Requires the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and the Rhode Island commerce commission to develop and implement a plan to assist businesses in obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance program.
Repeals the Promotion of Biofuels Act of 2011, which established a study commission to investigate the use and promotion of such fuels within the state, in its entirety.
Exempts recovery claims for damages due to a town's neglect in maintaining highways or bridges from the provisions of chapter 31 of title 9 on governmental tort liability.
Caps damages at $100,000 in tort actions against Rhode Island, cities, towns, or fire districts, except for willful misconduct or extreme recklessness. It also exempts them from § 9-21-10.
Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.
Maddy summaryHB 5469 sets aside $2 million for the Small Business Assistance Program's micro-loan component during fiscal year 2025-2026. It requires that 10-25% of program funds be allocated specifically to micro-loans ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. These loans will be administered by lending organizations selected through a competitive process by the Commerce Corporation, which must have experience supporting microenterprises. The bill directly affects small businesses seeking affordable startup or expansion capital through this targeted loan program.
Permits a member or members of a limited-liability company to avoid dissolution by buying the membership interest owned by the other member or members seeking dissolution.
Maddy summaryHB 5444 clarifies that drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted limit when approaching emergency vehicles, highway maintenance equipment, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles displaying lights. This directly affects drivers traveling on roadways where these vehicles are operating, particularly in situations where lane changes aren't possible. The bill specifies that "slowing" means maintaining a speed 20 mph under the posted limit, rather than leaving the definition vague. It amends existing traffic law to provide a clear, measurable standard for driver behavior near roadside operations. The change aims to enhance safety for both workers and motorists.
Establishes a compact agreement among at least two (2) states to prohibit the use of subsidies to selectively retain industry or company entice relocation from one state to another state or to open a new facility.
Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning, permits local communities to adopt all-charter school public school model for public education.
