Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.
Maddy summarySB 217 allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale businesses in Rhode Island, expanding their purchasing options beyond previous restrictions. The bill requires caterers to follow specific safety rules, including checking IDs for patrons under 30, serving no more than two drinks at a time, avoiding shots, and limiting service to five hours per event. Caterers must pay a $500 annual fee, certify bartenders through approved training, and ensure alcohol remains under their control during events, with violations subject to $500 fines. This applies directly to caterers operating under Class P licenses, while those holding a Class B license remain exempt from the new purchasing rules.
Maddy summarySB 363, the Military Child Act, helps military-connected students (dependents of active-duty military members or Rhode Island National Guard members) choose schools more easily when relocating. It creates "advance enrollment," allowing remote registration without physical presence using military orders and temporary housing addresses, with residency proof due within 10 days. It also establishes "open enrollment," letting these students attend any school district regardless of capacity if they meet active-duty criteria (e.g., a Department of Defense ID card and proof of active duty orders). The bill directly affects school districts, military families, and students facing frequent moves due to military service.
Establishes a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles. Rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter to be promulgated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $32,594,799 to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.
Maddy summarySB 385 requires large electric and gas utility companies (with over 100,000 customers) in Rhode Island to provide clearer explanations of bill charges before changing rates. It mandates that companies file detailed plans with the Public Utilities Commission showing how they will manage revenue from rate changes, including annual reconciliation of over- or under-recovered funds. The bill also requires annual infrastructure and safety spending plans, with approval needed for investments in grid reliability and energy efficiency. These changes aim to make billing more transparent for residential customers and ensure rate decisions align with system reliability goals. The law directly affects major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and sets new requirements for how they structure billing and rate proposals.
Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.
Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts vehicles owned and operated by members of the Rhode Island judiciary from standard windshield and window transparency requirements. It adds a specific exemption to existing law, allowing judiciary-registered vehicles to use nontransparent windows without needing additional permits. The change applies only to judicial personnel vehicles and does not alter transparency rules for other drivers or vehicles.
