Allows a landlord that did not obtain a lead certificate pursuant to the lead mitigation laws of chapter 128.1 of title 42 due to the fact that the state lacks the adequate resources to conduct inspections.
Maddy summarySB 827 requires casinos to pay overtime to workers who work on Sundays or designated holidays, such as New Year's Day or Christmas. This bill directly affects casino employees in Rhode Island, as it amends the state's labor law to include them under overtime protections previously excluded. The key change modifies the definition of "employee" to remove casinos from the list of exempt workplaces, ensuring they follow standard overtime rules for holiday and Sunday shifts. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other exemptions, like those for restaurants or healthcare workers.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 880) passed by the Rhode Island Senate to mark March 25, 2025, as the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. It symbolically celebrates Greece's historical struggle for democracy and the longstanding US-Greece alliance, referencing shared values like freedom and religious tolerance. The resolution urges Turkey to respect religious freedoms and commends Rhode Island's Greek-American community for its cultural contributions. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a ceremonial gesture by the state Senate.
Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC), recognizing its decades of work fostering relationships between government, businesses, and communities. It highlights SGAC's role in promoting diversity, mentoring professionals, and supporting transparent, responsive state governance. The resolution formally honors SGAC's contributions and encourages continued support for its mission. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
Requires the local board of canvassers to publish early voting dates, hours, and location, at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation and to publish the same on the municipality's website for the duration of in-person early voting period.
Develops standards of civics education in grades K-12 teaching history in the state of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship, principals of democracy, and media literacy.
Maddy summarySB 315 clarifies that any change in an insurance producer's compensation is considered a "contract modification," requiring insurers to provide 180 days' written notice before implementing such changes. It directly affects insurance producers who work with multiple insurers, protecting them from sudden payment adjustments without advance notice. The bill mandates that insurers must give this 180-day notice for compensation changes, aligning with existing 14-month notice requirements for contract cancellations. This defines a specific procedural safeguard for producers' compensation terms within the Producer Licensing Act. The bill takes effect upon passage and has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.
Maddy summarySB 598 requires all drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation in Rhode Island - including taxi drivers, bus operators, and ride-sharing (TNC) drivers - to pass a national and state criminal background check before transporting passengers. The check covers serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, DUI causing death, and certain drug or weapon crimes, with disqualifying information reported to the Division of Public Utilities. Drivers must pay for the check, receive a clearance certificate valid for five years, and can appeal denials by demonstrating rehabilitation for past convictions. The bill excludes juvenile records and some minor offenses from consideration, ensuring only relevant criminal history impacts eligibility.
Maddy summarySB 539 amends filing fees required to appeal certain district court decisions. It mandates a $50 attorney fee for all civil appeals (paid to the opposing party's lawyer) plus a $75 filing fee (including processing and technology fees), with a minimum $25 in other costs. Landlord-tenant cases get a longer 5-day appeal window (including weekends/holidays) versus the standard 2-day window for other civil appeals. The changes apply to all parties appealing district court judgments and take effect January 1, 2026.
