This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.
Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.
Maddy summaryHB 5334 requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with a consultation when prescribing or dispensing medication for an animal patient. The consultation must cover the drug name, dosage instructions, storage, actions for missed doses, and potential severe side effects, as specified in the bill. Veterinarians may delegate this task to registered veterinary technicians and must document whether the consultation was provided or declined in the animal's medical record. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting veterinarians and pet owners in their medication communication process.
Maddy summaryHB 5329 exempts vape shops from Rhode Island's ban on selling flavored e-cigarettes. The bill defines "vape shop" as any location dedicated to selling e-cigarette products, allowing these stores to sell flavored devices while prohibiting other retailers from doing so. It also clarifies that cannabis businesses are exempt from this ban except for tobacco/nicotine products. The law would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 5107 prohibits health care providers, facilities, and others from offering or accepting payments (like commissions or kickbacks) to refer patients to health care services. It directly affects entities such as hospitals, clinics, insurers, and referral services that might engage in such financial arrangements. The law bans these practices through specific prohibitions and imposes fines ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 per violation, based on the number of patients involved. Enforcement will be handled by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, with limited exceptions for existing arrangements like group practices or insurance agent commissions.
Maddy summaryHB 5175 updates the definition of "infectious disease" to explicitly include COVID-19, ensuring firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are covered under existing notification and disability benefits. The bill expands the scope of diseases that trigger required employer notification after exposure and qualifies workers for occupational disability benefits if illness develops from such exposure. It directly affects emergency responders employed by fire departments, police departments, or emergency medical services. The change ensures these workers receive the same protections for COVID-19 exposure as they do for other diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C under current law.
Maddy summaryHB 5359 requires law enforcement to get a person's consent or a search warrant before placing audio or video recorders on their private property to capture activities there. If violated, any evidence recorded without consent or a warrant cannot be used in court against the property owner, tenant, or guest. The bill also prevents prosecution in this state for the same criminal acts if the person was previously acquitted in federal court or another state, unless new evidence emerges that strongly supports prosecution.
Prohibits any city or town from requiring an applicant for license to carry concealed firearm to provide a reason for their request other than those outlined in § 11-47-1.
Maddy summaryHB 5336 would restructure governance of Rhode Island's Urban Collaborative (serving Providence and other participating school districts) by replacing its previous structure with a board of five trustees. The board would include the Providence superintendent, superintendents from other approved districts, and council-appointed members. The bill also specifies that state education funding would flow directly to the collaborative, with local districts transferring their share, and clarifies the collaborative's eligibility for state and federal education funds. This bill was introduced on February 7, 2025, but withdrawn at the sponsor's request on February 12, 2025, and never became law.
Prohibits lobbyists from making any political contributions to any member of the general assembly from January 1 through July 1 in any year, unless the general assembly adjourns for the year prior to July 1.
