Requires the installation of universal changing stations in all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Jamestown to issue Class T liquor licenses to qualifying theaters. It directly affects legitimate theaters in Jamestown that provide live, regularly scheduled theatrical productions or support community arts, including nonprofit cultural organizations and historic theaters. The license permits selling alcoholic beverages during scheduled performances and for one hour before and after, but only after 12:00 noon. This policy change expands local authority to grant alcohol service for specific arts-related events at qualifying venues.
Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.
Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
Maddy summarySB 709 updates Rhode Island's housing code enforcement process by requiring housing code officers to provide written violation notices to both property owners and affected tenants. The bill mandates that notices include specific details about violations, a 30-day correction period, and clear service methods (including certified mail to tenants). It also requires non-resident landlords to appoint a registered agent in the state for legal notices, with a $100 fine for non-compliance. The law ensures tenants receive copies of violation notices and hearing dates, and establishes procedures for re-inspections, second notices, and recording violations in land registries for up to three years. These changes directly affect landlords (especially non-resident owners), tenants, and local housing enforcement officers.
Allows boats and marine assets to utilize the overweight oversize annual blanket permit that was in effect until 2022, and for the resumption of the prior practice of permitting for boats and marine asset transportation.
Raises the minimum fee per barrel of petroleum products or crude oil from five cents ($0.05) to ten cents ($0.10) per barrel as part of the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the continued purchase, cancellation and forgiveness of medical debt consistent with section 35-4-21.1 of the General Laws.
Maddy summarySB 118 creates the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to address staffing and care quality in nursing homes. The board, composed of 13 members representing employers, workers, community organizations, and state agencies, will advise the legislature and labor department on wages, working conditions, and training standards for nursing home staff. It will recommend statewide minimum compensation and workplace standards but cannot enforce them directly. The bill directly affects nursing home workers, employers, and residents by aiming to improve staffing stability and care quality through data-driven recommendations. (SB 118, "Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act," focuses on advisory recommendations, not direct regulation.)
Maddy summarySR 327 is a proposed constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new section to Rhode Island's Constitution, granting all residents a fundamental right to clean air, water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preserved natural environments. It requires the state to act as a trustee for natural resources, protecting these rights for both current and future generations without discrimination. If approved by voters, this amendment would become effective January 1, 2027, and would be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election. The bill passed the Senate on June 3, 2025, and now awaits voter approval.
