Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.
Maddy summaryHB 5071 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "public official" under threats and extortion statutes. It specifically adds state government caseworkers (social workers who help individuals access government resources) and investigators to the list of protected individuals. This means threatening these workers because of their job duties would now be a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The bill does not create new penalties but extends existing legal protections to these specific state employees. The change takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 5089 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "houseboat" to include both motorized and non-motorized vessels. This change updates existing harbor regulations in coastal towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton), allowing them to regulate all types of houseboats under their local harbor management ordinances. Towns gain authority to set rules for houseboat size, location, mooring, and safety standards in public waters. The bill directly affects local harbor authorities and residents using houseboats in these communities.
Maddy summaryHB 5190 updates the definition of "houseboat" to include motorized and non-motorized vessels (like platforms, waterborne hotels, or restaurants) used primarily as residences, not for transportation. This means houseboats registered or unregistered - whether floating or fixed - will now be taxed as personal property by local tax assessors. The bill also grants specific towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton) authority to regulate non-self-propelled houseboats, including setting mooring fees, enforcing location rules, and imposing fines up to $100 for violations. These changes clarify existing tax treatment and local regulatory powers for houseboat residents and waterfront management.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends House rules to prohibit specific single-use plastics on the House floor and in official House proceedings spaces (like committee rooms) during 2023-2024. It bans plastic plates, cutlery, straws, beverage containers, single-use drinkware, and polystyrene foam containers, except when required for safety, health, or emergencies. The rule directly affects House members, staff, and visitors using House facilities. It focuses on internal House operations rather than public policy, aiming to reduce plastic waste in congressional settings. The change is procedural, not a law affecting the public.
Maddy summaryHR 5008 is a procedural resolution limiting House members to introducing no more than 18 bills or resolutions per legislative session, excluding specific categories. It excludes city/town bills, corporate charter reinstatements, ceremonial resolutions, appropriations, and study commission-related bills. Members must file bills by February 16, 2025 (for the 2023-2024 session), with exceptions allowing up to three late introductions after that date under strict conditions. This rule applies to all members of the House of Representatives during the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.
Includes "Kei cars" or "Kei trucks" as having restricted public highway use and those vehicles validly registered as of August 1, 2021, would not be denied renewal of that registration based solely on the vehicle type.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, a voluntary retirement savings initiative administered by the state's general treasurer for private sector employees. The program allows eligible workers, who have been employed for at least 120 days, to contribute to their retirement through automatic payroll deductions, with employers having the option to participate. Funds are held in individual accounts that offer a limited selection of investment options, including portfolios tailored to different risk levels and those prioritizing companies with strong environmental and social practices. The legislation also mandates that the program provide participants with education and counseling services to help them make informed financial decisions.
Enacts the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.
Would extend the reporting and expiration dates, and amend the commission’s purpose to include glass and aluminum products, and increase the membership to twenty (20), and would report back by April 25, 2025, and expire on April 30, 2025.
