Adds to those persons exempt from payment of parking fees at any recreational facility owned and operated by the state those individuals determined by the executive office of HHS, or its designee, to be disabled for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Maddy summaryHB 7502 would require the state, not local towns or cities, to handle all maintenance of sidewalks alongside state highways - such as repairs, cleaning, and replacement - except for snow and ice removal. This directly affects municipalities that previously managed sidewalk upkeep along state roads, shifting that responsibility to the state transportation department. The bill amends existing laws to clarify the state’s authority for sidewalk construction and maintenance, while explicitly excluding snow and ice removal from the state’s duties. It does not create new sidewalks but changes who maintains existing ones along state highways. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after introduction on February 4, 2026.
Maddy summaryHR 7707 is a legislative resolution appropriating $800,000 from the state treasury to support the operational costs of WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization. This funding, designated for fiscal year 2026-2027, directly supports WaterFire's year-round activities, including its signature river bonfire events and the WaterFire Arts Center. The resolution authorizes the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation. It does not alter existing laws or create new programs, but provides direct financial assistance to an organization cited for generating significant tourism revenue and community engagement in Providence.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Towing Advisory Board to advise the state's public utilities commission on regulating tow truck operators. The advisory board will include representatives from the towing industry, transportation and public safety departments, and the public, who will meet annually to provide recommendations on licensing, safety training, and rate changes. It also establishes mandatory licensing standards requiring operators to complete at least eight hours of annual continuing education and mandates that the commission consult with the board before approving any tariff modifications or enforcement policies. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all tow truck operators working within the state.
Authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing.
Allows the state to require utilities to relocate facilities for certain highway projects and to pay the cost of the relocation to the utility as part of the cost of the federally aided highway project.
Provides that licensed assisted living community is not required to hold a residential unit for a Medicare-eligible resident absent from the facility for a period exceeding 10 days unless EOHHS provides payment to the facility to hold the bed.
Requires the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to apply an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (“COLA”) to the Medicaid reimbursement rates paid for assisted living services provided pursuant to this chapter.
Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 8396, is a symbolic resolution that officially designates April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island. It aims to increase public understanding of autism by recognizing the achievements of individuals and agencies supporting those with autism spectrum disorders. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter to facilitate this awareness effort.
