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.
Sponsored bills
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.
Authorizes early voting for the ten (10) calendar days except the second weekend prior immediately preceding election day, while requiring, as is practicable, that all the election day protections and procedures be afforded to early voters.
Maddy summaryHB 5504 amends Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly protect tenants with disabilities who request to keep emotional support animals in their housing. The bill adds emotional support animals to the list of accommodations that landlords cannot deny based on disability. This change clarifies that landlords must allow such requests as a reasonable accommodation under the state law, directly affecting tenants with disabilities seeking housing. The amendment updates existing protections to specifically include emotional support animals, reinforcing that discrimination based on disability - such as refusing housing for this accommodation - is prohibited.
Modifies the summons for eviction for reasons other than nonpayment of rent with the district court, to add a certificate of service section, and provides the option to post the summons/complaint conspicuously on door of the defendant/tenant's dwelling.
Repeals the legislative findings in this section and requires elementary, middle and high schools to provide and maintain on-site functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Maddy summaryHB 5865 bans the sale of cosmetics in Rhode Island that were developed or manufactured using animal testing conducted on or after January 1, 2026. It directly affects cosmetic manufacturers and sellers within the state, imposing a $1,000 fine per violation for noncompliance. The law includes limited exemptions, such as when animal testing is required by federal or state regulators with no non-animal alternatives, or for ingredients in widespread use with no suitable substitutes. The bill amends existing cruelty-to-animals statutes to add this specific prohibition, focusing on the sale of cosmetics rather than testing itself.
Amends the definition of the ”practice of pharmacy” to include the administration of immunizations vaccines for persons three years of age and older.
Maddy summaryHB 5581 removes an existing licensing exemption for lenders who originate fewer than six loans in any 12-month period. This directly affects small lenders and loan brokers currently exempt from licensing requirements if they make under six loans annually. The bill requires these entities to obtain a license under Rhode Island's financial institution regulations, eliminating the previous exception. It does not change licensing rules for other exemptions listed in the law, such as for nonprofits, large loans, or specific financial institutions. The bill would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets standards for vehicle window tinting by requiring front side windows and rear windows to allow at least 32% light transmittance when sunscreens are applied. It mandates that installers affix a small label on the front window showing the transmittance percentage and their name. Key exemptions include law enforcement vehicles, vehicles with federal safety compliance, medical exemptions for drivers with specific vision needs, and certain commercial vehicles equipped with rearview mirrors. The law directly affects vehicle owners, installers, and drivers using tinted windows, ensuring visibility standards for road safety.