Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the state treasury for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Rhode Island Food Bank. It directly supports the Food Bank’s 137 member agencies across Rhode Island, which serve communities facing heightened food insecurity. The resolution responds to rising demand (over 102,000 people using pantries in November 2025) and the loss of $9.5 million in federal SNAP benefits affecting up to 32,000 residents. The funds will be paid via state vouchers to the Food Bank as needed, supplementing reduced federal support. This is a funding measure, not a new policy.
Maddy summarySB 2388 freezes the issuance of new home care, home nursing, and hospice provider licenses until July 1, 2031, with limited exceptions for emergencies, pending applications, ownership changes, or geographic service gaps. During the moratorium, the Department of Health must conduct a statewide study to assess current service availability, underserved areas, and future needs. The maximum number of licenses for each category is capped at the 2026 count, decreasing annually if providers close. If the health department fails to complete the study by 2031, the license freeze remains in effect.
Maddy summarySB 3194 modifies the state's mandatory arbitration rules for motor vehicle liability claims by raising the minimum claim threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. This change directly affects individuals filing insurance claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death, requiring only those with damages between $50,000 and $100,000 to submit their cases to arbitration. The bill maintains existing procedures where selected arbitrators conduct informal hearings, share costs between parties, and issue binding decisions that can be challenged within 60 days by reserving the right to a jury trial. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance policyholders to agree in writing to these arbitration provisions when applying for or renewing driver's licenses or registering vehicles.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws governing civil lawsuits involving personal injuries, death, or property damage. It updates the rules for determining fault by allowing injured parties to recover damages even if they knew about a specific risk or danger. However, the amount of money awarded will be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the injured person. The changes apply to all future cases filed under these statutes once the legislation is enacted.
Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that auto insurance policies issued in the state must include uninsured motorist coverage, protecting drivers when they are hit by vehicles with no insurance or insufficient coverage. While bodily injury protection is required for all policies, property damage coverage remains optional unless the driver already has collision insurance. The legislation sets specific minimum limits for bodily injury, establishes a $200 deductible for property damage claims, and clarifies that the term "uninsured motorist" also includes underinsured drivers.
Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.
Provides that for purposes of all civil actions, the fair and reasonable charge for certain medical and dental services is the amount billed by the licensed healthcare provider.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal the collateral source rule specifically for medical malpractice cases. Currently, this rule allows defendants to introduce evidence showing that a patient has received or will receive benefits from sources like health insurance or workers' compensation, which can then be used to reduce the damages awarded by a jury. If passed, the law would no longer permit defendants to present this financial information to the jury, thereby preventing any reduction of the final damage award based on those external payments. The change would directly affect licensed physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who currently rely on this rule during litigation.
