Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and include the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 171st anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity by designating March 31 (the treaty’s signing date) as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Rhode Island’s historical ties to Japan, including Commodore Matthew Perry’s Newport roots, the Newport-Shimoda sister city relationship, and cultural exchanges like the Black Ships Festival. The resolution also recognizes current economic and diplomatic connections, noting Japanese companies employ 2,300 Rhode Islanders and contribute $182 million in annual exports. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with state officials, federal representatives, and the Japanese Consul General in Boston.
Maddy summaryHB 5024 prohibits health insurers from requiring or conducting utilization reviews for prescriptions used to treat opioid or alcohol use disorders. Specifically, it bans reviews for prescriptions containing Methadone, Buprenorphine, or Naltrexone, or those approved by the FDA to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. The bill directly affects individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment for addiction and insurers who would otherwise review these prescriptions. It ensures coverage for these treatments cannot be denied after prior approval, unless fraud or misrepresentation occurred. The law takes effect upon passage.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Maddy summaryHB 5578 prohibits public utility providers from increasing internet connection service rates for customers aged 62 or older, effective January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects senior citizens (62+) who rely on utility-provided internet services, preventing rate hikes specifically for this group. It applies to all providers offering internet connection services as defined in the bill, without requiring new regulatory processes. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to maintain stable internet costs for seniors.
Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6142) formally commemorates a March 27, 2025, flag-raising ceremony celebrating "La Francophonie" (the global French-speaking community) at the Rhode Island State House. It recognizes Rhode Island's French-speaking population (over 124,000 residents, including 9,500 fluent speakers) and the cultural contributions of French language and heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Alliance Française de Providence, which promotes French culture in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly acknowledges cultural ties.
Maddy summaryHR 6140 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating WPRI-TV's 70th anniversary on March 27, 2025. It formally congratulates the Providence-based television station for its seven decades of local news, community programming, and investigative journalism in Rhode Island and Southern New England. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to WPRI-TV's General Manager. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents or legislation.
Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.
Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).
