Updates the existing Toxic Packaging Act by delaying the ban on PFAS in food packaging until January 1, 2025, and in processing agents until July 1, 2027.
Makes revisions to the number, timing, and procedures to be followed when schools grades K through 12 implement fire drills, evacuation drills, and crisis response drills, designed to protect the health and safety of students.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Senator Frank S. Lombardi for his twelve years of public service in the Rhode Island Senate as he retires. The bill formally acknowledges his legislative work, which included advancing protections for children and workers, promoting government transparency, and supporting families and small businesses. It also recognizes his extensive background as a lawyer, soccer official, and community leader. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Senator Lombardi.
Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2024.
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 modifies the existing special license plate program for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation by adding a $10 annual surcharge to renewal fees. While the initial cost to obtain these plates remains $40, the new recurring charge is directed entirely to the foundation to support its breast cancer awareness and health education missions. To receive these funds, the foundation must provide an annual audit prepared by a certified public accountant and ensure that any money raised from Rhode Island residents is spent within the state. The changes apply to all future renewals of the special plates and will become active six months after the law is signed.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax exemption for redevelopment properties to include the city of Central Falls, joining Providence and Pawtucket in this policy. Under the new rule, real property acquired by redevelopment agencies in Central Falls would not be taxed unless the city council specifically passes an ordinance to impose taxes on it. The legislation directly affects redevelopment projects in Central Falls by potentially reducing the financial burden on properties used for community revitalization efforts.
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 bill amends Rhode Island's existing Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights by renaming it the Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act. It directly affects permanently employed police officers, state troopers, and other sworn law enforcement employees, excluding department chiefs and top-ranking administrators. The key provisions establish a new five-member hearing committee with a mix of judges, attorneys, and officers to review complaints against officers, while also mandating that legal fees for this committee be split evenly between the agency and the accused officer. Additionally, the law requires that investigations be conducted at reasonable hours, allows officers to have legal counsel present during interrogations, and ensures officers are fully informed of the specific complaints and names of complainants before questioning begins.
