Directs the commissioner of postsecondary education to prepare a strategic plan for public higher education which is aligned with the goals of the board of education's strategic plan.
Maddy summaryHB 5712 establishes fusion voting in Rhode Island, allowing candidates to run under multiple political parties for the same office. It directly affects candidates, political parties, and voters by enabling a single candidate to appear on the ballot under multiple party lines. Key provisions require candidates to formally accept all nominations in writing within 10 days, mandate ballots to display the candidate under each nominating party, and combine all votes for that candidate across party lines into a single total while preventing duplicate voting. The bill also requires ballot design and voting equipment to clearly support this process, including voter instructions and accessibility compliance.
Makes it easier to vote for people eligible to vote who are incarcerated at the Rhode Island adult correctional institute and creates the position of "voting coordinator," within the department of corrections.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 5902 prohibits property owners from including restrictions that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on land designated for selling fresh food for off-premises consumption. It allows exceptions only if a closed store relocates within one-half mile within one year, maintains similar product offerings, and meets specific timing requirements. Existing agreements made before the law's effective date remain valid. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to new property agreements.
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.
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 summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Rhode Island's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to seek immediate rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for residents and businesses facing high utility costs, particularly low-income households, seniors, and small businesses. It asks the DPUC to take action similar to Massachusetts' approach and report progress by April 22, 2025. The resolution does not change rates but formally urges the regulator to address the financial burden.
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.
Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, requires a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.
