Increases passenger landing and boarding fees for passenger cruise vessels landing at a dock in Newport from three dollars ($3.00) to ten dollars ($10.00).
Prohibits noncompete agreements except for noncompete agreements between a seller and buyer of a business; creates civil action for an employer for the violation of an agreement by employee regarding disclosure or wrongful utilization of trade secrets.
Requires the chief resilience officer (CRO) and a resiliency office within the department of environmental management (DEM) be charged with the creation, maintenance and updating of the state's resiliency and community recovery program.
Provides amendments to the Rhode Island Works Program regarding eligibility and cash assistance, and repeals the termination of benefits to a family because of failure of a family member to enter into or comply with an individual employment plan.
Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the Rhode Island Early Care and Education Workforce Data Act to formally establish a statewide registry for early childhood educators. The Department of Human Services must implement this system by July 1, 2025, to collect data on staff working in licensed child care centers and family homes, including their demographics, qualifications, and turnover rates. Once established, the registry will provide educators with professional development opportunities and allow the state to generate annual reports on workforce characteristics for the public and government officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, a voluntary initiative designed to help private sector workers save for retirement. Administered by the state treasurer, the program allows eligible private employers to automatically deduct small amounts from employees' paychecks into individual retirement accounts. The legislation defines who can participate, sets rules for how the money is invested, and requires the program to offer educational resources to help employees make informed decisions about their savings.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase visibility of arts programs in Rhode Island public middle and high schools. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, schools must report annually on the percentage of students enrolled in arts courses and the number of available classes in dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts. Additionally, the state may appoint arts education curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these reporting requirements, and high schools must begin submitting student portfolios demonstrating proficiency in an art form by the 2026-27 school year.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes the date when presidential electors meet to cast their votes in Rhode Island from the first Monday to the first Tuesday in December. The law directs these electors to gather in the state house in Providence at noon on this new date to fill any vacancies and perform their duties. By aligning the meeting day with the national election day, the bill updates the state's election code to reflect the current federal schedule.
Provides amendments relative to the permitting authority of, and acceptable forms of financial security permissible for construction and/or improvement guarantees relating to the completion of required public improvements.
Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers needs.
