Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.
Maddy summaryHR 5515 proposes a constitutional amendment to change voting eligibility in Rhode Island. It would remove the 30-day state and local residency requirement for voters, allowing individuals to register or vote on election day. The amendment maintains a 30-day residency requirement for candidates seeking office. If approved by voters, this change would take effect January 1, 2026, and would replace the current voting eligibility rules in the state constitution. The amendment must be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election.
Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution (HR 6081) formally celebrates St. Patrick's Day and honors Ireland's historical contributions to the U.S. War of Independence. It recognizes Irish immigrants' roles in founding Rhode Island and their service in Revolutionary War battles like Bunker Hill, as well as Ireland's diplomatic ties with the U.S. since 1924. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Irish-American state legislators across 10 states, including members of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a ceremonial resolution, it creates no new laws or funding but affirms cultural and historical connections. It was passed by the Rhode Island House on March 13, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5552, the "Price Tags Act," requires grocery suppliers to offer identical pricing and terms to all retailers purchasing the same products in similar quantities. It directly affects large food suppliers (with over $6 billion in annual sales to RI retailers) and dominant grocery chains (with over $18 billion in annual sales across 20+ states). Key provisions mandate suppliers to share anonymized pricing data with smaller retailers upon request and prohibit refusing sales to non-dominant retailers without valid reasons. The law aims to prevent large chains from leveraging their size to secure better deals, ensuring smaller grocery stores in Rhode Island receive fair treatment in pricing negotiations.
Maddy summaryHB 5870 defines public-private partnerships (PPPs) as long-term contracts where private companies develop, finance, or maintain state-owned assets while bearing significant risk. It requires state agencies to use competitive procurement for PPPs and mandates specific requirements in requests for proposals, including value-for-money analyses, oversight plans, and financial documentation. The bill directs the chief purchasing officer to create rules by July 2026 to encourage PPP use, while ensuring state agencies remain responsible for oversight. It directly affects state agencies making infrastructure or property purchases and private contractors seeking to partner with the government. The law does not change existing procurement rules but provides a formal framework for evaluating and implementing PPPs.
Maddy summaryHB 5817 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" by repealing state regulations on VoIP and internet protocol services while creating a statewide broadband mapping requirement. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to submit data on service speeds, technology types, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which must maintain an updated public map showing broadband availability across all areas. This map will identify underserved regions and guide infrastructure planning, with state agencies obligated to provide supporting data. The law directly affects ISPs (through data reporting), state agencies (through data sharing), and Rhode Island residents (by targeting broadband expansion to unconnected communities).
Allows private employees at nursing homes, developmental disability and home care providers whose salaries are 90% funded with federal or state monies to be eligible to opt into the state healthcare plan.
Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.
Extends the range of a school zone for purposes of school-zone-speed-enforcement systems from one-quarter (1/4) mile to three-quarters (3/4) of a mile.
Requires nonprofit, as a condition for requesting state funds from the general assembly, to submit & post on their website, a list of10 of their highest paid director, officer & employee salaries & any forms of compensation provided to those individuals.
