Tolls the statute of limitations for causes of action arising out of business activities conducted in this state by a person or entity required to register with the secretary of state but failing to do so, until such person or entity becomes registered.
Increases continuing education requirements for physician assistants, removes restrictions of PAs to render charitable care and aid for school and youth programs or cardiac arrest and removes restrictive covenants as to ownership by a PA.
Adds criminal penalties for operation of a motor vehicle after a suspension for lack of physical or mental fitness, or as a result of frequency of offenses pursuant to § 31-11-7 (a)(1)(i) or as result of a court ordered suspension.
Maddy summarySB 2204 clarifies definitions and prohibits deceptive practices specifically in insurance claim handling, directly affecting policyholders, insureds, and businesses making insurance claims. It defines key terms like "claimant," "insurance claim handling services," and "unfair or deceptive acts," explicitly banning tactics such as misrepresenting repairs, hiding rebate terms, or falsely advertising claim resolutions. The bill requires insurers and claim handlers to provide transparent information about claim processes and pricing, such as separately stating labor costs or disclosing repair defects. These changes aim to increase accountability in how insurers process claims, reducing misleading practices that impact consumers during the claims experience.
Strengthens consumer protections in insurance claims by expanding definitions of unfair claims settlement practices and clarifies an insured’s right to pursue bad-faith remedies.
Requires the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and the Rhode Island commerce commission to develop and implement a plan to assist businesses in obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance program.
Strengthens consumer protections in insurance claims by improving the fairness and timeliness of arbitration and appraisal proceedings, and preventing insurers from delaying or obstructing the dispute resolution process.
Allows for building inspectors to conduct “virtual inspections” or utilize photographic evidence, at the building official’s discretion, from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which the building official has issued a permit.
Maddy summarySB 2035 requires that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) be allowed without special approval only if the property is owner-occupied and the owner has resided there for at least five years. This directly affects property owners seeking to build ADUs, as they must meet the 5-year residency requirement before ADUs can be permitted by right. The bill also sets uniform standards, including minimum size requirements (e.g., 900 sq. ft. for one-bedroom ADUs), prohibits excessive fees or discriminatory restrictions, and bans ADUs for short-term rentals. It ensures municipalities cannot impose additional lot requirements or restrict ADUs based on income unless part of specific affordable housing programs.
Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.
