Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.
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 5178 allows individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to request the removal of their criminal records after completing their sentences and waiting 10 years. It directly affects people who have served their sentences for two or more non-violent felonies, provided they have no new criminal convictions or outstanding court fees in the 10-year period and were not convicted of violent crimes. The bill amends existing law to permit expungement motions for multiple felony convictions after 10 years (previously limited to single offenses), with strict eligibility requirements including good moral character and no pending charges. This policy change aims to provide a clear pathway for record clearance while maintaining public safety safeguards.
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.
Requires the public utilities commission to produce a report each January containing an analysis of the electric grid and its ability to supply the electricity needs to power cars, buildings and heat homes within the state.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6142) formally commemorates a March 27, 2025, flag-raising ceremony celebrating "La Francophonie" (the global French-speaking community) at the Rhode Island State House. It recognizes Rhode Island's French-speaking population (over 124,000 residents, including 9,500 fluent speakers) and the cultural contributions of French language and heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Alliance Française de Providence, which promotes French culture in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly acknowledges cultural ties.
Repeals the certificate of need process statutes which are used by the department of health to determine the need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.
Maddy summaryHB 5356 caps application fees for healthcare facilities seeking certificates of need for new or expanded tertiary/specialty care services at $25,000 total. This directly affects hospitals or health systems applying for major facility expansions or specialized services, as their current fee structure (a base $10,000 plus 0.25% of capital costs) is now limited. The bill amends fee rules under Rhode Island’s certificate of need program, ensuring no applicant pays more than $25,000 regardless of project size. All other applications (non-tertiary/specialty) retain their existing $500-$750 base fees plus 0.25% of costs, with no cap applied.
Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.
Maddy summaryHB 5933 allows any person aged 18 or older who holds a valid license or permit to carry a stun gun. This bill specifically amends existing weapons laws to include stun guns under the same permit requirements as other weapons, meaning licensed individuals 18+ can now legally carry them in public. The change directly affects permit holders aged 18 and older, expanding their legal ability to carry stun guns without additional restrictions. The bill does not change age limits for other weapons or create new licensing requirements, only clarifying that stun guns fall under existing permit rules.
