Authorizes a blanket permit and fee to allow the movement of self-propelled cranes which are in excess of size and weight load requirements, to move on state highways.
Maddy summaryHB 7194 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty committed by a family or household member against another household member. It specifically adds three offenses to the list: unnecessary cruelty to an animal (§ 4-1-3), malicious injury or killing of an animal (§ 4-1-5), and abandonment of an animal (§ 4-1-26). This change directly affects victims who share household animals with an abuser and allows courts to address animal cruelty as part of domestic violence cases. The bill amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to explicitly include these animal-related offenses under the same legal framework as other domestic violence crimes.
Maddy summaryHB 7333 creates the Rhode Island Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026 to remove legal barriers preventing state oversight of broadband services. It repeals a prior law that effectively banned Rhode Island from monitoring or regulating broadband performance, requiring the Commerce Corporation to develop a broadband office plan. This office would map coverage, monitor service quality, identify unserved areas, coordinate federal broadband funds (like BEAD), and ensure transparent reporting. The bill directly affects all Rhode Island residents and businesses relying on broadband for essential services like healthcare, education, and government access. It establishes concrete mechanisms for managing public broadband investments and meeting federal requirements for ongoing performance tracking.
Maddy summaryHB 7425 updates the official terminology in Rhode Island's Naturopathy Act by replacing "doctor of naturopathy" with "naturopathic doctor" throughout all relevant sections of the law. This change standardizes the title used for licensed practitioners and appears in definitions, scope-of-practice descriptions, and licensing requirements. It directly affects licensed naturopaths who must now use the updated title "naturopathic doctor" (or "ND" designation) in professional practice, while maintaining the same scope of permitted services like natural substance dispensing and health counseling. The bill does not alter the practice rules or restrictions outlined in the original 2017 Act.
Provides duties/obligations of medical personnel to born-alive infants resulting from an abortion punishable as a felony along with a civil action for compensatory/punitive damages/automatic one year license suspension.
Prohibits the division of motor vehicles from placing on a motorist's driving record, a traffic violation which fine has been paid no longer than thirty (30) days after its issuance. This procedure would only be utilized twice per year.
Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2027.
Provides that certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Maddy summaryHB 7022 requires businesses to clearly inform customers when they charge a credit card surcharge or fee. Starting January 1, 2027, businesses must post conspicuous notices at the point of sale (or on restaurant menus) stating the surcharge amount or percentage. Failure to provide this notice would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice under existing law. The bill directly affects businesses that impose credit card payment fees, ensuring customers are aware of these costs before completing transactions.
Maddy summaryHB 7235 clarifies that Rhode Island's General Assembly retains exclusive authority to approve or deny nuclear plant construction projects, explicitly reserving this power despite other state or local laws. The bill amends Section 42-64-14.1 of the General Laws to maintain legislative oversight for nuclear plant projects, ensuring they require direct General Assembly approval rather than relying on other regulatory processes. This change directly affects developers seeking to build nuclear facilities in Rhode Island, as they must now obtain specific legislative approval before construction. The bill does not eliminate the approval requirement but formally reinforces the General Assembly’s jurisdiction over such projects. The measure is currently pending further study after committee consideration.
