Sen. Sue Sosnowski

This resolution would delete the language “by August 31, 2024,” on page 3, line 1, and extend the reporting date of the commission to study renewable energy programs from February 14, 2025, to May 30, 2025, and would expire on June 30, 2025.

Adds definitions to prohibition of hazing, make coaches and others responsible for knowingly failing to take reasonable measures to prevent hazing and would punish serious bodily injury by up to ten (10) years in imprisonment.

Maddy summarySB 440 redefines the University of Rhode Island's (URI) governing board of trustees as the sole employer for faculty and staff, taking over all property control and management from the Council on Postsecondary Education. It grants the board authority to set procurement rules (bypassing most state purchasing requirements), establish performance metrics tied to graduation rates and job-relevant degrees, and create transfer pathways with community colleges. The bill directly affects URI’s operations, employees, and students by shifting decision-making power to the board and requiring specific outcome-based reporting. Key provisions include new metrics for bachelor’s degrees within 4-6 years, alignment with Rhode Island’s job market, and accepting AP scores for credit. The bill does not change URI’s mission but formalizes how the university is governed and measured.

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

Directs the RITBA design a safety barrier or netting system on the several bridges within its authority. Any newly constructed bridges with a deck height of over one hundred feet (100 ft) would be required to have safety barriers of safety netting.

Provides that the renewable energy fund remains in existence until December 31, 2033, to align with the mandate that 100% of Rhode Island's electricity demand is from renewable energy and also complies with federal grant requirements.

This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s minimum wage from May 4, 2025, to May 4, 2026, and said commission would expire on January 4, 2027.

Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to walking, biking, and hiking trails and access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.