Requires the public utilities commission to provide for a classification of service for retail electricity consumers that are large energy use facilities.
Maddy summarySB 2518 creates Rhode Island's first Interior Design Practice Act, establishing a registration system for interior designers. It directly affects interior designers practicing in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with a new state board and hold NCIDQ certification. The bill defines "practice" as nonstructural interior design work (like space planning and material selection) while explicitly excluding structural engineering or architectural services. It sets standards for education, experience, continuing education, and professional oversight to ensure public safety in interior design projects.
Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishments when new construction or renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.
Expands various definitions relative to contractors, home inspectors, and claim adjusters to provide clarity regarding licensed and unlicensed vendors, consultants, or third-party representatives.
Maddy summarySB 2346 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the development of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects data center developers and operators who meet the bill's criteria, including those making eligible costs for construction, equipment, and site development. The key provision allows qualifying data center projects to avoid these taxes on specific expenses like land, buildings, equipment, and labor costs related to construction. This policy aims to attract data center investments by reducing development costs for businesses meeting the defined standards. The bill modifies existing law governing the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to implement these tax incentives.
Allows a modification for up to $50,000 of individual retirement account income that is included in federal adjusted gross income for the taxable year; provided that the person with individual retirement accounts has no income from pensions.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation from using artificial turf to cover compacted solid waste at sanitary landfills, with an exemption for turf already installed before July 1, 2026. It also bans the use of organic materials like wood, paper, and yard waste for landfill cover unless approved as a final layer, and establishes a pilot program to test grass or plant mixes with pollinators as an alternative cover material. The Resource Recovery Corporation must submit annual reports on its activities and include data on artificial turf disposal volumes, while also reporting on the pilot program results by January 1, 2028. Facilities that violate the artificial turf prohibition face fines between $2,500 and $5,000 paid to the local city or town.
Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.
Redefines what constitutes a farm by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from $10,000 to $2500. It also expands the farm to include all agricultural operations, including forestry.
Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.
