Amends the act which incorporated the North Tiverton fire district and reduces the number of tax assessors, subsequent to any voluntary resignations, from six (6) to four (4) after the annual 2026 meeting.
Maddy summaryHB 8435 amends state laws to allow the issuance of a Class B alcohol retail license for a specific property at 102 Granite Street in Westerly. The bill modifies existing rules that typically prohibit new liquor licenses near schools, churches, or when neighboring landowners object, creating a specific exception for this location. By updating the General Laws, the legislation enables the local licensing authority to approve the sale of alcoholic beverages at this particular site despite potential proximity restrictions.
Maddy summaryHB 8046 establishes a uniform $70 fee for all court service requests, including writs, citations, and subpoenas. This bill directly affects individuals and organizations interacting with courts who must pay these service fees. The key provision sets a single fixed rate for all such court document services, replacing potentially varying fees. It does not change substantive law but standardizes a procedural cost. (1 sentence, as it's a procedural fee bill)
Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions used in Rhode Island's workers' compensation system, specifically clarifying who counts as an "employee" and "employer" for legal purposes. It expands the workers' compensation court's authority to manage cases for state employees and airport workers starting in July 2025, allowing the court to decide on issues like disability status and suitable job offers. The legislation also refines how "earnings capacity" is calculated, establishing rules for when an injured worker is presumed to have regained their ability to earn money, such as after successfully working light duty for at least 13 weeks. Additionally, it clarifies that corporate officers who were previously employees generally remain covered under the act unless specific waiver procedures are followed.
Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.
Maddy summaryHB 7865 creates the "Strengthen Rhody Homes" program to help Rhode Island homeowners retrofit or build primary residences to better withstand hurricanes and catastrophic weather using federal or other grant funds (not state funds). The program targets owner-occupied single-family homes (excluding condos or mobile homes) that meet specific criteria, including having wind insurance, being in good repair, and following Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) standards for storm resilience. Homeowners must secure pre-qualification from an IBHS-certified evaluator, hire three approved contractors, and complete work to IBHS standards before grants are paid directly to contractors. Administered by the state’s insurance division, the program does not obligate the state to fund projects and requires random inspections to prevent fraud.
Clarifies when mobile equipment can travel on a public highway as an incidentally permitted practice limited to the active participation in an active work zone.
Maddy summaryHB 7088 creates special vehicle registration plates for the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub, a nonprofit organization that honors veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C. for WWII and Korean War veterans. Owners of vehicles registered with these special plates pay a $40 initial fee (with $20 going to the state general fund and $20 to the nonprofit) plus a $10 annual renewal fee that fully supports the nonprofit’s mission. The plates replace standard registration, must display the organization’s name, and require the nonprofit to use funds for Rhode Island charities while submitting annual financial reports. This procedural bill does not affect general vehicle registration but provides a dedicated funding mechanism for the nonprofit’s veterans' program.
Maddy summaryHB 8384 introduces "Casey's Law," which allows judges to impose stricter penalties on drivers convicted of misdemeanors or felonies if they are found to have acted out of "road rage." The bill defines road rage as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. If a court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime resulted from such behavior, the driver faces additional consequences, including mandatory fines, potential license suspension, and longer prison terms for felony offenses. All fines collected under this new provision must be placed into a dedicated fund to support public awareness campaigns about safe driving. This law does not create a new crime but rather adds enhanced sentencing options for existing offenses motivated by road rage.
