Increases the public utilities reserve fund cap and the cap on expenses relating to the public utilities commission and the division of public utilities and carriers representing the state before federal agencies.
Maddy summarySB 626 requires Rhode Island municipalities to maintain and update a current list of rights-of-way (access paths) to tidal areas designated by the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This applies directly to all cities and towns in the state, mandating they keep these records accurate and accessible. The bill's key mechanism is a new administrative duty for local governments to document and regularly revise these tidal access points. It does not alter CRMC's existing planning or management powers but adds a specific local record-keeping requirement. The law focuses on improving transparency and coordination for coastal resource management.
Maddy summarySB 318 establishes new procedures for Rhode Island to procure energy infrastructure, including transmission for nuclear power, large-scale hydroelectric power, and renewable resources like offshore wind. It authorizes state agencies and utilities to jointly issue competitive solicitations for regional transmission projects and natural gas pipeline capacity to improve energy reliability and security for ratepayers. The bill requires cost-benefit analyses for ratepayer impacts and mandates public utility commission review before binding commitments are made. This affects electric and gas utilities, ratepayers, and regional energy planning entities by creating a structured process for evaluating infrastructure projects.
Maddy summarySB 601 increases penalties for public utilities and carriers that violate duties outlined in state law. It raises fines for violations from $200-$1,000 to $200-$5,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate violation. The bill also imposes misdemeanor penalties of $100-$1,000 on utility officers or agents who violate rules or fail to comply with regulatory orders. This directly affects public utilities (like gas, water, or electric providers) and their employees responsible for adhering to regulatory requirements.
Maddy summarySB 324 requires Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management to create a public education program teaching residents and businesses how to properly recycle textiles like clothing, bedding, and fabric. Starting January 1, 2028, private companies collecting textiles must report annual recycling volumes to the state. The program will include an online directory and may offer recycling assistance to help reduce textile waste. This policy aims to decrease landfill use by improving recycling practices, addressing the current annual waste of approximately 28,860 tons of textiles.
Allows food service businesses to provide temporary outdoor dining whenever building/other structure used for food service rendered uninhabitable by casualty fire/flood for 18 months or the building fit for occupancy sunsetting on 6/30/27.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1165) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Father Bernard A. Healey's priestly ordination on June 24, 2025. It formally recognizes his decades of service to Rhode Island, including his work with the poor, his roles as a chaplain and Catholic Conference director, and his community leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send Father Healey a certified copy of the resolution. It directly affects only Father Healey as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1164), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as the sixth President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), noting she is the first alumna and second woman to hold this role. The resolution highlights her career path as a CCRI nursing graduate, faculty member, and interim president, including her leadership during a period of institutional growth. It contains no policy changes, funding, or obligations - it is purely an honorary gesture to recognize her appointment and achievements. The Senate passed it on June 21, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.
Deletes the language "by August 31, 2024" on page 3, line 1, and extend the reporting date of the special legislative commission to study renewable energy programs from February 14, 2025, to February 13, 2026 and said commission expires on June 30, 2026.
Restructures the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increases its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocates the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.
