Rep. Earl Read

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).

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."

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 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.

Maddy summaryHB 5269 allows cities or towns to waive interest on overdue property tax payments for commercial properties, directly affecting commercial property owners who meet specific criteria. To qualify, owners must have owned the property for five years, paid taxes on time for five years, submit a written request, and have the overdue bill issued within two years. The waiver is capped at $500 per request, and local tax collectors must issue written decisions, with taxpayers able to appeal to the city council if denied. This bill does not change tax amounts but provides limited relief for overdue payments on commercial properties.

Provides that health clubs must discontinue automatic deductions from the consumer's account or credit card within 30 calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.

Maddy summaryHB 5814 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2026, aimed at identifying ways to lower energy rates for consumers. The study must review all state energy programs to find those increasing costs, compare Rhode Island's rates with other states, and recommend eliminating policies that raise bills. It allocates $100,000 for consultants to conduct this research and mandates that future energy-related legislation include "energy notes" showing cost impacts, similar to fiscal notes. This bill directly affects Rhode Island ratepayers and state energy policy through its focus on transparent cost analysis and program evaluation.

Maddy summaryHB 5845 requires major water suppliers in Rhode Island (those serving over 50 million gallons annually) to create and maintain flood resilience plans by 2026. These plans must assess risks like flooding and hurricanes, evaluate infrastructure and chemical safety, and outline response strategies. Suppliers must submit initial assessments by July 2026 to state officials and update plans every three years. The bill aims to strengthen drinking water system preparedness against natural disasters without specifying funding or enforcement details. The measure is pending further committee review after a March 2025 hearing.