Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Rhode Island's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to seek immediate rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for residents and businesses facing high utility costs, particularly low-income households, seniors, and small businesses. It asks the DPUC to take action similar to Massachusetts' approach and report progress by April 22, 2025. The resolution does not change rates but formally urges the regulator to address the financial burden.
Maddy summaryHB 5577, the "2025 Utility Company Billing Transparency Act," requires large electric and gas distribution companies (with over 100,000 customers) to provide clear explanations of charges on consumer bills, addressing confusion about costs like fees and taxes. It mandates that these companies file proposals with the Public Utilities Commission detailing how they will implement revenue decoupling - ensuring they aren’t incentivized to increase sales to boost profits - and includes annual reconciliation for revenue over- or under-recovery. The bill also requires companies to submit annual infrastructure and safety spending plans for commission review, aiming to align costs with service reliability. These changes directly affect major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and aim to help residential customers better understand and manage their energy costs.
Municipalities required to amend zoning ordinances, to include special listed provisions, to authorize development incentives to increase development density or dimensional flexibility, identify provisions to promote and regulate commercial developments.
Maddy summaryHB 5492, the Microplastics Reduction Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic microplastics (like those in some cosmetics, cleaning supplies, or personal care items) starting January 1, 2029. It requires the Department of Environmental Management to develop a public testing plan for microplastics in water and soil by July 2028, and a statewide strategy plan by January 2029 to address microplastic sources and impacts. The law directly affects product manufacturers and importers, excluding items preempted by federal law. It focuses on reducing microplastics intentionally added to consumer products, not all plastic pollution, and mandates regular updates to the testing and strategy plans every 24 months.
Maddy summaryHB 5606 bans wildlife killing contests - where participants compete to kill animals like coyotes or foxes for cash, prizes, or other rewards - on both public and private lands in the state. It directly affects organizers, sponsors, promoters, and participants of such contests, including businesses or groups hosting these events. The bill includes exemptions for lawful hunting, wildlife damage control, and field trials permitted by wildlife authorities. Violators face fines starting at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.
Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.
Maddy summaryHB 5430 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It applies to all group and individual health insurance plans covering these services, directly affecting insured individuals who need these exams. The bill defines "diagnostic" exams as those evaluating abnormalities found during screening, and "supplemental" exams as risk-based screenings for high-risk individuals without abnormalities. Insurance companies must cover these services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 5916 amends Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to increase notice periods for rent increases and tenancy terminations, directly affecting month-to-month tenants and their landlords. The bill raises the required notice period for landlords or tenants to terminate month-to-month tenancies from 30 to 60 days, and extends it to 120 days for tenants aged 62 or older. It also specifies standardized notice forms for terminations, ensuring consistent communication about lease end dates. These changes aim to provide tenants with more time to plan for housing transitions while maintaining clear legal procedures.
