Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.
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.
Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recall obligation policies.
Maddy summaryHB 5309 increases the property tax exemption for qualifying veterans from $1,000 to $6,000 on municipal property taxes. It directly affects veterans who served in designated conflicts (including the Civil War, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War) and were honorably discharged. The bill amends existing law to raise the base exemption amount, though some towns like Burrillville, Cranston, and Smithfield already maintain different local exemption levels. This change provides greater tax relief for veterans owning property in Rhode Island municipalities.
Maddy summaryHB 5070 increases the maximum fee sheriffs, sergeants, and constables can charge for serving most writs, citations, or subpoenas from $45.00 to $70.00. This directly affects these court officers who deliver legal documents, raising their allowable compensation for this specific service. The bill amends the existing fee schedule to reflect this higher maximum, while requiring all fees to be deposited as general revenue. The change applies immediately upon passage, with no broader policy shifts beyond the adjusted fee amount.
Maddy summaryHB 6315 removes a 10% cap on certain investments for domestic insurance companies in the state. It eliminates the restriction that previously limited these companies from allocating more than 10% of their admitted assets to specific investment types, such as oil and gas production loans, timber deeds, mineral rights, and transportation equipment. This change directly affects domestic insurers operating within the state by allowing greater flexibility in their investment portfolios. The bill does not introduce new requirements but removes an existing limitation on how insurers can allocate capital. The repeal takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.
Maddy summaryHB 5802 allows Rhode Island state agencies to develop housing on state-owned vacant, abandoned, or underutilized land without needing local zoning approval. It requires state agencies to hold a public hearing and demonstrate that housing projects align with state planning goals, address housing needs (including low- and moderate-income options), and minimize negative impacts on traffic, environment, or historic sites. The bill streamlines this process by exempting such state-led housing projects from standard municipal planning requirements, provided they follow the new hearing and justification rules. This directly affects state agencies planning housing developments on state-owned properties, aiming to accelerate housing construction where land is available.
Maddy summaryHB 5032 allows the town of Jamestown to issue a new Class T liquor license for qualifying theaters. This license permits theaters meeting specific criteria - such as nonprofit cultural organizations or historic for-profit theaters in Jamestown - to serve alcohol during performances and for one hour before/after shows, provided events start after noon. The bill directly affects eligible theaters in Jamestown by expanding their ability to serve alcohol under defined conditions. It does not change statewide liquor laws but enables local licensing authority in Jamestown to grant this specific permit. The license requires compliance with Jamestown’s local ordinances regarding entertainment.
Maddy summaryHB 5882 shortens the training requirement for school bus drivers in Rhode Island who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Specifically, it reduces the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course to a shorter, focused program covering only Rhode Island-specific rules and safety requirements. This change directly affects CDL holders seeking to drive school buses in Rhode Island, streamlining their path to certification without altering safety standards or background checks. The bill does not change other requirements, such as passing written/driver tests or providing proof of residency and employment.
Requires the installation of universal changing stations in all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation.
