Creates a voluntary program through which registrants of electric and hybrid motor vehicles can request stickers to affix to enclosures housing such vehicles to promote first responders' safety in responding to electrical fires.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Maddy summaryHB 5070 increases the maximum fee sheriffs, sergeants, and constables can charge for serving most writs, citations, or subpoenas from $45.00 to $70.00. This directly affects these court officers who deliver legal documents, raising their allowable compensation for this specific service. The bill amends the existing fee schedule to reflect this higher maximum, while requiring all fees to be deposited as general revenue. The change applies immediately upon passage, with no broader policy shifts beyond the adjusted fee amount.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" on June 19, 2025, specifically for Rhode Island. It urges state citizens to observe the day and learn about its historical significance as a celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply encourages public recognition and education about Juneteenth's history, aligning with Rhode Island's existing state holiday status for the day (established in 2023).
Maddy summaryHB 5802 allows Rhode Island state agencies to develop housing on state-owned vacant, abandoned, or underutilized land without needing local zoning approval. It requires state agencies to hold a public hearing and demonstrate that housing projects align with state planning goals, address housing needs (including low- and moderate-income options), and minimize negative impacts on traffic, environment, or historic sites. The bill streamlines this process by exempting such state-led housing projects from standard municipal planning requirements, provided they follow the new hearing and justification rules. This directly affects state agencies planning housing developments on state-owned properties, aiming to accelerate housing construction where land is available.
Waives the fees for vehicle identification number inspections for veterans, including active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and military reserves.
Updates the statutory terminology by replacing the phrase "institutions of higher learning" with that of "educational institutions", and would redefine child daycare centers as educational institutions.
Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.
Creates the PURPLE alert state system to aid in the search for a missing adult with a serious physical, behavioral health, neurological disabilities or medical condition.
Maddy summaryHB 5731 allows Rhode Island driver education schools to offer required driver training courses both in-person and through instructor-led virtual formats for a two-year trial period (October 2025-October 2027). This applies to applicants under 18 seeking their first license, while maintaining existing curriculum standards (including 33 hours of instruction covering Rhode Island traffic laws and alcohol/drug education). The state board of education must analyze virtual vs. in-person training effectiveness and report findings to lawmakers by December 2027. Exemptions apply to applicants over 18 or those with a valid out-of-state license held for at least one year.
