Places limits on the number of self-service checkout stations a grocery store can have and on the workload of employees assigned to monitor those checkout stations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative Jason Knight for his service to the people of Barrington, Warren, and the State of Rhode Island. It acknowledges his legislative work on public safety, criminal justice reform, and environmental issues, as well as his military and legal career. The House formally thanks him for his dedication and extends best wishes for his candidacy for Attorney General. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Representative Knight.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution honoring Representative Julie A. Casimiro for her dedicated service to the people of Rhode Island as she retires. It recognizes her legislative achievements, including advocacy for children, families, veterans, and consumer protections, as well as her leadership roles within the state legislature. The resolution formally expresses gratitude for her contributions and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Representative Casimiro.
Maddy summaryHB 8010 amends Rhode Island General Law § 3-7-19 to modify restrictions on retail liquor licenses near schools and places of worship. It expands existing exemptions by granting specific cities (Providence, Newport) and towns (Warren, Bristol) authority to approve Class B licenses in designated areas, even if near schools or churches. The bill does not directly affect the South Kingstown property mentioned in the abstract; instead, it updates general licensing rules for license applicants in defined zones across multiple municipalities. Key provisions allow local license boards to grant exceptions for locations within specific mapped boundaries in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol. This change primarily impacts businesses seeking new retail liquor licenses in those designated areas.
Amends what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.
Maddy summaryHB 7357 creates the "Reproductive Health and Gender-Affirming Healthcare Data Privacy Act" to protect sensitive health information in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents whose data relates to gender-affirming care or reproductive health, and the healthcare providers or businesses handling that data. The law requires explicit, opt-in consent for collecting such data, prohibits deceptive practices for obtaining consent, and defines protected data to include not only direct health information but also derived data (like location patterns or algorithmic inferences) tied to these services. It explicitly excludes publicly available or de-identified research data from coverage.
Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.
Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to work with the Town of New Shoreham to create a plan for managing deer populations on Block Island to reduce tick-borne illnesses. The proposed framework would allow the town to apply for special permits to conduct deer management activities, such as licensed hunting or culling, which are currently restricted on the island. Additionally, the plan must include safety protocols, data collection on deer and tick populations, and public education efforts, with a final report due to state leaders within six months.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Rhode Island's Department of Health to join international public health collaboration networks aimed at detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks. It allows the department to enter into agreements with federal agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions to share expertise, training, and surveillance data while maintaining privacy protections. The legislation also permits the state to designate specific offices or laboratories as partners in these networks and to provide voluntary assistance during global outbreak responses. Additionally, the bill requires coordination with federal authorities like the CDC and ensures that no regulatory authority is transferred to international organizations.
