Provides that effective July 1, 2025, the profit margin of any electric distribution company gas distribution company, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.
Establishes an intervenor support program to provide compensation for an intervenor who makes a substantial contribution to a proceeding resulting in a decision favorable to the interest of utility consumers.
Removes the 5 year waiting period to seal court records where a civil action was dismissed, or there was a lack of prosecution, or the matter resolved and the terms of the resolution satisfied, removes the limit of 1 request to seal records every 5 years.
Maddy summaryHB 5945 creates a new job classification for specialized information technology positions within Rhode Island's state government, directly affecting IT workers in the Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services (ETSS). It allows the state personnel administrator to establish or modify these IT job titles, pay grades, and descriptions without public hearings or governor approval - unlike standard personnel rules. The administrator must submit a detailed report to the governor and legislative committees within 30 days, including the position's title, description, and necessity. This provision excludes IT roles covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, requires a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.
Maddy summaryHB 5940 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses to notify all employees in writing within seven days if they plan to sell the business (or at least 51% of it), giving employees a 30-day exclusive window to form a group and purchase it as an employee-owned business. It applies to private Rhode Island businesses with at least three workers that meet small business size standards and operate locally for over a year. Key provisions include mandating owner transparency (sharing financial records), ensuring existing labor agreements continue post-sale, and offering owners a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The bill aims to facilitate worker ownership transitions while protecting democratic governance within the new employee-owned entity.
Maddy summaryHR 5515 proposes a constitutional amendment to change voting eligibility in Rhode Island. It would remove the 30-day state and local residency requirement for voters, allowing individuals to register or vote on election day. The amendment maintains a 30-day residency requirement for candidates seeking office. If approved by voters, this change would take effect January 1, 2026, and would replace the current voting eligibility rules in the state constitution. The amendment must be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election.
Adds new sections that set forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation drug therapies, including education approved by state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies to be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/26.
Maddy summaryHB 5916 amends Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to increase notice periods for rent increases and tenancy terminations, directly affecting month-to-month tenants and their landlords. The bill raises the required notice period for landlords or tenants to terminate month-to-month tenancies from 30 to 60 days, and extends it to 120 days for tenants aged 62 or older. It also specifies standardized notice forms for terminations, ensuring consistent communication about lease end dates. These changes aim to provide tenants with more time to plan for housing transitions while maintaining clear legal procedures.
Maddy summaryHB 6061 requires insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment under the same terms as physical health conditions, eliminating annual or lifetime dollar limits. It mandates that financial requirements (like copays) and treatment limitations for these conditions cannot be stricter than those for medical care, and insurers must follow established clinical guidelines for coverage decisions. The bill directly affects insurance companies, health plans, and patients with mental health or substance use disorders by ensuring equitable access to care. It applies to all group and individual health insurance plans, excluding limited-benefit policies like accident-only coverage.
