Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider creating a seasonal heat pump rate within Docket 25-45-GE. The proposed rate would lower electricity costs for heat pump users during winter months by reducing grid usage fees, similar to Massachusetts' existing approach. It aligns with Rhode Island's climate goals to increase electric heating adoption by 2030, as noted in the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy. The resolution does not create the rate but formally asks the PUC to evaluate it as part of an ongoing rate adjustment process.
Excludes portable solar generation devices intended primarily to offset part of a customer's electricity consumption from the definition of eligible net-metering system.
Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.
Maddy summarySB 2349 establishes a new program allowing students with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities (ages 18-22) to attend Rhode Island's state colleges and universities without meeting standard college entrance requirements like standardized tests, high school diplomas, or minimum GPAs. The program integrates into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and requires institutions to provide inclusive opportunities - such as credit courses, internships, and campus activities - with tailored supports for academic, career, and social development. Participation is classified as an approved special education service, with costs covered under existing IEP funding, though institutions are not required to pay for additional supports beyond typical offerings. The law applies to all state institutions, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.
Extends certain protocols applicable to vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, updates definitions relative to common entities and sales.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for expunged criminal records in West Virginia, specifically allowing law enforcement agencies to consider those records when deciding whether to issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver. Under current law, individuals with expunged records can generally state they have never been convicted, but this change creates an exception for firearm licensing applications. The amendment adds law enforcement agencies reviewing firearm permit requests to the list of entities that may access expunged records, while maintaining restrictions on disclosure for other purposes. This policy change directly affects individuals seeking to carry firearms who have previously had their criminal records expunged.
Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.
Maddy summarySB 2295 prohibits individuals from purchasing or possessing more than one firearm within any 30-day period, directly affecting most firearm buyers. Key exemptions include law enforcement officers, inheritances, temporary rentals at licensed shooting ranges, firearm safety courses, and transfers to licensed curio collectors. Violating this rule results in a misdemeanor penalty for a first offense (up to one year in jail or $500 fine) and a felony charge for subsequent offenses (up to three years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to licensed dealers, governmental entities, or court-ordered transfers. This legislation aims to limit rapid multiple firearm acquisitions through specific purchase restrictions.
Maddy summarySB 2386 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover specific pharmacist services starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for services like medication therapy management, immunizations, and medication administration - services that would be covered if provided by physicians - without requiring supervision or referrals from other providers. Insurance plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (distinct from pharmacy drug benefit networks) and cover these services even outside the network when no local provider is available. The law expires on January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature. This directly affects insurers, pharmacists, and patients seeking these covered services.
