Repeals authorizing Rhode Island to join an interstate compact, which would allow Presidents and Vice Presidents to be elected by a national popular vote rather than the electoral college.
Provides that enhanced penalties for possession of fentanyl shall only be applicable if the substance contains \ at least ten percent (10%) of fentanyl or its analogs.
Extends certain protocols applicable to vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, updates definitions relative to common entities and sales.
Extends the time for which a student may enroll in the community college of Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program to one year after the student's high school graduation.
Provides that health clubs must discontinue automatic deductions from the consumer's account or credit card within 30 calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.
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.
Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.
Maddy summaryHB 5608 removes all regulatory limits on harvesting blue crabs in the state, directly affecting commercial and recreational crab harvesters. The bill eliminates existing rules, quotas, or restrictions on blue crab harvesting while maintaining that only state residents may harvest them. Key provisions replace current regulations with a simple statement: "There shall be no limit, rules or regulations, restricting the harvesting of blue crabs." The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, with no new restrictions on crab harvesting beyond the residency requirement.
Authorizes early voting for the ten (10) calendar days except the second weekend prior immediately preceding election day, while requiring, as is practicable, that all the election day protections and procedures be afforded to early voters.
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.
