Requires annual inspections of those assisted living residences which contain units licensed to treat residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Requires a nursing and assisted living facility to allow its residents to connect their electronic monitoring devices to its internet service without incurring any extra cost or charges.
Creates a 17-member legislative commission to study women’s reproductive health across the life course, and would report back to the House by March 2, 2027, and would expire on May 2, 2027.
Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act to expand oversight of regional transmission projects. It requires applicants for major energy facilities (like transmission lines over 69kV or power plants over 40MW) to analyze climate impacts - including greenhouse gas emissions and health effects - and consider grid-enhancing technologies (such as dynamic line rating or advanced power flow control) as alternatives to new infrastructure. The siting board must now evaluate projects based on these new criteria when reviewing applications. The changes directly affect energy developers, utilities, and the board during the permitting process.
Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.
Authorizes East Providence to issue licenses to any business seeking to engage in the business of operating a hotel, motel, inn, or boardinghouse and that business first obtains approval from chief of police, building inspector and the mayor.
Designates the month of May, annually, as "Rhode Island Native Plant Month," with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize and educate people about Rhode Island's native plants.
Maddy summaryHB 7518, the Rhode Island Kratom Act, regulates the sale of kratom products by requiring retailers to store all such products behind the sales counter in a locked case until purchased. It prohibits sales to anyone under 21 years old and mandates that buyers show valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) to verify age. The law applies directly to businesses selling kratom products in Rhode Island and takes effect on April 1, 2026. These provisions aim to restrict access to kratom products while ensuring age verification at point-of-sale.
Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.
