Requires the public utilities commission to produce a report each January containing an analysis of the electric grid and its ability to supply the electricity needs to power cars, buildings and heat homes within the state.
Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.
Requires a municipality or quasi-public agency to file a report with the department of municipal finance if it has not made its payment to its other post-employment benefits trust fund or if it is less than thirty-five percent (35%) funded.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment granting the governor a line-item veto specifically on state budget and appropriation bills. If passed, the governor could reject individual budget items (like specific funding amounts or program conditions) while approving the rest of the bill, rather than vetoing the entire budget. The legislature would then need to separately reconsider each rejected item with a three-fifths vote to override. This change would shift budget approval power between the governor and legislature, directly affecting how state spending bills are processed. The amendment requires voter approval at the next statewide election before taking effect.
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.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 5681 allows Rhode Island's personnel administrator to waive competitive testing for temporary or emergency state jobs, directly affecting hiring for these roles. It requires the state to provide exam study materials to all test takers and make competitive exams available in Spanish and Portuguese. The bill also mandates streamlining the processing of personnel action requests to reduce delays. These changes apply to state government hiring under the merit system and take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 5608 removes all regulatory limits on harvesting blue crabs in the state, directly affecting commercial and recreational crab harvesters. The bill eliminates existing rules, quotas, or restrictions on blue crab harvesting while maintaining that only state residents may harvest them. Key provisions replace current regulations with a simple statement: "There shall be no limit, rules or regulations, restricting the harvesting of blue crabs." The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, with no new restrictions on crab harvesting beyond the residency requirement.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6102) commemorates the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) and the cultural significance of St. Joseph to Italian-Americans in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes St. Joseph as a symbol of family, faith, and hard work, particularly honoring the role of Italian immigrants in shaping Rhode Island's cultural heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
