Provides all employees of retail establishments with 15 or more employees engaged in work during Sundays or holidays shall receive from their employer no less than time and a half and shall be guaranteed at least a minimum of four (4) hours employment.
Maddy summarySB 854 requires public agencies to provide digital copies of public records stored in computer systems at no charge when requested. It directly affects anyone seeking public records, including citizens, journalists, and researchers, by eliminating fees for electronic copies. Key provisions include mandating that agencies provide records in requested formats (like printouts or digital files) without cost, while maintaining existing 10-business-day response timelines for requests. The bill ensures no fees apply specifically to computer-stored records, though agencies may still charge for physical copies or non-digital formats.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Redefines "political party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.
Maddy summarySB 821 expands the definition of "public official" under Rhode Island's threat law to explicitly include state government caseworkers and investigators. This means threatening these social workers - who help individuals access government resources like benefits or childcare - will now be treated as a felony under the same law that protects elected officials, judges, and law enforcement. The bill amends existing law by adding caseworkers/investigators to the list of protected individuals and defines "state government caseworker" as a social worker providing such services. The change makes threatening these workers punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts vehicles owned and operated by members of the Rhode Island judiciary from standard windshield and window transparency requirements. It adds a specific exemption to existing law, allowing judiciary-registered vehicles to use nontransparent windows without needing additional permits. The change applies only to judicial personnel vehicles and does not alter transparency rules for other drivers or vehicles.
Maddy summarySB 267 strengthens protections for Rhode Island residents seeking Medicare supplement ("Medigap") insurance. It requires insurers to offer Plan A policies without medical underwriting to applicants aged 65+ or under 65 with disability/end-stage renal disease who are eligible for Medicare, and guarantees issue rights during annual enrollment periods. The bill prohibits exclusions for pre-existing conditions beyond six months and bans duplicating Medicare benefits, while establishing community-rated premiums and standardized policy terms. It also mandates the Health Insurance Commissioner to enforce these rules and monitor insurer compliance, with penalties for violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Establishes that Medicaid eligibility in RI can only be determined using state-controlled data, prohibit private entity data in eligibility decisions, and ensure terminations are made by human employees rather than automated systems.
