Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryRhode Island's Kratom Act (HB 5565) legalizes and regulates the sale and distribution of kratom products within the state. It prohibits specific forms like synthetic alkaloids, candy-like packaging appealing to minors, combustible products, and items exceeding safety limits for heavy metals or active compounds (e.g., mitragynine above 150 mg per serving). The law mandates child-resistant packaging, detailed labeling (including health warnings and ingredient concentrations), and restricts sales to consumers under 21. It directly affects distributors, manufacturers, and retailers who must obtain licenses and comply with these safety and labeling requirements.

Validates and ratifies amendments to the Home Rule Charter of the town of Hopkinton, which amendments were adopted and approved by the electors of the town of Hopkinton.

Provides protection from and prevent the unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees by, anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs except as authorized by federal law.

Establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health and provides guidance and recommendations to educate health care providers and the citizens of the state.

Requires the employers of unionized public school teachers, municipal employees and state employees, to provide the union, at least once every 120 days, a list of all their employees in their union, as well as their personal and demographic information.

Increases the public utilities reserve fund cap and the cap on expenses relating to the public utilities commission and the division of public utilities and carriers representing the state before federal agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 5575 amends Rhode Island's energy procurement rules to allow public utilities to include nuclear power in regional competitive solicitations alongside renewable sources like offshore wind. It directly affects electric and gas utilities, which can now bid on projects transmitting nuclear power or renewable energy to New England, with costs shared among ratepayers. Key provisions require the state energy office and utilities to jointly evaluate projects for reliability, security, and cost impacts before seeking public utility commission approval. The bill does not mandate nuclear use but establishes a framework for considering it as part of Rhode Island's energy planning.

Maddy summaryHB 5549 amends Rhode Island’s Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association rules to clarify how the association handles claims from insolvent insurers. It sets specific payment limits: up to $10,000 per policy for unearned premiums, $1 million for property claims (post-January 2026), and lower caps for older claims. The bill also details how insurers are assessed fees (capped at 2% of premiums) to cover these claims and outlines procedures for claim processing and administrative costs. *Note: The official abstract incorrectly mentions a "home hardening program"; the bill text focuses solely on guaranty association operations, not new funding for home hardening.* This is a procedural change affecting insurers and claimants in Rhode Island during insurer insolvencies.

Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 5070 increases the maximum fee sheriffs, sergeants, and constables can charge for serving most writs, citations, or subpoenas from $45.00 to $70.00. This directly affects these court officers who deliver legal documents, raising their allowable compensation for this specific service. The bill amends the existing fee schedule to reflect this higher maximum, while requiring all fees to be deposited as general revenue. The change applies immediately upon passage, with no broader policy shifts beyond the adjusted fee amount.