Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.
Modifies the definition of "core forest" to refer to unfragmented forest blocks or single or multiple parcels totaling 250 acres or greater and at least 25 yards from mapped roads.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law governing special license plates for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation in Rhode Island. It authorizes a new ten-dollar annual surcharge on the renewal fees for these specific plates, which are currently available to vehicle owners who wish to support the foundation's mission. The additional funds generated from these renewals will be distributed directly to the foundation to help finance breast cancer awareness, health education, and critical programs. The legislation also includes requirements for annual financial audits and mandates that any Rhode Island-sourced funds received by the foundation be used for the benefit of the state.
Requires RIDE to develop type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of students that will be posted publicly on RIDE's website.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to track energy and water use in large commercial buildings in Rhode Island, aiming to help the state reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. It requires buildings with at least 25,000 square feet of floor area to report their performance using tools like the EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and sets future standards for how efficiently these buildings must operate. Owners of covered properties who do not meet these standards or reporting requirements may have to pay a compliance fee instead. The Office of Energy Resources will manage the program, develop rules for implementation, and ensure enough staff and funding are available to carry it out.
Creates a 17 member commission to study the issues confronting the State due to climate change, and who would report back to the House by May 14, 2025, and expire on June 18, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 7981 updates state laws to give Rhode Island towns and cities more flexibility in writing their local zoning rules. The bill allows municipalities to create special districts that offer development incentives, such as higher density or increased building heights, in exchange for providing public benefits like new housing, open spaces, or traffic improvements. It also permits communities to establish mixed-use zones and regulate specific features like drive-through windows and development near scenic areas. By standardizing these options, the legislation aims to help local governments better manage land use while addressing housing needs and infrastructure challenges.
Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.
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.
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.
