Establishes the Ranked Choice Voting for Rhode Island Presidential Primaries and provides for new sections on ranked choice voting tabulation and results reporting.
Maddy summaryHB 5902 prohibits property owners from including restrictions that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on land designated for selling fresh food for off-premises consumption. It allows exceptions only if a closed store relocates within one-half mile within one year, maintains similar product offerings, and meets specific timing requirements. Existing agreements made before the law's effective date remain valid. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to new property agreements.
Maddy summaryHB 5572 amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to require insurers to use standard industry software (like Mitchell's RMC) for vehicle damage appraisals and pay repair shops based on documented charges from that system. It directly affects car insurance claimants and auto body repair shops by guaranteeing consumers the right to choose their repair shop or rental car company (via "direction to pay" forms) and preventing insurers from arbitrarily discounting charges. Key provisions include mandating unaffiliated appraisals for damage over $2,500, requiring insurers to pay for manufacturer-recommended repair procedures, and banning insurers from using altered or incomplete appraisal systems. The bill aims to standardize fair compensation for repairs while giving consumers more control over their claims process.
Incorporates the department of elementary and secondary education's SurveyWorks school climate indicators for evaluating the performance of LEAs and individual public schools.
Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.
Expands meaning of bomb threats and false reports to include any warning or threat of the existence of an explosive device and allows judge to impose conditions of bail to include extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders and counseling.
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 15-member commission to study whether Rhode Island should publicly own its electricity and natural gas utilities. The commission includes legislators, utility representatives, consumer advocates, and labor leaders, and will examine models like Nebraska’s "Neighbor’s First" approach, compare public versus private utility performance, and assess costs, renewable energy transition, and governance structures. It will specifically evaluate potential benefits such as lower consumer costs, access to low-cost debt, and cross-subsidization for public services. The commission must report its findings to the legislature by April 16, 2026, before dissolving on May 27, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Rhode Island's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to seek immediate rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for residents and businesses facing high utility costs, particularly low-income households, seniors, and small businesses. It asks the DPUC to take action similar to Massachusetts' approach and report progress by April 22, 2025. The resolution does not change rates but formally urges the regulator to address the financial burden.
Maddy summaryHB 5577, the "2025 Utility Company Billing Transparency Act," requires large electric and gas distribution companies (with over 100,000 customers) to provide clear explanations of charges on consumer bills, addressing confusion about costs like fees and taxes. It mandates that these companies file proposals with the Public Utilities Commission detailing how they will implement revenue decoupling - ensuring they aren’t incentivized to increase sales to boost profits - and includes annual reconciliation for revenue over- or under-recovery. The bill also requires companies to submit annual infrastructure and safety spending plans for commission review, aiming to align costs with service reliability. These changes directly affect major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and aim to help residential customers better understand and manage their energy costs.
