Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2027.
Provides proper authority for the division of taxation to provide HSRI with contact information for Rhode Islanders who report they were uninsured on their RI state income tax return.
Increases reimbursement caps promulgated in 2018 and applies to eligible costs for library projects incurred from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2031, or ending earlier if the Office of Library Information Services amends the regulations.
Maddy summaryHR 8207 is a joint resolution that would allocate $100,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice & Bias. This resolution directly provides financial support to the Commission, which is tasked with addressing issues related to prejudice and bias in the state. The key provision is the specific appropriation of $100,000 for the Commission's operations or initiatives. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but provides resources for an existing state body. The resolution was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Directs the public utilities commission to establish a standardized framework for determining authorized common equity ratios and authorized rates of returns on equity for public utilities.
Maddy summaryHB 7886 requires electric and gas utility companies to read customer meters quarterly instead of monthly, with bills issued within 14 days of the reading. It mandates that utilities file their estimated billing formulas with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for approval and prohibits charging customers extra for unrecorded usage if meters aren't read on schedule. The bill also forbids utilities from passing meter-reading costs to customers and requires any excess charges beyond prior estimates to be forfeited if quarterly readings are missed. This affects all electric and gas distribution utilities and their residential and commercial customers in the state, taking effect July 1, 2026.
Provides that effective July 1, 2026, the profit margin of any electric distribution company or distributor of natural gas, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.
Defines that a conspicuous display is a visual illustration showing each component of the utility bill and the cost associated with each component of said bill.
Maddy summaryHB 7993 establishes a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office, directly affecting businesses or government entities engaging in repeated illegal conduct. The bureau will handle consumer protection, healthcare regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights through dedicated units. It authorizes the Attorney General to seek court orders for injunctions, restitution, and penalties against "persistent illegality" (repeated illegal acts affecting multiple people), while excluding criminal law enforcement. The law requires annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes.
