Authorizes a property owner to pursue reasonable actions to protect their property from coastal hazards that affect life, infrastructure, or essential land uses without prior approval.
Requires that certain data centers requiring large amounts of electricity be required to fund the cost of necessary infrastructure improvements to supply such electricity.
Maddy summaryHB 7478 creates a "Homeowner Casualty Insurance Bill of Rights" for Rhode Island residents filing property insurance claims. It requires insurers to provide policyholders with a clear, written summary of their claims process rights within 14 days of a claim being reported, including specific timelines for acknowledgment (14 days), investigation confirmation (20 days), and settlement (30 days). The bill summarizes existing state law - such as the right to receive claim updates and contact the state insurance division - and advises homeowners on documenting damage, verifying contractors, and managing repairs. It does not create new legal rights or allow lawsuits against insurers, nor does it override existing policy terms.
Maddy summaryHB 7179, the "Charlotte A. Vacca Act," requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers meeting Rhode Island building code standards at retail establishments (stores selling food or goods) as part of new construction. It also encourages owners to add barriers at existing locations for pedestrian safety, while mandating compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility. The bill includes a provision requiring insurers to offer premium discounts for properties with installed barriers, subject to approval by the insurance commissioner. This law directly affects retail property owners and aims to reduce vehicle-impact risks to pedestrians and occupants. It takes effect upon passage.
RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 172nd anniversary of the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan. It formally declares March 31 as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island to honor the historical diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The resolution recognizes various cultural, economic, and educational partnerships between Rhode Island and Japan, including business investments, academic exchanges, and community events. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to various state and federal officials, as well as the Japanese Consul General.
Maddy summaryHB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.
Grants hourly credit of 288 hours against 576 hours if graduate of accredited trade school/raises to 4 years of work under master plumber and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 5 years of registration with DLT.
Requires specific notice of the tax sale to the taxpayer with a copy of this § 44-9-10 attached thereto. Failure to do so would render the tax sale null and void.
Maddy summaryHB 7522 permits the Quonset Development Corporation to own, maintain, and control all streetlights within the Quonset Business Park, resolving current ownership uncertainty. It allows the Corporation to acquire streetlights currently owned by electric companies or municipalities, requiring compensation as outlined in existing law. The bill amends Rhode Island's Municipal Streetlight Investment Act to specifically grant this authority for the Quonset Business Park. This change aims to streamline maintenance and improve safety for pedestrians and drivers in the area.
