Rep. Doc Corvese

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on public projects (like school transportation or public building construction) to provide actual healthcare and retirement benefits to employees working more than 90 days, rather than paying cash equivalents. Starting July 2024, contractors cannot give workers cash instead of purchasing healthcare coverage from a licensed provider, and starting July 2025, they cannot offer cash for retirement benefits (except for short-term workers under 90 days). Contractors must provide proof of coverage to employees and their bargaining agents. The law aims to ensure workers receive tangible benefits, with violations subject to $1,000-$3,000 civil penalties per violation.

Provides that commercial driver instruction would include industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking.

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5882 shortens the training requirement for school bus drivers in Rhode Island who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Specifically, it reduces the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course to a shorter, focused program covering only Rhode Island-specific rules and safety requirements. This change directly affects CDL holders seeking to drive school buses in Rhode Island, streamlining their path to certification without altering safety standards or background checks. The bill does not change other requirements, such as passing written/driver tests or providing proof of residency and employment.

Maddy summaryHB 5049 removes a $5 registration fee and transfer charge for applicants seeking a special license plate honoring Bronze Star Medal recipients. The bill directly affects veterans who have received the U.S. Bronze Star Medal and wish to display the special plate on their vehicles. It amends existing law to eliminate the mandatory $5 fee while keeping all other plate design and eligibility rules unchanged. The change takes effect on January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law by the governor on June 13, 2025.

Establishes a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles. Rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter would be promulgated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

Provide to provide greater clarity in insurance claim settlements, the appraisal process and procedural safeguards to enhance consumer protections against bad faith practices by insurers.

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.

Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.

Maddy summaryHB 5637 updates the state's Credit Card Crime Act to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards covered by fraud statutes. This change means individuals who fraudulently use, forge, or obtain goods/services with stolen or expired debit cards will now face the same criminal penalties as those committing credit card fraud. The law expands the scope of existing penalties (including a $100 six-month threshold for misdemeanor charges) to cover debit card fraud, which was previously not explicitly addressed. This directly affects individuals committing debit card fraud and ensures consistent legal treatment for both debit and credit card fraud.