Rep. Jennifer Stewart

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.

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person’s transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharrassment.

Amends the uniform controlled substances act and reclassifies simple possession of 28 grams or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 5416 prohibits Rhode Island auto insurance companies from using race, ethnicity, zip code, credit scores, gender, education level, or occupation to set rates or classify drivers. The bill also bans penalizing drivers solely for being widowed (vs. married) or for being 65+ years old with a clean driving record (no accidents or violations in three years). Additionally, it prevents insurers from refusing policy renewals based solely on age (65+), low-value claims under $3,000, or minor fault (50% or less) in accidents. The law applies to all private passenger auto insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

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.

Provides that no city or town may issue a permit for the construction of new buildings, that are not an all-electric building, if the initial application for a permit was submitted after December 31, 2026, unless certain circumstances apply.

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.

Provides that effective July 1, 2025, the profit margin of any electric distribution company gas distribution company, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.