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.
Requires a seventy-five percent (75%) supermajority vote by the board of directors to establish a quorum and to approve any action taken by the commerce corporation.
Requires the executive climate change coordinating council to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of carbon emissions removal technology as an alternative to reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals.
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.
Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.
Maddy summaryHB 5646 adds individuals aged 70 or older to the list of people eligible to request exemption from jury service in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents of Rhode Island who are 70 years or older and receive a jury summons. The bill amends existing law to allow these individuals to formally decline jury duty by claiming the exemption, rather than being automatically exempt. This change applies to all Rhode Island courts and civil procedures involving jury selection.
Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.
Maddy summaryHB 5879 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including its "contemporary examples," for use by Rhode Island state agencies. It requires state agencies to apply this definition when evaluating whether discriminatory acts - such as those based on religion or country of origin - constitute antisemitic discrimination under existing fair employment laws. The bill also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and clarifies that it does not override First Amendment rights or conflict with federal or state discrimination laws. This definition will directly guide state agencies in reviewing and investigating discrimination claims involving antisemitism.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of Judge Bruce Selya, a former U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the First Circuit. It formally honors his 40+ year judicial career, his service to Rhode Island, and his legacy as a respected jurist and community leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Judge Selya's family. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.
Creates a redistricting commission to act every ten (10) years to adopt a redistricting plan for all general assembly and congressional districts. It also provides for a possible right of appeal of the plan, to the state supreme court.
