Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 would need to consider.
Requires the department of elementary and secondary education and DOH to adopt policies, rules and regulations for the administration of seizure rescue medications for children who have been medically identified as having epilepsy/seizure disorder.
Maddy summaryHB 5908 allows plaintiffs in civil lawsuits to seek punitive damages when defendants acted with "willful or wanton conduct" or showed "reckless disregard" for others' health, safety, or welfare. It directly affects individuals bringing civil cases against entities or people who caused harm through knowingly dangerous or heedless actions. The bill defines "willful or wanton conduct" as behavior the defendant knew or should have known was dangerous, done without regard for consequences or others' safety. This change would apply to civil cases, including those under specific statutes, and takes effect upon passage.
Provides that an agreement resolving a patent infringement claim, in connection with the sale of a pharmaceutical product, is to be presumed to have anticompetitive effects if a nonreference drug filer receives anything of value.
Maddy summaryHB 5910 adds the "assumption of risk" doctrine to Rhode Island's comparative negligence law. It affects people involved in personal injury or property damage lawsuits by allowing courts to reduce compensation if the injured party knowingly accepted a risk. The bill specifies that damages must be reduced proportionally if the court finds the injured person assumed the risk, or if the danger was open and obvious. This change modifies how negligence cases are evaluated but does not prevent claims from being filed. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.
Amends the section of law relative to violations for driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license and expands the list of offenses for which an unlicensed motorist would be in violation.
Maddy summaryHB 5931 repeals a law that allowed motor vehicle license suspension for failure to pay traffic fines. This bill directly affects drivers who cannot pay court-imposed fines for traffic violations. The key provision removes the requirement that license suspensions remain in effect until all fines are paid or payment arrangements are made with the court. The repeal eliminates this enforcement mechanism for unpaid traffic fines.
Maddy summaryHB 5932 raises the threshold for mandatory arbitration in motor vehicle liability claims from $50,000 to $100,000. This means drivers or passengers filing claims for $100,000 or less can now choose to go directly to court instead of being required to use arbitration. The bill maintains existing arbitration procedures for larger claims, including rules for selecting arbitrators, hearing processes, and the option to request a jury trial within 60 days. It directly affects individuals involved in minor auto accident claims under $100,000 who previously would have faced mandatory arbitration. The change aims to streamline the claims process for lower-value cases without altering other insurance requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 5642 amends filing fees for appeals from district court to superior court in civil cases and landlord-tenant matters. It requires appellants to pay a $50 attorney fee (divided among multiple adverse parties) plus a $75 total filing fee (including a civil case processing fee and technology surcharge) when appealing. The bill sets a 2-day deadline (excluding weekends/holidays) for general civil appeals and a 5-day deadline (including weekends/holidays) for landlord-tenant cases. These changes take effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals or entities appealing district court decisions.
Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 3 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.
