Establishes building safety code standards for multi-dwelling buildings and requires the development of recommendations for resolving any conflicts between fire safety codes and the building codes.
Restructures RI Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increase its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocate the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.
Provides that only residential properties and new or rehabilitated residential affordable housing units would be subject to the tax under § 44-5-13.1 relating to taxation of low-income housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's merit system to establish separate employment positions and salary scales specifically for employees of the Board of Elections. Under the new rules, the Department of Administration must manage these distinct roles within the unclassified pay plan, ensuring that salary adjustments for these workers do not exceed two grades per year. The legislation also mandates that any changes to the pay plan undergo a public hearing process where the public, employees, and appointing authorities can provide testimony before recommendations are submitted to the governor. Ultimately, this measure aims to create a dedicated compensation structure for election officials while maintaining oversight through the existing state personnel review procedures.
Repeals the exemption granted to pari mutual facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement contained in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to give $450,000 to Higher Ground International, a nonprofit in Rhode Island, to help finish renovations on its new headquarters in Providence. The funds are intended as a one-time contribution to complete the initial phase of building improvements at the location on Ninigret Avenue. While the bill notes that the facility plans to offer community services like food assistance and cultural events, the legislation itself only authorizes the specific payment for construction costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents health insurance plans from requiring approval reviews for prescriptions used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorders. It specifically protects medications containing methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, as well as drugs approved for opioid withdrawal, from being subjected to prospective or concurrent utilization reviews. The law applies to all health benefit plans issued or renewed after the bill becomes effective and also mandates that Medicaid managed care organizations follow specific state criteria for these determinations. By removing these review barriers, the legislation aims to streamline access to addiction treatment medications for covered individuals.
Prohibits colleges and universities from withholding a student's transcript due to the student failing to pay any expenses owed to the college or university but permits the withholding of a student's academic credits and grades or diploma or degree.
Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments and includes the right to clean and sanitary conditions.
Provides that individuals that are currently, or have been, incarcerated, or are on probation or parole, may exercise their rights to free political speech and participation in the political process without retaliation by the department of corrections.
