Mandates that EOHHS assemble a network of equity zones where local multisector groups of nonprofits, service providers, advocates, community members, state agencies, and municipalities can address social factors of health at a local level.
Establishes a new chapter for privacy protections for location information derived from electronic devices. DBR would be responsible for promulgating rules and regulations to implement administer and enforce this chapter.
Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.
Supports the role of independent family council and makes the waiting list transparent by requiring nursing facilities with more than thirty percent (30%) self-pay residents to admit applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for non-private rooms.
Maddy summaryHB 5275 would implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in primary elections for state representative and state senator when three or more candidates run. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) instead of choosing just one candidate. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in rounds, with their votes transferred to the next-ranked candidate on each ballot until one candidate achieves a majority. This change applies only to general assembly primary elections, not general elections, and takes effect January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 5269 allows cities or towns to waive interest on overdue property tax payments for commercial properties, directly affecting commercial property owners who meet specific criteria. To qualify, owners must have owned the property for five years, paid taxes on time for five years, submit a written request, and have the overdue bill issued within two years. The waiver is capped at $500 per request, and local tax collectors must issue written decisions, with taxpayers able to appeal to the city council if denied. This bill does not change tax amounts but provides limited relief for overdue payments on commercial properties.
Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Provides that no city or town may issue a permit for the construction of new buildings, that are not an all-electric building, if the initial application for a permit was submitted after December 31, 2026, unless certain circumstances apply.
Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 15-member commission to study whether Rhode Island should publicly own its electricity and natural gas utilities. The commission includes legislators, utility representatives, consumer advocates, and labor leaders, and will examine models like Nebraska’s "Neighbor’s First" approach, compare public versus private utility performance, and assess costs, renewable energy transition, and governance structures. It will specifically evaluate potential benefits such as lower consumer costs, access to low-cost debt, and cross-subsidization for public services. The commission must report its findings to the legislature by April 16, 2026, before dissolving on May 27, 2026.
