Sen. Bob Britto

Maddy summarySB 2575 establishes new guidelines for local governments in towns and cities regarding how they can restrict residential recovery houses. These facilities are housing designed to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The bill allows municipalities to place specific limitations on where these houses can be located, aiming to balance community concerns with the needs of residents in recovery. By setting clear rules for zoning ordinances, the legislation provides a framework for cities to regulate the placement of such housing without banning it entirely.

Defines "military-connected student" and permits military-connected students to enroll by remote registration upon presentation of military orders confirming the parent or guardian be stationed in this state during the current or following school year.

Amends the regulations on the cancellation and renewal of liability and property damage insurance for automobiles, homeowners insurance, residential fire insurance and components thereof.

Establishes the Rhode Island orange heart medal to formally recognize Rhode Island veterans whose service exposed them to toxic herbicides, burn pits, or other hazardous agents.

Maddy summarySB 2199 clarifies that any change to an insurance producer's compensation is considered a "contract modification" under Rhode Island's Producer Licensing Act. This requires insurance companies to provide 180 days' written notice before altering payment terms for producers who place business with multiple insurers. The bill directly affects independent insurance producers working with multiple companies, ensuring they receive advance notice before compensation changes take effect. It also mandates continued policy renewals at prior rates during a 14-month transition period if a company cancels a producer's contract. The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2394 adopts the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to streamline how courts handle division of family-owned real estate. It directly affects co-owners (cotenants) of "heirs' property" - real estate held jointly by relatives (e.g., 20%+ family members owning interests) - without clear ownership agreements. Key provisions require courts to determine property value via appraisal or agreement, allow cotenants to buy out others who want to sell, and mandate posting notices on the property. The law takes effect for new cases filed after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 2418 expands eligibility for disabled veterans license plates to include veterans aged 75 or older with a 70% service-connected disability rating, in addition to existing criteria. It also maintains exemptions from vehicle registration fees for veterans deemed "individually unemployable" due to service-connected disabilities. The bill requires documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility and allows surviving spouses to retain the plates after a veteran's death. This change directly affects older veterans with moderate service-connected disabilities who previously did not qualify for the exemption. The policy modifies current registration fee rules for eligible veterans under Chapter 31-6 of the General Laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act to ban the importation, sale, and distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater invasive plants within the state. The law requires the state director to create a specific list of prohibited species and issue detailed rules before the ban takes effect on January 1, 2027. Individuals who violate these restrictions by importing or selling these plants could face a fine of up to $500. The legislation aims to protect local ecosystems by preventing the introduction of foreign plant species that could disrupt native environments.

Maddy summarySB 2491 changes the date for selecting delegates to national political conventions and presidential preference primaries from the fourth Tuesday in April to the first Tuesday in March, starting in 2028. This affects voters in this state who participate in presidential primaries and the state election administration. The bill specifically amends the law to set the new date for 2028 and all subsequent presidential election years, while keeping the 2024 primary on April 2, 2024. The change takes effect upon passage and does not alter other primary procedures.

Permits the implementation of a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles, by the DMV and requires that rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter, be promulgated by the administrator of the DMV.