Makes it an unfair claims practice for insurer to designate a motor vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair motor vehicle to its pre-accident condition is less than 85% of the fair market value.
Maddy summarySB 1018 allows the city of Providence to issue a Class B liquor license for the specific property at 1039 Douglas Avenue, exempting it from standard restrictions that normally prohibit licenses within 200 feet of schools or churches. The bill amends existing law to grant Providence's board of licenses authority to approve this license despite the property's proximity to protected areas. This is a targeted exemption for one business location, not a broad policy change affecting multiple licenses. The bill passed both legislative chambers and took effect without the governor's signature on July 5, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a statewide program managed by Grow Smart RI to revitalize commercial districts like downtowns, retail corridors, and neighborhood centers. It authorizes $500,000 in state funding to implement the proven "Main Street Four Points Approach," including training, networking, technical assistance, and resources for local communities. The program will operate for three years under the Commerce Corporation’s oversight, with Grow Smart RI handling coordination and annual reporting on goals like hiring a coordinator and hosting educational events. It directly affects Rhode Island’s municipalities and business districts seeking to boost economic activity, tourism, and community vitality through a centralized, state-supported initiative.
Makes the provisions of §§ 45-19.1-3 and 45-19.1-4, benefits for firefighters with cancer, effective regardless of any general, special or specific law, or any charter and/or municipal ordinance to the contrary.
Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.
Maddy summarySB 830 adjusts vehicle registration fees for leased vehicles. It allows owners of vehicles leased for 36 months to renew registration for one additional year to match lease expiration, with fees adjusted accordingly (Section 1). The bill also updates the registration fee schedule by clarifying existing weight-based rates for cars, trucks, and trailers (Section 2), including specific fees for different gross weight categories. This directly affects lessees of vehicles under 36-month leases and the DMV’s fee collection process. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on July 2, 2025.
Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person receives a credit for the time remaining on the original registration to be applied to a future registration.
Maddy summarySB 179 allows public school teachers and administrators in all grades to offer students a brief moment of silence each September 11 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It directly affects public school students and staff by providing an optional, non-religious observance opportunity. The bill requires no new funding or major policy shifts - it simply permits schools to facilitate this moment when they choose. This is a procedural measure focused on remembrance, not a substantive change to education policy.
Maddy summarySB 168, the Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025, prevents insurance companies from requiring prior approval (where patients or doctors must get insurance permission before a service) for any medical service ordered by an in-network primary care provider. This means patients can receive care recommended by their primary care doctor without waiting for insurance review, directly affecting patients, primary care providers, and insurers. The key provision prohibits insurers from imposing prior authorization for these services, streamlining access to care. The bill applies to all health insurance plans operating in Rhode Island, removing a common administrative barrier for routine primary care referrals.
Amends sections of law relative to historic tax credits including increasing the maximum project credit and implementing requirements relative to following prevailing wage requirements..
