Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recalls obligation policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends legal immunity protections to advanced practice registered nurses, granting them the same liability protections as physicians under Virginia's mental health law. The key provision states that neither physicians nor licensed advanced practice registered nurses can be held liable in court for their participation in mental health proceedings unless actual fraud or gross, willful, or wanton negligence is proven. It also clarifies that neither group can be sued for damages resulting from a patient exercising rights protected by the mental health law, such as discharge decisions, even if those actions contradict written medical orders. This change directly affects mental health facilities and healthcare providers by aligning the legal protections for nurses with those for physicians in this specific context.
Creates three (3) new awards for Rhode Island National Guard members and would provide eligibility for the Rhode Island star for certain civilian government employees and military and civilian leaders of foreign governments.
Exempts certain urban and small farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible and personal property taxes and income taxes. This act would also define urban and small farmers and urban farmland.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Tax Preparers Act of 2013, establishes rules and penalties for tax return preparers in the state, specifically targeting those who act as "ghost preparers" or intentionally mislead clients. It defines a ghost preparer as someone who prepares tax returns without properly identifying themselves or complying with federal identification requirements, and clarifies who qualifies as a tax return preparer under state law. The legislation requires all preparers to sign returns with their Preparer Tax Identification Number and prohibits them from facilitating ghost preparation activities. Penalties range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the severity of violations, including willful fraud or misleading taxpayers, and the tax administrator may suspend or revoke a preparer's license for noncompliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that the tax administrator publish a list of preparers whose privileges have been suspended or revoked.
Maddy summarySB 2799 amends the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 to clarify definitions and enforcement provisions related to the ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The bill specifies which items are covered by the ban, including artificial turf, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products, menstrual products, and certain apparel, while explicitly excluding items like vehicles, electronic devices, and medical equipment. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for manufacturers and regulators on which products must comply with PFAS restrictions. This clarification helps ensure consistent enforcement of the existing ban without changing the core prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in covered consumer goods.
Maddy summarySB 2432 would require Rhode Island's public colleges (URI, RIC, CCRI) to automatically admit qualifying residents who earned an Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), provided they meet basic application requirements like submitting required documents. It does not guarantee admission to competitive programs like nursing or engineering, nor does it affect tuition costs or residency rules. Institutions must verify awards through official documentation, and admission remains subject to meeting all non-academic application steps. The bill takes effect for Fall 2026 applications and applies only to state residents.
Maddy summarySB 2480 makes traffic accident data publicly accessible as a public record, subject to restrictions under federal law (23 U.S.C. § 407). Public bodies must provide written notice of these federal usage restrictions when releasing the data. The bill does not change federal law but requires government entities to make this data available to the public while prohibiting its use for purposes banned by the federal statute. This directly affects citizens seeking traffic accident information and government agencies managing public records.
Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer. The plate would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.
Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.
