Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.
Allows a lender to charge an origination fee, increase interest rates and collect a monthly service fee, on loans up to three hundred dollars ($300) but not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Amends the House rules to mandate that all lobbyists vacate the House floor twenty (20) minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled House session.
Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the RI promise scholarship program or the RI hope scholarship program, after Rhode Island college has satisfied all eligible scholarships to be reimbursed to onward we learn.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating February 23-27, 2026, as "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or allocate funding; instead, it formally recognizes the importance of public education through a ceremonial proclamation. The resolution expresses support for public schools, educators, and student needs through non-binding statements (e.g., advocating for equitable funding and mental health resources). It affects the entire state by directing the Secretary of State to notify the state education commissioner, but has no legal or financial impact on schools or students.
Places a cap of twenty percent (20%) on increases in consecutive revaluations of real property in all cities and towns conducting revaluations commencing December 31, 2026, and every December 31 thereafter.
Establishes a maximum per annum rate of interest on small loans at ninety-nine percent (99%) and limit the amounts of origination and closing fees. Also requires that late fees and returned payment fees be agreed to in writing between borrower and lender.
Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. It also prohibits the sale of a force-fed poultry product or food containing a force-fed poultry product.
Establishes an office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency, charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Maddy summaryHB 7545 allows owners of dogs or cats (defined as "pets" kept in households) to seek financial compensation if their pet is intentionally or negligently injured or killed under specific conditions. It sets minimum damages at $500 for injury and $750 for death, with a maximum of $7,500 for noneconomic losses like emotional harm, but only if the incident occurred on the owner's property or during their supervision. The law excludes government entities or their employees acting in public welfare roles from liability under this provision. It does not cover veterinary costs or other economic damages, focusing solely on emotional loss.
