Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.
Maddy summaryHB 5432 prohibits health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects patients seeking these treatments and insurers who must comply with the new rule. The key provision removes a common administrative barrier, allowing patients to access covered in-network care without prior insurer approval. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and aligns with existing parity requirements for mental health coverage.
Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
Maddy summaryHB 5220 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments statewide to collect detailed data during routine traffic stops and searches. This includes recording the officer's perception of the driver's race/ethnicity, stop reasons, search details, and outcomes (like citations or arrests), starting no later than January 2026. An independent agency chosen by the Department of Transportation must conduct an annual study analyzing this data for racial disparities and publish public reports quarterly and annually. The law aims to provide transparency on traffic stop practices and support efforts to address potential inequities in policing.
Maddy summaryHB 5436, the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025, prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, or transfer of specific semi-automatic firearms after July 1, 2026. It bans weapons defined as "assault weapons" based on features like detachable magazines, folding stocks, pistol grips, or threaded barrels (e.g., rifles with >10-round fixed magazines or shotguns with detachable magazines and certain features). Current owners of qualifying firearms legally possessed before July 1, 2026, may keep them under a grandfather clause, but new ownership or transfers after that date are prohibited. Exceptions include .22 caliber rimfire rifles with tubular magazines and Olympic target pistols. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 or up to 10 years in prison.
Maddy summaryHB 5882 shortens the training requirement for school bus drivers in Rhode Island who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Specifically, it reduces the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course to a shorter, focused program covering only Rhode Island-specific rules and safety requirements. This change directly affects CDL holders seeking to drive school buses in Rhode Island, streamlining their path to certification without altering safety standards or background checks. The bill does not change other requirements, such as passing written/driver tests or providing proof of residency and employment.
Maddy summaryHB 6159 increases the maximum per-page fee for court transcript services. It raises the fee for original transcripts from $3.50 to $3.50 (clarifying the current maximum) and for copies from $1.50 to $2.00 per page. This change directly affects court reporters who provide transcripts and the parties (plaintiffs, defendants, or their attorneys) who request them. The bill also maintains a $10.00 fee for reproducing electronic court recordings on cassette. The law took effect upon the governor's signature on June 10, 2025.
Prohibits a manufacturer from manufacturing, knowingly selling, offering for sale, distributing for sale or distributing for use in the state any firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally-added PFAS as of January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding House resolution commemorating World Refugee Day on June 20, 2025, and recognizing Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for its 100+ years of service to refugees and immigrants. It formally acknowledges Dorcas' work through programs like resettlement, legal services, and job training, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dorcas' CEO. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative recognition. It directly affects Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island as the recipient of this formal acknowledgment.
Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.
