Increases the maximum amount of the Kingston water district bonding authority from four million dollars ($4,000,000) to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).
Maddy summaryHB 6034 blocks new applications for "network charter schools" (multiple schools operated under a single management structure) and prevents expansions of existing charter schools that would create such networks. The bill does not affect individual charter schools or the existing 35-school cap, but specifically halts the creation of new multi-school networks. It directly impacts organizations seeking to launch or expand networked charter systems, including potential applicants and existing charter operators considering growth. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and preserves existing charters while restricting new network formations.
Maddy summaryHB 5499 strengthens Rhode Island's Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) rules to improve access for eligible residents. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging more based on health status (including preexisting conditions) for applicants under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease, and guarantees issue rights for Plan A during annual enrollment. The bill also requires the state insurance commissioner to set standards for policy terms, premiums, and claims handling, while banning medical underwriting for certain applicants. These changes directly affect Rhode Island Medicare beneficiaries (ages 65+ or under 65 with qualifying disabilities) and insurers selling Medigap policies in the state. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 5431 guarantees that Medicare beneficiaries under 65 and over 65 who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B can enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during a one-month annual enrollment period without being denied coverage due to health conditions. To qualify, applicants must have been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and remain enrolled at the time of application. The bill also standardizes Medicare supplement policies by prohibiting exclusions for preexisting conditions and requiring clear minimum standards for benefits, rates, and insurer practices. This change aims to simplify access to supplemental coverage while removing health-based barriers for Medicare recipients.
Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.
Provides that the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs shall include the name of the dispensing health care practice instead of the name of the dispenser.
Imposes a property tax on non-owner occupied residential properties assessed worth at one million dollars ($1,000,000) and less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and a higher tax on properties assessed at two million dollars ($2,000,000) or more.
Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.
Maddy summaryHR 5732 proposes a constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new right to all Rhode Islanders: the inherent right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preservation of natural, scenic, and recreational environmental values. If approved by voters, it would require the state to act as a trustee of natural resources, protecting these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, gender, or income, and for both current and future generations. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and must be voted on by Rhode Island residents at the next statewide general election. This is a procedural proposal - voters must approve it before it becomes part of the state constitution.
Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and include the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.
