Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.
Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ. The duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.
Amends the pension benefits for both current and former Rhode Island state police members, and would extend the time period a member may serve in the Rhode Island state police.
Maddy summaryHB 5177, known as "Harter's Law," extends the civil statute of limitations for individuals who have suffered injuries resulting from first-degree child abuse. This bill changes the time limit for bringing a civil lawsuit from the standard three years to thirty-five years after the cause of action accrues. For a child, this thirty-five-year period does not begin until they turn eighteen years old. This policy directly affects survivors of first-degree child abuse by giving them significantly more time to pursue legal action for their injuries.
Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.
Maddy summaryHB 6058 updates the "Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act" by replacing the term "postsecondary institution" with "public higher education institution" throughout the law. This clarifies that the dual enrollment program - allowing high school students to take college courses at the same time - applies directly to all Rhode Island public colleges and universities, including community colleges. The bill does not change existing policies or funding rules but ensures the law explicitly covers all public higher education institutions. It affects high school students seeking college credit and public colleges/universities offering dual enrollment courses.
Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.
Maddy summaryHB 5431 guarantees that Medicare beneficiaries under 65 and over 65 who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B can enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during a one-month annual enrollment period without being denied coverage due to health conditions. To qualify, applicants must have been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and remain enrolled at the time of application. The bill also standardizes Medicare supplement policies by prohibiting exclusions for preexisting conditions and requiring clear minimum standards for benefits, rates, and insurer practices. This change aims to simplify access to supplemental coverage while removing health-based barriers for Medicare recipients.
Allows the applicant for a land development project to utilize the administrative subdivision process established under 45-23-37 to request approval of a proposed subdivision of an oversized lot.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries or core charges when customers return used vehicle parts (like batteries or auto components). It directly affects retailers selling batteries and motor vehicle parts, requiring them to hold these deposits in trust for the state and not include them in taxable sales. The tax department must notify retailers about this exemption and post clear notices at their stores. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage, removing tax from these specific refundable fees.
