Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 280 updates Rhode Island law to replace "state marshals" with "capitol police" in lists of law enforcement officers exempt from firearm restrictions. The bill specifically amends two statutes (11-47-9 and 11-47-35.1) to ensure capitol police officers qualify for the same exemptions as other sworn law enforcement personnel. This means capitol police officers, like state marshals previously, can carry concealed firearms while on duty without violating state firearm laws. The change directly affects capitol police officers by formally including them in the exemption list. The bill became effective without the governor's signature on June 26, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 568 requires all school buses in the state to be equipped with video monitoring systems starting in 2027 for new buses and 2032 for all buses. These systems must capture live video, license plates, time, date, and location of traffic violations involving school buses. The law mandates that the systems produce recorded evidence meeting specific standards for use in issuing traffic citations. Violations are processed through traffic tribunals with fines allocated 75% to the vendor, 40% to the state general fund, and 30% to the local municipality. This directly affects school bus operators, municipalities, and vehicle owners who violate school bus stop laws.
Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.
Maddy summarySB 318 establishes new procedures for Rhode Island to procure energy infrastructure, including transmission for nuclear power, large-scale hydroelectric power, and renewable resources like offshore wind. It authorizes state agencies and utilities to jointly issue competitive solicitations for regional transmission projects and natural gas pipeline capacity to improve energy reliability and security for ratepayers. The bill requires cost-benefit analyses for ratepayer impacts and mandates public utility commission review before binding commitments are made. This affects electric and gas utilities, ratepayers, and regional energy planning entities by creating a structured process for evaluating infrastructure projects.
Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.
Details each of those limited emergency circumstances where a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurses, may safely administer sedation, such as critical life-saving or emergency situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb.
Maddy summarySB 952 amends the state's "Credit Card Crime Act" to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards subject to fraud penalties. This change directly affects individuals who commit fraud using stolen or counterfeit debit cards, ensuring such acts are covered under the same legal provisions previously applied only to credit cards. The bill modifies existing law to state that fraudulent use of "credit or debit cards" violates the statute, maintaining the same penalty structure based on the value obtained (e.g., $100 threshold over six months). It does not create new offenses or penalties but clarifies that debit card fraud is now explicitly prohibited under the current law.
Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1136) formally recognizes June 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state's cultural, economic, and social fabric, particularly highlighting communities in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with the Governor, Portuguese officials, and the Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the community's legacy.
