Rep. Lauren Carson

Maddy summaryHB 7069 amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act to remove "clean coal technology" from the list of energy sources that receive priority consideration for new projects. This change directly affects energy developers and state regulators evaluating facility siting applications, as it eliminates a specific criterion favoring clean coal projects. The bill does not ban clean coal but removes it from the priority list that previously gave it favor over other energy sources like renewables or natural gas. Key provisions now require the siting board to prioritize projects based on criteria including renewable fuels, efficiency, and low emissions, without the clean coal designation. The policy change 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 summaryHR 8042 creates a special legislative commission to study Rhode Island's Condominium Act. The commission will examine the current law governing condominium ownership and management. This resolution directly affects condo owners and developers in Rhode Island by initiating a review that could inform future legislative changes, though it does not alter the existing law itself. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Corporations committee.

Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments' approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Requires annual inspections of those assisted living residences which contain units licensed to treat residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act to expand oversight of regional transmission projects. It requires applicants for major energy facilities (like transmission lines over 69kV or power plants over 40MW) to analyze climate impacts - including greenhouse gas emissions and health effects - and consider grid-enhancing technologies (such as dynamic line rating or advanced power flow control) as alternatives to new infrastructure. The siting board must now evaluate projects based on these new criteria when reviewing applications. The changes directly affect energy developers, utilities, and the board during the permitting process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change voting eligibility rules in Rhode Island. It would remove the current 30-day state residency requirement for voting, instead allowing voters to register "by or on election day" (as stated in the summary). The amendment would also maintain a 30-day residency requirement for candidates seeking office. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect January 1, 2027, replacing the existing voting and candidacy provisions in the state constitution. The amendment must be approved by voters at the next statewide general election.

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.