Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.
Maddy summarySB 2642 would establish new regulations to prevent grocery stores in Rhode Island from using coercive tactics that pressure consumers into unwanted purchases or fees, such as requiring additional items to access discounts. The bill creates a dedicated legal framework within commercial law to specifically prohibit these unfair practices. This directly affects all grocery stores operating in Rhode Island and protects consumers from being subjected to such tactics. The policy change focuses on defining and banning these specific coercive behaviors through enforceable rules.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and officially names the Rhode Island Senate Chamber in his memory. The bill directly affects the Rhode Island Senate by formally dedicating the chamber to Ruggerio, who served as Senate President and the longest-serving member of the Senate for over 40 years. Key provisions include expressing sympathy to Ruggerio's family, authorizing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family, and establishing the chamber naming as a permanent tribute to his public service. The resolution does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a commemorative measure recognizing Ruggerio's leadership and contributions to the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a long-term care reform system in Rhode Island that prioritizes funding for home and community-based services over institutional care for people aged 65 and older and adults with disabilities. It directs the state to allocate at least 50% of Medicaid long-term care funding toward community-based options while maintaining financial stability for existing services. The legislation creates a tiered eligibility system with common income standards for both institutional and home-based care, and includes protections for current nursing home residents who might otherwise lose coverage if they transition to community settings. Additionally, the bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living services by 13% starting in 2027 and consolidates various home and community-based service programs into a single system.
Increases the number of state childcare licensing inspectors to meet the national recommended average of one inspector for every fifty (50) to sixty (60) childcare providers.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's cannabis regulations by removing the requirement to express cannabinoid levels as dry-weight percentages. The change directly affects cannabis businesses, including cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers, who currently must label products using this specific measurement method. By allowing the cannabis control commission to determine the form and manner for expressing cannabinoid amounts, the bill gives regulators more flexibility in how product potency is reported and tested. This adjustment aims to modernize the state's cannabis framework without altering the core legal requirements for cannabis businesses.
Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Rhode Island Cannabis Act to remove the requirement for the state's cannabis advisory board to maintain five specific subcommittees. The legislation directly affects the structure of the advisory board, which advises the state cannabis control commission on regulations, policies, and the distribution of social equity funds. By eliminating these subcommittees, the bill gives the board chair more flexibility to organize work as needed rather than being mandated to operate through these specific groups. The change does not alter the board's overall membership, responsibilities, or role in guiding the state's cannabis program.
Amends sections of the Rhode Island cannabis act relating to the residency requirements for applicants for issuance of a license or certificate to own a cannabis establishment.
