Repeals the exemption granted to pari-mutuel facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement and provides for a one time appropriate of $1,000,000 to inform patrons of the smoke free policy within the casino.
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.
Requires the department of health to incorporate information about dementia risk factors and reduction into public education and healthcare provider education materials.
Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.
Maddy summaryHB 5557 updates Rhode Island's licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. It establishes biennial license renewals (every two years), requires maintaining a clinical certificate, and creates clear pathways for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) to qualify with specific education and training. The bill directly affects licensed professionals and SLPAs by defining their scope of practice - such as assisting under supervision with screenings and therapy - while requiring documented training and supervision for SLPAs. Key changes include standardized renewal fees, inactive status options for non-practitioners, and detailed SLPA certification requirements like 18 graduate credit hours and 100 supervised clinical hours.
Repeals the required HIV testing for an individual convicted under chapter 34.1 of title 11 and allows the option for HIV testing for any person convicted under this chapter.
Maddy summaryHB 5235 caps interest rates on medical debt owed to healthcare providers. It limits interest to the weekly average one-year Treasury yield (with a minimum of 1.5% and maximum of 4% annually), as reported by the Federal Reserve. This applies only to new medical debt incurred after the bill takes effect, directly affecting consumers with unpaid medical bills. The law aims to prevent excessive interest charges on healthcare costs without altering existing debt.
Requires manufacturers of assisting technology devices to make available to independent repair providers/the owner of the device, any documentation/parts, software/other items intended for use with the equipment/parts, including updates to software.
Authorizes the city of Central Falls, via home rule charter or city ordinance, to create a school board with all powers and duties thereto, to govern the Central Falls school district.
