Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.
Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly.
Maddy summaryHB 5682 clarifies that worker cooperatives can operate as hiring halls for skilled labor by allowing them to specify in their founding documents that members provide labor as independent contractors. This directly affects worker cooperatives seeking to function as hiring halls, ensuring members maintain independent contractor status when performing contract work for other entities. The key provision requires cooperatives to formally declare this structure in their articles of incorporation or bylaws. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, enabling clearer legal operation without changing worker classification.
Maddy summaryHB 5817 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" by repealing state regulations on VoIP and internet protocol services while creating a statewide broadband mapping requirement. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to submit data on service speeds, technology types, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which must maintain an updated public map showing broadband availability across all areas. This map will identify underserved regions and guide infrastructure planning, with state agencies obligated to provide supporting data. The law directly affects ISPs (through data reporting), state agencies (through data sharing), and Rhode Island residents (by targeting broadband expansion to unconnected communities).
Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provide the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.
Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.
Voids any provision in a condominium declaration or bylaw that would limit an increase in annual assessments relative to a percentage of the prior year's assessment.
Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.
Maddy summaryHB 5824 requires condominium associations managing properties with structural common elements (like roofs or elevators) costing at least $20,000 to replace to obtain and follow certified reserve studies. These studies, prepared by licensed Rhode Island architects or engineers, must list specific elements needing future repair/replacement, estimate costs, and break down monthly unit fees. Associations must maintain a separate reserve fund (not the operating fund) fully funded (100%) by July 2027 for these identified expenses, and cannot use reserve funds for other purposes. This directly affects all qualifying condo associations in Rhode Island, ensuring long-term financial planning for major repairs.
Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.
