Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.
Provides standards for developing, implementing, and maintaining reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.
Maddy summarySB 649 establishes a regulatory framework for pet insurance policies sold in the state, directly affecting pet insurance companies and pet owners. The bill requires insurers to clearly define key terms (like preexisting conditions, chronic conditions, and hereditary disorders) in policies, disclose all exclusions and coverage limits upfront, and provide a summary of how claim payments are calculated. It also mandates a 15-day "free look" period allowing pet owners to return policies for a full refund if unsatisfied before filing claims, and prohibits applying waiting periods to policy renewals. These provisions aim to increase transparency and consumer understanding of pet insurance coverage.
Amends the definition of the practice of pharmacy to include the administration of all forms of influenza immunizations including COVID-19 to individuals over the age of 3 years pursuant to a valid prescription or prescriber approved protocol.
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.
Increases the threshold limit for charitable organizations with an annual gross income of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more.
Maddy summarySB 1087 creates a statewide electronic permitting platform for all building-related applications, including construction permits, zoning reviews, and environmental permits managed by state and local agencies. It requires municipalities and state departments (like environmental management and transportation) to use this unified digital system for processing applications, inspections, and fee collection. The bill establishes new permit fees (0.1% for commercial, 0.2% for residential projects) with 50% of residential fees funding contractor training programs for minority businesses and local officials. These fees will fund the platform's development and operation, replacing paper-based processes and standardizing building code enforcement across Rhode Island.
Maddy summarySB 998 reduces the Coastal Resources Management Council from 10 to 7 voting members, effective March 1, 2026. The new structure requires six public members appointed by the governor (with Senate approval), including specific expertise: one engineer, one coastal biologist, and one environmental organization representative, all residing in coastal municipalities. The council’s ex-officio director (from the Department of Environmental Management) remains but isn’t counted toward the seven-member limit. This bill directly affects future council appointments and composition, streamlining governance without altering the council’s environmental management duties. The bill was signed into law on June 30, 2025.
Provides protection and prevents the unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees, by anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law.
Provides extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, recycling of beverage containers, and provides general provisions for oversight of single-stage producer organizations.
