Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.
Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.
Maddy summaryHB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.
Maddy summaryHB 5130 requires law enforcement agencies to submit crime guns (firearms used in or suspected of being used in a crime) and test-fired cartridge cases to the state crime laboratory or a certified agency for entry into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). This policy change directly affects police departments and crime labs by mandating a standardized procedure for processing ballistic evidence from gun crimes. The bill defines key terms like "crime gun" and "ghost gun" but focuses the new requirement on evidence submission to NIBIN, a database that helps solve gun violence by matching firearm evidence across jurisdictions. This is a procedural change for law enforcement, not a new restriction on firearm ownership or use.
Maddy summaryHB 5726, the Freedom to Read Act, prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing materials based on disagreement with their content (such as race, gender, or political views), while allowing removals only for content deemed developmentally inappropriate or legally obscene. It requires public libraries to adopt a model policy for material selection and a formal reconsideration process where patrons can challenge materials through a written form, with reviews completed within 30 days by a committee including library staff. The law mandates that challenged materials remain available during review and requires governing bodies to provide written justifications for removal decisions, making them publicly available. This directly affects public libraries, school libraries, and patrons who use these services by establishing clear, transparent procedures for handling material challenges.
Maddy summaryHB 6244 prohibits licensed healthcare facilities in this state from asking patients about their immigration status or requiring proof of legal presence. This applies to all patients receiving care at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities covered under healthcare licensing laws. The bill amends existing patient rights standards to explicitly add that facilities cannot inquire about immigration status (new section 19), ensuring equal access to care regardless of immigration status. It took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5801 updates definitions and procedures for low- and moderate-income housing in Rhode Island municipalities. It clarifies how housing units count toward municipal requirements, specifying that federal rental assistance vouchers now count as whole units (not half-units) for compliance, and mobile homes meeting certain criteria count as half-units if monitored. The bill also refines terms like "affordable housing plan" and "consistent with local needs" to align with housing planning standards. These changes directly affect cities and towns developing housing plans and developers seeking approval for subsidized housing projects.
Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to one per year unless an identified problem exists or fraud or misrepresentation is suspected.
Maddy summaryHB 6038 removes the previous 3-month supply limit for initial contraceptive prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists in Rhode Island. This change directly affects patients seeking their first contraceptive prescription from a pharmacist, allowing them to receive a longer initial supply. The bill amends existing law to eliminate the three-month restriction while maintaining other requirements, such as pharmacist training, risk assessments, and provider notification. It ensures insurance coverage for pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives under the same terms as prescriptions from other providers.
Provides extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, recycling of beverage containers, and provides general provisions for oversight of single-stage producer organizations.
