Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.
Requires that all agencies' final rules, promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act, be approved by general assembly action, but in no case later than December 31 of the year it is promulgated before it can become effective.
Creates the Warwick public schools budget commission consisting of 5 members to oversee the operations of Warwick public schools and to present a preliminary analysis of the school district's financial situation.
Establishes The Body Cameras for Correctional Facilities Act which mandates all department of corrections staff with direct supervision rolls to wear body cameras while on duty in their assigned facility.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts vehicles owned and operated by members of the Rhode Island judiciary from standard windshield and window transparency requirements. It adds a specific exemption to existing law, allowing judiciary-registered vehicles to use nontransparent windows without needing additional permits. The change applies only to judicial personnel vehicles and does not alter transparency rules for other drivers or vehicles.
Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.
Maddy summarySB 303 increases daily pay for jurors serving in Rhode Island superior courts from $25 to $50 per day, effective July 1, 2025. It directly affects individuals summoned for jury duty in superior court cases. The bill also allows jurors to voluntarily donate their daily fee to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center, with donations deposited into the state general fund. The increased payment requires annual legislative funding to cover the costs.
Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.
Maddy summarySB 362 exempts foster care youth in Rhode Island from paying tuition fees for driver education courses at the Community College of Rhode Island. The bill amends existing law to specifically include individuals receiving foster caregiving in foster and adoptive homes (as defined by state law) under a fee waiver program. This change directly affects foster youth aged 15+ seeking driver's education, removing a financial barrier to obtaining a driver's license. The provision applies to the standard 33-hour classroom driver education program offered through the college.
Maddy summarySB 587 would allow workers who are locked out by their employer during a labor dispute (such as when an employer refuses to bargain collectively) to receive unemployment benefits. It also permits benefits for workers on strike if they are not part of the union or group causing the dispute. The bill specifies that employers must offer to extend current wages and working conditions for up to three days before a lockout is considered valid, and excludes benefits if the lockout responds to a strike at another employer in a multi-employer bargaining group. This change directly affects workers involved in labor disputes and aims to provide financial support during workplace conflicts.
