Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for affordable housing projects based on its specific zoning requirements. The legislation establishes statewide inclusionary zoning standards requiring at least 15% of new development units to remain affordable for 30 years, while permitting municipalities to offer density bonuses like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes in exchange for providing affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, use alternative methods like off-site construction or land donations, or pay a fee-in-lieu that funds affordable housing projects elsewhere in the municipality. The bill also specifies that fee-in-lieu payments must be used exclusively for affordable housing serving families earning 80% or less of the area median income and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds.
Sponsored bills
Permits Smithfield to require 2 parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking is available near these units.
Authorizes the town of Smithfield, if an aggregate of two hundred fifty (250) or more units should be proposed in comprehensive permit project(s), to enact an emergency moratorium until the permit requirement of § 45-53-4 are amended.
Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for the passing of Bernard W. George, a respected citizen of Coventry. The resolution honors his life achievements, including his long service with the Boy Scouts, his career in the U.S. Navy, and his work as a microbiologist for the State of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Dawn George, and her family.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates April 19-25, 2026, as "National Library Week" throughout Rhode Island. It aims to recognize the role of libraries in providing community resources, internet access, and inclusive services to residents. The resolution thanks library staff for their work and encourages the public to visit libraries during the designated week. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the state's Office of Library and Information Services and all local libraries.
Requires that every insurer providing health coverage insurance provide every physician or physician group with a complete fee schedule seeing for the maximum allowable reimbursement for each covered service.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Primary Care Contracting Good Faith Act, which would require commercial insurers, managed care organizations, and Medicare Advantage plans to negotiate in good faith with primary care physician practices at least once every 24 months. The negotiations must explicitly consider factors such as operating costs, inflation, staff wages, malpractice premiums, and other overhead expenses. Additionally, the law prohibits payers from refusing to negotiate or renew contracts solely based on a practice's size, ownership structure, patient panel size, or Medicaid volume. The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner would maintain a log of negotiation requests and issue annual reports, while complaints would be reviewed under existing authority. The act would take effect 90 days after passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare entities and health plans to process provider credentialing applications within 30 calendar days for new applications and 10 business days for providers already credentialed with Medicare. It also mandates that minor demographic updates, such as address changes, be completed within 5 business days. The bill includes provisions for automated status updates every 15 days, written explanations for denials, and retroactive reimbursement if payers miss deadlines. Additionally, it establishes a conditional approval process for resident graduates and requires the health insurance commissioner to enforce timelines through quarterly reporting.
Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.
Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2027 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.