Prohibits utility companies from limiting the eligibility of a net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed under the net metering system to be credited to the consumer.
Provide protection for the rights of professional, administrative and secretarial employees of the department of education to collectively bargain over all terms and conditions of employment.
Eliminates the "until June 30, 2025" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.
Requires manufacturers of assisting technology devices to make available to independent repair providers/the owner of the device, any documentation/parts, software/other items intended for use with the equipment/parts, including updates to software.
Requires that every institution of higher education provide training in the administration of opioid antagonists to every staff member on the institution's campus.
Maddy summaryHB 5029 sets the state's minimum wage at $16.00 per hour starting January 1, 2026, and increases it to $17.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers covered by the state's minimum wage law, including businesses with hourly workers. The legislation amends existing law to add these specific future wage rates, building on previous annual increases already in effect. It does not include additional provisions or exemptions beyond the specified hourly rates for 2026 and 2027.
Amends the types of products which pharmacists may prescribe as substitute drugs or products to include "devices and supplies" and "therapeutically equivalent drugs and pharmaceuticals."
Maddy summaryHB 6157 creates a new commercial fishing license for Rhode Island residents to harvest invasive green crabs (Carcinus maenas) at a $10 annual fee. The bill authorizes residents to legally remove this invasive species, which threatens local ecosystems, and allows the director to establish regulations for the license. This policy directly affects Rhode Island residents seeking to commercially target green crabs as a management tool, with the license taking effect January 1, 2026.
Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.
Maddy summaryHB 5946 requires construction sites to keep at least one access point open during work hours, allowing workers to freely enter and exit without obstruction. It applies to all construction site owners, operators, or managers on public or private property. Violating this rule results in written warnings for first offenses, followed by $1,000 daily fines and immediate work stoppages for repeat violations. The bill prohibits locking gates, fences, or other barriers that restrict access while construction is ongoing.
