Changes the direct client contact hour requirements for applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist associate and applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist.
Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for using artificial intelligence in mental health care. It requires licensed mental health professionals (like therapists and counselors) to get specific written consent from clients before using AI tools in therapy sessions, and prohibits AI from simulating emotional bonds or making therapeutic decisions. The law allows AI only for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) or supplementary support (e.g., analyzing anonymized data for progress tracking), while ensuring therapists maintain full responsibility for care. It directly affects all mental health providers and organizations offering therapy services in the state.
Maddy summaryHB 7576 makes traffic accident data a public record under state law, meaning anyone can request this information through standard public records procedures. However, the bill explicitly states that this data cannot be used for purposes prohibited by federal law (23 U.S.C. § 407), such as in certain damage lawsuits. Public agencies providing this data must include written notice about these federal usage restrictions when releasing the records. This change directly affects residents seeking traffic accident information and public agencies managing such records.
Maddy summaryHB 7071 would prohibit importing, transporting, selling, distributing, or possessing non-native invasive plant species in Rhode Island. It directly affects businesses and individuals handling these plants, including nurseries, landscapers, and residents. Violations could result in fines up to $500, with the state director defining which plants are prohibited. The law would take effect on January 1, 2027, pending final rulemaking.
Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer and would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.
Requires the department of elementary and secondary education and DOH to adopt policies, rules and regulations for the administration of seizure rescue medications for children who have been medically identified as having epilepsy/seizure disorder.
Amends certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and requires reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors.
Places limits on the number of self-service checkout stations a grocery store can have and on the workload of employees assigned to monitor those checkout stations.
Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities that choose to participate. Reports to be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and submitted to the department of environmental management.
