Rep. Brandon Voas

RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5554 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of electronic credit or debit card transactions. Merchants must report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction processing to avoid these fees; if they fail to do so, they can submit proof within 180 days for refunds. The law directly affects businesses that collect sales tax or tips (e.g., restaurants, retailers) and payment networks handling card transactions. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with violations subject to $1,000 penalties per transaction. The bill does not change tax or tip amounts but removes fees charged on those specific portions.

Extends the reporting and expiration dates, and requires letter of continued interest, to the commission studying land use, preservation, development, housing, environment, and regulation, from June 8, 2025, to June 8, 2026, and expires on June 30, 2026.

Enables the Rhode Island public transit authority (RIPTA) to work with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to allow commuter rail passes to be used as dual passes for both RIPTA and MBTA.

Maddy summaryHB 5578 prohibits public utility providers from increasing internet connection service rates for customers aged 62 or older, effective January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects senior citizens (62+) who rely on utility-provided internet services, preventing rate hikes specifically for this group. It applies to all providers offering internet connection services as defined in the bill, without requiring new regulatory processes. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to maintain stable internet costs for seniors.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 6144) celebrating Leona P. Marchand's 100th birthday on March 30, 2025. It formally recognizes her life and contributions, noting her birth in 1925, marriage, 25+ years of work at Ann & Hope and Central Falls Public Schools, and retirement hobbies. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send Leona a certified copy of the resolution. As a commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, it does not impact laws, funding, or specific groups beyond honoring an individual.

Maddy summaryHB 5257 establishes the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to set industry-wide standards for nursing home care. The 13-member board - representing employers, workers, community organizations, and health agencies - will advise state leaders on wages, benefits, working conditions, and training requirements for nursing home staff. It will recommend minimum statewide compensation standards and help ensure nursing home operators follow these guidelines. This bill directly affects nursing home workers, their employers, and residents by aiming to improve care quality through standardized workforce conditions. The board will operate under the Department of Labor and Training and begins work upon the bill's passage.

Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

Maddy summaryHB 5245 creates a new income-sensitive energy assistance program to help low-income households afford home energy costs. It establishes a capped annual charge of up to $10 per customer (electric or gas) to fund credits for households enrolled in LIHEAP or Medicaid, targeting those with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The program requires electric and gas companies to apply these credits to eligible customers' bills, with discounts designed to limit energy costs to 3-6% of household income based on heating source. Annual funding is restricted to $6.5-$7.5 million, and the Public Utilities Commission must approve the charge rates each year.