Prohibits utility companies from limiting the eligibility of a net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed under the net metering system to be credited to the consumer.
Would extend the reporting and expiration dates, and amend the commission’s purpose to include glass and aluminum products, and increase the membership to twenty (20), and would report back by April 25, 2025, and expire on April 30, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program in Rhode Island to track energy use and set performance standards for large commercial and residential buildings with at least 25,000 square feet. It requires these buildings to be benchmarked for energy efficiency and mandates that new construction be designed to support electric systems. The Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council will oversee the program, which includes providing an online tool for owners to improve efficiency and collecting anonymized data to monitor progress toward net-zero emissions.
Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates the creation of a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" for drivers with autism spectrum disorder in Rhode Island. The Department of Motor Vehicles must develop this initiative in partnership with law enforcement leaders and disability advocates to improve communication between police officers and these drivers during traffic stops. Participation in the program is entirely optional, and the DMV will look at successful models from other states when designing the system. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Includes the general assembly elections within the category of elections subject to the risk-limiting audits within the jurisdiction of the board of elections.
Requires RIDE to develop type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of students that will be posted publicly on RIDE's website.
Provides for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers.
Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends laws governing Rhode Island's environmental funds to allow money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration and Response Fund to support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce emissions. It authorizes the legislature to allocate up to $250,000 annually from this fund specifically for research, monitoring, and climate projects directed by the council. Additionally, the bill updates the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act to include climate-related initiatives as an eligible use of funds for cleaning up petroleum leaks. These changes expand how existing state resources can be utilized to address both oil spill prevention and broader climate goals.
