Rep. Doc Corvese

Maddy summaryHB 5235 caps interest rates on medical debt owed to healthcare providers. It limits interest to the weekly average one-year Treasury yield (with a minimum of 1.5% and maximum of 4% annually), as reported by the Federal Reserve. This applies only to new medical debt incurred after the bill takes effect, directly affecting consumers with unpaid medical bills. The law aims to prevent excessive interest charges on healthcare costs without altering existing debt.

Maddy summaryHB 5421 requires all school buses in the state to be equipped with live digital video monitoring systems that record license plates, location, time, and date of traffic violations. School districts must install these systems on new buses starting July 1, 2027, and on all buses by July 1, 2032. The systems enable remote monitoring of drivers passing stopped school buses, with violations documented through video evidence and processed via traffic tribunals. This directly affects school bus operators, drivers who violate stop-arm laws, and local governments handling enforcement and fines.

Requires any state agency that prints more than fifty (50) copies of a contract, publication, brochure, notice, or promotional material to use state-owned or operated print shop capable of processing the material.

Clarifies roles and regulatory authority for the administration of the program involving the repurposing of vacant schools for housing, extends the deadline for conducting feasibility studies and expands access to all municipalities.

Maddy summaryHB 5029 sets the state's minimum wage at $16.00 per hour starting January 1, 2026, and increases it to $17.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers covered by the state's minimum wage law, including businesses with hourly workers. The legislation amends existing law to add these specific future wage rates, building on previous annual increases already in effect. It does not include additional provisions or exemptions beyond the specified hourly rates for 2026 and 2027.

Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

Maddy summaryHB 5946 requires construction sites to keep at least one access point open during work hours, allowing workers to freely enter and exit without obstruction. It applies to all construction site owners, operators, or managers on public or private property. Violating this rule results in written warnings for first offenses, followed by $1,000 daily fines and immediate work stoppages for repeat violations. The bill prohibits locking gates, fences, or other barriers that restrict access while construction is ongoing.

Permits the division of unclaimed property within the office of the general treasurer to accept miscellaneous intangible property belonging to Rhode Island residents.

Amends the definitions of a “pupil transportation vehicle” to a vehicle contrasted to seat not more than ten (10) passengers plus the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight (8) passengers.

Maddy summaryHB 5686 requires Rhode Island municipalities to maintain and update a current list of rights-of-way to tidal areas designated by the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This affects all cities and towns within Rhode Island that have coastal areas or tidal waterways. The bill mandates that municipalities regularly review and revise these lists to ensure accurate records of public access and infrastructure near tidal zones. This update supports the CRMC’s broader coastal management efforts by providing clear, up-to-date information for planning and resource protection.