Provides that no train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least 2 persons and includes the imposition of fines upon a company, individual or business for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program and task force focused on using food as medicine, managed by the executive office of health and human services. The program would explore how dietary interventions can support health outcomes, though specific details like funding levels and participant criteria are not yet defined in the abstract. The measure is currently in the early stages of review and has been held for further study by the Senate committee. It does not yet establish any permanent regulations or mandate specific actions for healthcare providers or the public.
Bars the council from granting approval to create or expand a charter school beginning operations in 26-27 school year and bars the state from approving or appropriating funds to a new charter school not approved before July 1, 2025.
Ensures that more developmentally disabled adults can self-direct the care they need and want, by incorporating collective bargaining rights into the self-directed supports program.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Rhode Island's state education department and high school sports league to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for student athletics. It mandates clear definitions of hazing, zero-tolerance sanctions (including team suspensions or season cancellations), and education components to prevent hazing. All schools in the state participating in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League must follow this policy, which also requires student-athletes to sign an acknowledgment of the rules before joining teams. The policy explicitly states that consent is never a defense for hazing and ensures consistent discipline across all schools. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summarySB 2644 prohibits property owners from using private agreements in property deeds (restrictive covenants) to block the establishment of grocery stores. It directly affects property developers, homeowners' associations, and grocery store operators by removing a legal barrier to new grocery locations. The bill would require property agreements to allow grocery stores without special permission, ensuring new stores can open where such restrictions previously existed. This is a concrete policy change affecting real estate development rules, not a procedural measure.
Amends the current law on low-income housing to include moderate-income housing and eliminates the income percentages used to determine qualifications for low or moderate income housing.
Requires owners or landlords who rent shoreline property to provide their tenants, before the start of the tenancy, with a detailed, written disclosure regarding public shoreline access rights.
Maddy summarySB 2130 requires the state board of elections to publish all write-in votes online, regardless of whether the candidate is qualified or if the votes could affect election results. It mandates that local election boards adjudicate write-in votes in races where the total could impact outcomes, and the state board must publish these adjudicated votes along with all write-in votes cast, including those with fewer than five votes. This applies to all federal, state, and local races, ensuring transparency in how write-in votes are processed and reported. The bill changes existing rules by requiring mandatory public disclosure of all write-in ballots, not just those affecting election margins.
Prohibits participation in federal school voucher tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations unless both the general assembly and the governor approve such participation.
