Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Reproductive Health and Gender-Affirming Healthcare Data Privacy Act to protect personal health information related to reproductive and gender-affirming care from unauthorized collection and use. It defines specific categories of protected data, including gender-affirming care information and reproductive health details, and sets strict rules for how companies and organizations can collect, process, and share this information. The law requires clear, informed consent from individuals before their sensitive health data can be gathered, prohibits deceptive design practices that might trick users into sharing information, and restricts the use of broad terms of service agreements to obtain permission for data collection. The legislation primarily affects businesses and entities that handle consumer health data in Rhode Island, requiring them to implement specific privacy safeguards and obtain explicit authorization before processing sensitive reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare records.
Authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Rhode Island's unfair discrimination protections in accident and sickness insurance policies to include additional categories such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and reproductive health services. It prohibits healthcare entities from denying coverage, limiting benefits, or discriminating against individuals based on characteristics including race, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, and gender identity, while also banning categorical exclusions for gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare. The legislation requires insurers to provide clear notices to enrollees about their nondiscrimination rights and grievance procedures, and establishes penalties for violations while preserving legitimate medical management decisions unrelated to bias.
Increases the amount of state aid distributed to the towns and cities through appropriation in lieu of property tax provisions applicable to certain private and state properties that are exempt from property tax.
Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.
Maddy summarySB 2579 increases the notice period landlords must provide to terminate month-to-month tenancies in Rhode Island. For standard month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before termination; for tenants aged 62 or older, the notice period extends to 120 days. This directly affects renters in month-to-month leases, providing more time to find new housing or address lease issues. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to standardize these notice requirements without changing rent increase procedures.
Exempts from sales tax the amount paid for a parking space to a patron for one hour or less, in or on a parking facility on which a commercial establishment is located.
Maddy summarySB 2681 would establish a state-funded rental subsidy program for renters in towns and cities. The bill creates a new state program to provide direct financial assistance toward rental payments for eligible residents. It does not specify eligibility criteria, funding levels, or administrative details in the provided abstract. This bill directly affects qualifying renters and the state government responsible for administering the program.
Authorizes the appropriation of $850,000 for New Bridges for Haitian Success for the purpose of residential property acquisition for transitional housing to support immigrants with temporary protected status (TPS) and asylum status.
