Provides that no city or town may issue a permit for the construction of new buildings, that are not an all-electric building, if the initial application for a permit was submitted after December 31, 2026, unless certain circumstances apply.
Maddy summaryHB 5492, the Microplastics Reduction Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic microplastics (like those in some cosmetics, cleaning supplies, or personal care items) starting January 1, 2029. It requires the Department of Environmental Management to develop a public testing plan for microplastics in water and soil by July 2028, and a statewide strategy plan by January 2029 to address microplastic sources and impacts. The law directly affects product manufacturers and importers, excluding items preempted by federal law. It focuses on reducing microplastics intentionally added to consumer products, not all plastic pollution, and mandates regular updates to the testing and strategy plans every 24 months.
Maddy summaryHB 5813 prevents utility companies (like electricity and gas providers) from raising transmission and distribution fees on consumer bills for two years, starting July 1, 2025. This freeze applies to all utilities with 7,500 or more accounts, requiring legislative approval for any fee increase during this period. Smaller utilities (under 7,500 accounts) are exempt from this cap. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and directly affects residential and business consumers paying utility bills.
Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.
Adds new sections that set forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation drug therapies, including education approved by state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies to be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/26.
Maddy summaryHB 5430 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It applies to all group and individual health insurance plans covering these services, directly affecting insured individuals who need these exams. The bill defines "diagnostic" exams as those evaluating abnormalities found during screening, and "supplemental" exams as risk-based screenings for high-risk individuals without abnormalities. Insurance companies must cover these services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Permits a tenant, at the tenant’s expense, to implement energy conservation measures to any dwelling or dwelling unit such as removable weather-stripping around doors and windows.
Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.
Maddy summaryHB 5920 amends Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act by updating key definitions to clarify protections against housing discrimination. It specifically defines terms like "lawful source of income" (including Section 8 housing vouchers and public assistance), "disability" (excluding current illegal drug use), "assistance animals," and "gender identity or expression." These changes directly affect landlords, housing providers, and tenants by clarifying prohibited practices, such as inquiries about domestic abuse history or discrimination based on income source. The bill, currently pending in committee, aims to strengthen enforcement of existing anti-discrimination safeguards without creating new prohibitions.
Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage and requires, for health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, that coverage must include reimbursement for applied behavior analysis provider services.
