Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.
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.
Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5834) respectfully requests Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how current electricity pricing impacts the state's climate goals. The agencies must examine rate structures that support building and transportation electrification while protecting low- and moderate-income households, assess how the 2025 Climate Action Strategy should address rates, and evaluate alternatives to current rate designs. They are required to submit findings and recommendations to the House by September 1, 2025. The resolution does not change laws but directs state agencies to investigate rate reforms needed for decarbonization.
Provides amendments to procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities by giving the public utilities commission jurisdiction; mandates public hearings, allows intervention by any interested party and provides for appeal.
Maddy summaryHB 5945 creates a new job classification for specialized information technology positions within Rhode Island's state government, directly affecting IT workers in the Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services (ETSS). It allows the state personnel administrator to establish or modify these IT job titles, pay grades, and descriptions without public hearings or governor approval - unlike standard personnel rules. The administrator must submit a detailed report to the governor and legislative committees within 30 days, including the position's title, description, and necessity. This provision excludes IT roles covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Increases the membership of the commission from 17 to 18, and extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special house commission on climate change from May 14, 2025, to May 14, 2026, and expires on June 18, 2026.
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.
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.
