Allows for measures to advance the undergrounding of certain utility cables and to have the same funded through utility rate increases to the cities of Providence and East Providence.
Maddy summaryHB 5300 amends Rhode Island's criminal code to specifically include election officials and poll workers under the legal definition of "public officials" when addressing threats. This makes threats against these individuals - such as poll workers, election workers, wardens, moderators, and board members - a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. Previously, threats against similar roles might have been treated under broader or less specific provisions. The bill directly affects election workers who perform duties at polling places during elections, providing clearer legal protection for them. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 5322 extends a temporary allowance for retired teachers in Rhode Island to substitute teach up to 180 days per school year (instead of the standard 90-day limit) through July 1, 2026. School districts must first prove they couldn't fill positions with non-retired teachers and report their total certified teaching positions to the state retirement board, while also limiting retired teacher hires to no more than 5% of their total certified positions. This change applies retroactively to June 20, 2025, and directly affects retired teachers seeking substitute roles and school districts facing staffing shortages. The bill does not provide additional retirement credits or require contributions from retired teachers for this work.
Prohibits an individual who is licensed as both a Rhode Island real estate agent and mortgage loan originator to be compensated for both the sale of the property and the origination or referral of the loan in securing the property.
Maddy summaryHB 5029 sets the state's minimum wage at $16.00 per hour starting January 1, 2026, and increases it to $17.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers covered by the state's minimum wage law, including businesses with hourly workers. The legislation amends existing law to add these specific future wage rates, building on previous annual increases already in effect. It does not include additional provisions or exemptions beyond the specified hourly rates for 2026 and 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 5698 changes how property taxes are calculated for owner-occupied low- and moderate-income housing. It requires assessors to use a property’s most recent sales price - not standard market value - as the tax assessment basis for qualifying housing units. This directly affects homeowners in designated low- and moderate-income housing that serves as owner-occupied residences. The change prevents tax increases tied to rising market values, maintaining affordability for eligible homeowners.
Creates process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions by mailing a written request for approval to the unit mortgagees via regular and certified mail.
Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.
Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.
Maddy summaryHB 5563 requires all hotel employees and short-term rental property operators (like Airbnb hosts) to complete annual human trafficking awareness training. The training covers identifying trafficking signs, distinguishing labor vs. sex trafficking in hospitality settings, and reporting procedures to the national hotline or local law enforcement. Operators must also create written policies for reporting suspected trafficking and keep training records for one year after employment ends. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly impacting hospitality businesses statewide.
