Designates Sapowet Marsh Management Area, comprised of two hundred ninety-six (296) acres, more or less, located within the town of Tiverton and Sapowet Cove as open space to be utilized for passive outdoor recreation.
Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.
Maddy summaryHB 8076 expands eligibility for state property tax exemptions by allowing holders of a life estate to claim the same veteran tax benefits as the original veteran owner. This change directly affects individuals who possess a life interest in real property owned by a qualifying veteran, such as family members living in a home after the veteran's death. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these life estate holders can use the exemption amount available to the veteran, which varies by municipality and ranges from $1,000 to over $40,000 depending on the town. The legislation applies to veterans who served honorably in various conflicts from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf War, as well as their unmarried widows or widowers.
Amends the statutory provisions regarding domestic and foreign insurers and insurer examinations to provide provisions with regard to cybersecurity events involving Rhode Island consumers.
Requires that developers of ground-mounted solar systems submit a plan for decommissioning to be held on file by the municipality and requires DEM, with the office of energy resources, make publicly available model decommissioning plans.
Requires an electric distribution company to develop and act pursuant to a vegetation management plan approved by the DPUC to carry out vegetation management activities on and around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way.
Maddy summaryHB 7231, known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, establishes a regulatory framework for the sale and distribution of kratom products in Rhode Island to ensure consumer safety. The bill prohibits the sale of contaminated or adulterated products, bans synthetic alkaloids, and restricts packaging that could appeal to individuals under 21 years of age. To enforce these standards, processors and retailers must annually register their products with the Attorney General's office and submit independent laboratory testing results. The legislation also mandates clear labeling regarding health risks and usage instructions, while imposing fines for negligent violations and revoking registration for repeat offenders. Although the bill passed both legislative chambers, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor.
Amends the definition of "low- and moderate-income housing" to include housing secured by a federal government voucher or subsidy, but only if the voucher or subsidy is applied prospectively.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Rhode Island Housing Resources Act to officially include mobile and manufactured homes as a form of affordable housing under specific conditions. To qualify, these homes must serve as a primary residence, be located on land owned by the resident or a community they own, have been built after June 15, 1976, and meet federal safety standards. The legislation also updates the state's definition of affordable housing to ensure it covers various types of year-round living arrangements, including those accepting rental vouchers. By making this change, the law expands the scope of housing inventory that local communities can count toward their affordable housing goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Rhode Island-Ireland trade commission to promote economic ties and mutual interests between the two regions. The seven-member advisory group will be appointed by the governor, the Senate president, and the House speaker, with members serving unpaid terms of two to four years. The commission will research trade opportunities, facilitate business and academic exchanges, and submit annual written reports with recommendations to state leaders. It is authorized to raise its own funds through donations and grants to cover administrative expenses and will operate under state open meetings laws.
