Provides that effective July 1, 2025, the profit margin of any electric distribution company gas distribution company, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.
Maddy summaryHB 5813 prevents utility companies (like electricity and gas providers) from raising transmission and distribution fees on consumer bills for two years, starting July 1, 2025. This freeze applies to all utilities with 7,500 or more accounts, requiring legislative approval for any fee increase during this period. Smaller utilities (under 7,500 accounts) are exempt from this cap. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and directly affects residential and business consumers paying utility bills.
Redefines “farm” by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from ten thousand ($10,000) to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500).
Establishes an intervenor support program to provide compensation for an intervenor who makes a substantial contribution to a proceeding resulting in a decision favorable to the interest of utility consumers.
Maddy summaryHB 5940 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses to notify all employees in writing within seven days if they plan to sell the business (or at least 51% of it), giving employees a 30-day exclusive window to form a group and purchase it as an employee-owned business. It applies to private Rhode Island businesses with at least three workers that meet small business size standards and operate locally for over a year. Key provisions include mandating owner transparency (sharing financial records), ensuring existing labor agreements continue post-sale, and offering owners a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The bill aims to facilitate worker ownership transitions while protecting democratic governance within the new employee-owned entity.
Maddy summaryHB 5597 requires schools with HVAC systems to meet specific indoor air quality standards. It mandates the Department of Health to establish recommended levels for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particle levels (PM2.5/PM10), while the Department of Education must conduct school air quality inspections every five years using a skilled workforce. Schools must install MERV 13 air filtration where feasible and report deficiencies in capital improvement plans. The bill directly affects all public schools with HVAC systems, ensuring air quality data is shared online with principals, school boards, and the education department. Key provisions include mandatory filtration standards, regular inspections, and public transparency of results.
Maddy summaryHB 5430 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It applies to all group and individual health insurance plans covering these services, directly affecting insured individuals who need these exams. The bill defines "diagnostic" exams as those evaluating abnormalities found during screening, and "supplemental" exams as risk-based screenings for high-risk individuals without abnormalities. Insurance companies must cover these services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Permits the use of private well water in food service establishment's restrooms if the water complies with the standards established pursuant to § 23-1-5.3(8).
Maddy summaryHB 5920 amends Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act by updating key definitions to clarify protections against housing discrimination. It specifically defines terms like "lawful source of income" (including Section 8 housing vouchers and public assistance), "disability" (excluding current illegal drug use), "assistance animals," and "gender identity or expression." These changes directly affect landlords, housing providers, and tenants by clarifying prohibited practices, such as inquiries about domestic abuse history or discrimination based on income source. The bill, currently pending in committee, aims to strengthen enforcement of existing anti-discrimination safeguards without creating new prohibitions.
Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage and requires, for health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, that coverage must include reimbursement for applied behavior analysis provider services.
