Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.
Prohibits employers from seeking/using credit reports in making hiring decisions concerning prospective employees, asking questions about the applicant's financial past during interviews or including credit history questions in their job applications.
Includes municipal detention facility corporations as exempt from taxation, and requires that an amount equal to 27% of all tax that would have been collected if the property was taxable be paid to the municipality annually.
Provides that a hearing required before a judge or magistrate may adjudge a motorist in contempt for failure to comply with the court's orders regarding a conditional hardship license, and defines penalties for violation of a hardship/interlock order.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 890 (SB 890) proposes to change how excess electricity generated by renewable energy systems is valued. Specifically, it would alter the credit for surplus renewable energy fed back into the grid from its current rate to a wholesale rate. This change directly affects individuals, businesses, and other entities that generate more renewable electricity than they use. The bill also updates definitions related to net metering, including "community remote net-metering systems" and various "eligible credit recipients" such as low- or moderate-income housing, educational institutions, and commercial customers.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 891 requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at finding the best ways to lower energy rates for consumers in Rhode Island. Due by April 30, 2026, the study will investigate energy rates in other states and review current Rhode Island energy programs that contribute to costs. It also calls for recommendations to implement "energy notes" on future legislation to transparently show their impact on energy costs. An appropriation of $100,000 is provided to hire consultants and experts for this study.
Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
Maddy summarySB 478 amends licensing rules for midwives to expand their prescribing authority for specific medications related to maternal and infant health. Certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) would be permitted to prescribe up to 51 listed medications - including antibiotics for infections, medications for hemorrhage, prenatal vitamins, vaccines, and pain management - under oversight by the Department of Health. This directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by allowing midwives to address common health needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum without requiring physician referrals for these specific treatments. The bill does not change midwives' scope for complex medical conditions but formalizes existing practices for routine care. It is pending further committee review after a recent recommendation to hold it for additional study.
Reduces penalties for non-violent drug offenses and provide for terms of imprisonment of not more than 10 years for any drug offense and would repeal certain other offenses.
Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.
