Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.
Creates a 13-member joint commission to study the transportation needs of students and recommend what changes are necessary, and who would report back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, and expire on May 27, 2025.
Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in Rhode Island. It requires processors and retailers to register their products annually with the Attorney General's office and submit independent laboratory test results to ensure safety and label accuracy. The legislation prohibits the sale of contaminated products, those containing synthetic alkaloids, and any items marketed in ways that appeal to individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, the act mandates clear labeling regarding potential health risks and usage instructions while setting fines for negligent violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the Rhode Island Early Care and Education Workforce Data Act to formally establish a statewide registry for early childhood educators. The Department of Human Services must implement this system by July 1, 2025, to collect data on staff working in licensed child care centers and family homes, including their demographics, qualifications, and turnover rates. Once established, the registry will provide educators with professional development opportunities and allow the state to generate annual reports on workforce characteristics for the public and government officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase visibility of arts programs in Rhode Island public middle and high schools. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, schools must report annually on the percentage of students enrolled in arts courses and the number of available classes in dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts. Additionally, the state may appoint arts education curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these reporting requirements, and high schools must begin submitting student portfolios demonstrating proficiency in an art form by the 2026-27 school year.
Exempts out-of-state businesses and their employees performing services, during declared state or federal disasters or emergencies, from state or local business requirements, as well as state or local taxes or fees.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's laws to require healthcare facilities to inform patients about their breast density using specific national standards after a mammogram. It mandates that reports sent to patients must include a standardized message explaining that dense tissue can make it harder to detect cancer and may suggest additional screening options like ultrasounds or MRIs. The law applies to all facilities performing mammograms and requires them to provide this information starting October 1, 2014, with the goal of encouraging patients to discuss their results with their doctors.
Allows the state to become a member of the physical therapist licensure compact adopted by twenty-five (25) states in order to facilitate the interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy service
Makes care recipients eligible for temporary caregiver benefits and increase the maximum temporary caregiver benefit weeks from six (6) to eight (8) weeks over of period of two years.
