Establishes an office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency, charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.
Maddy summaryHB 5819 changes how excess renewable energy credits are paid for net metering systems. Instead of receiving the full retail electricity rate (what customers pay), solar and other eligible renewable system owners will now be paid the lower wholesale rate for surplus power they send back to the grid. This directly affects residential, commercial, and community solar projects, including those serving low-income housing developments. The bill updates definitions and eligibility rules for net metering systems but focuses the key change on the payment rate for excess energy.
Maddy summaryHB 5820 amends Rhode Island's renewable energy standard, requiring electricity providers to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in their retail sales to end-use customers. Starting in 2007, providers must meet rising annual targets (e.g., 4% in 2023, 5% in 2024, and 9.5% by 2043), with a cap of 2% from existing renewable sources. The bill allows compliance through renewable energy certificates or alternative payments to a development fund, while exempting pre-2022 power contracts from later targets. It aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity for Rhode Island by 2043.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 6141) congratulating students and schools that won Rhode Island's 2025 ProStart® High School Competition. It specifically honors William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School (Culinary and Foodservice teams) and Chariho Area Career & Technical Center (Hospitality & Tourism team) for advancing to the national competition. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the winning schools. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
Maddy summaryHB 5934 would allow any person aged 18 or older who holds a valid license or permit to carry a stun gun. The bill amends licensing requirements in the weapons chapter to explicitly include stun guns under the same provisions as other weapons. This change directly affects licensed individuals aged 18 and older who wish to carry stun guns in vehicles or on their person, removing prior restrictions. The bill does not alter age limits for other weapons or change general stun gun regulations. The measure is currently pending in committee review.
Maddy summaryHB 5269 allows cities or towns to waive interest on overdue property tax payments for commercial properties, directly affecting commercial property owners who meet specific criteria. To qualify, owners must have owned the property for five years, paid taxes on time for five years, submit a written request, and have the overdue bill issued within two years. The waiver is capped at $500 per request, and local tax collectors must issue written decisions, with taxpayers able to appeal to the city council if denied. This bill does not change tax amounts but provides limited relief for overdue payments on commercial properties.
Maddy summaryHB 5814 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2026, aimed at identifying ways to lower energy rates for consumers. The study must review all state energy programs to find those increasing costs, compare Rhode Island's rates with other states, and recommend eliminating policies that raise bills. It allocates $100,000 for consultants to conduct this research and mandates that future energy-related legislation include "energy notes" showing cost impacts, similar to fiscal notes. This bill directly affects Rhode Island ratepayers and state energy policy through its focus on transparent cost analysis and program evaluation.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6102) commemorates the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) and the cultural significance of St. Joseph to Italian-Americans in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes St. Joseph as a symbol of family, faith, and hard work, particularly honoring the role of Italian immigrants in shaping Rhode Island's cultural heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
Maddy summaryHB 5137 requires the state board of elections to verify the U.S. citizenship status of every person on the voter registration list. It mandates comparing registrations against state DMV records and federal Social Security databases to ensure only citizens are registered. Before adding any new registration, the board must confirm citizenship using these databases. Unverified registrations will be removed after notifying the voter and providing an opportunity to submit proof of citizenship. The bill applies to all voter registrations statewide and takes effect upon passage.
