Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program in Rhode Island to track energy use and set performance standards for large commercial and residential buildings with at least 25,000 square feet. It requires these buildings to be benchmarked for energy efficiency and mandates that new construction be designed to support electric systems. The Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council will oversee the program, which includes providing an online tool for owners to improve efficiency and collecting anonymized data to monitor progress toward net-zero emissions.
Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates supporting the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. Vehicle owners who purchase these plates will pay a standard registration fee plus a $40 issuance surcharge and a $10 renewal fee. The collected funds are split between the state's general fund and the foundation, which must use its share to support the Newport Folk and Jazz festivals and music education programs in Rhode Island. The plates must be designed by the foundation with state police approval and include references to both festivals. The bill also requires the foundation to submit annual accounting reports and prohibits refunds for early cancellation of the plates.
Includes the general assembly elections within the category of elections subject to the risk-limiting audits within the jurisdiction of the board of elections.
Prohibits the charging of any fees to a senior citizen who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. The violation of this provision would be a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.
Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person’s employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.
Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends laws governing Rhode Island's environmental funds to allow money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration and Response Fund to support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce emissions. It authorizes the legislature to allocate up to $250,000 annually from this fund specifically for research, monitoring, and climate projects directed by the council. Additionally, the bill updates the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act to include climate-related initiatives as an eligible use of funds for cleaning up petroleum leaks. These changes expand how existing state resources can be utilized to address both oil spill prevention and broader climate goals.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Department of Administration to study how Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council should be organized. The study will compare the costs and benefits of making the Council a standalone state department versus merging it with the Department of Environmental Management. It will also examine staffing needs, potential overlaps in authority, and any required federal approvals from NOAA. The Department of Administration must complete this analysis and submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate by February 1, 2025.
