Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program pursuant to § 14-1-6 to children in the juvenile justice system and children who attain reunification prior to their eighteenth (18th) birthday, however, the reunification is not successful.
Maddy summaryHB 5345 extends foster care support for youth aging out of state custody until age 21, primarily affecting young adults who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. The bill requires courts to develop transition plans at least six months before age 18, covering housing, health insurance, education, and employment support. Youth may voluntarily extend care until 21 if they are in school, training, employed (80+ hours monthly), or have documented medical needs preventing these activities. It also allows courts to retain jurisdiction for pandemic-impacted youth under federal funding requirements and for those with serious emotional or developmental needs. The law aims to provide stability during critical transition years while maintaining court oversight.
Maddy summaryHB 5256 requires health insurance policies to pay nurse practitioners and physician assistants the same amount as physicians for covered primary care and mental health services they provide within their licensed scope. This applies when these providers work independently (billing directly as their own practice) rather than in certain group practices like federally qualified HMOs. Insurers cannot reduce payments to physicians to comply with this requirement. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.
Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).
Maddy summaryHB 5702 increases the maximum number of days retired municipal employees can work in a calendar year without losing pension benefits from 75 to 90 days. This change directly affects retired city or town employees who return to part-time work for their former employers. The bill allows them to earn income while keeping their pension intact for up to 90 days annually, with pension payments resuming if they exceed this limit. Exceptions include police officers working private details for non-government entities and retired employees serving as elected council or school committee members, who retain full pension benefits regardless of service time.
Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.
Maddy summaryHB 5890 prohibits anyone under 18 from possessing a firearm in Rhode Island, except in specific supervised situations. It allows minors to use firearms only at approved camps or ranges with a parent, guardian, or "qualified adult" (21+ with legal firearm rights), during supervised hunting, ROTC, competitive shooting, or firearms education programs. The bill also permits minors to carry unloaded firearms in a case to/from these approved locations when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or qualified adult. These provisions take effect upon passage and directly affect minors under 18 seeking to possess or transport firearms.
Maddy summaryHB 5934 would allow any person aged 18 or older who holds a valid license or permit to carry a stun gun. The bill amends licensing requirements in the weapons chapter to explicitly include stun guns under the same provisions as other weapons. This change directly affects licensed individuals aged 18 and older who wish to carry stun guns in vehicles or on their person, removing prior restrictions. The bill does not alter age limits for other weapons or change general stun gun regulations. The measure is currently pending in committee review.
Maddy summaryHB 5277 proposes replacing traditional political party primaries with a unified "primary general election" for all state and municipal offices. This new system would require voters to select two candidates per office (or four for two vacancies) in a single primary, with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election ballot. Candidates would retain their party designation on ballots but could not change it after the primary, and the general election ballot order would mirror the primary results. The bill directly affects all candidates running for elected office and aims to streamline the nomination process by eliminating separate party primaries.
