. The House passed it on June 20, 2025, and will send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.
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.
Creates a voluntary program through which registrants of electric and hybrid motor vehicles can request stickers to affix to enclosures housing such vehicles to promote first responders' safety in responding to electrical fires.
Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
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.
