Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.
Substitutes "housing resources commission" with "department of health" for lead hazard mitigation purposes. It also makes it easier for a property owner to release funds put into an escrow account, if needed to make required repairs or improvements.
Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would be private and only accessible by specific entities.
Maddy summarySB 288 limits re-election for key state executive positions by prohibiting any person from being elected to the same general office (governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, or treasurer) more than twice. It also restricts individuals who served over two years of another person's term to only one additional election to that office. The bill further states that someone ineligible to run for governor cannot be elected lieutenant governor. These changes would apply immediately upon the bill's passage, affecting how state officers serve and seek re-election.
Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.
Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.
Allows a landlord that did not obtain a lead certificate pursuant to the lead mitigation laws of chapter 128.1 of title 42 due to the fact that the state lacks the adequate resources to conduct inspections.
Maddy summarySB 751 amends existing law to explicitly include COVID-19 in the definition of "infectious disease" for first responders. This change ensures that firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are exposed to COVID-19 while on duty can access the same occupational disability benefits as for other covered diseases like HIV or hepatitis. The bill updates definitions in the law (specifically in sections 23-28.36-1, 23-28.36-2, and 23-28.36-4) to clarify that exposure to COVID-19 qualifies for notification and disability benefits under the existing framework. It does not create new procedures but ensures current protections apply to COVID-19 cases.
Maddy summarySB 827 requires casinos to pay overtime to workers who work on Sundays or designated holidays, such as New Year's Day or Christmas. This bill directly affects casino employees in Rhode Island, as it amends the state's labor law to include them under overtime protections previously excluded. The key change modifies the definition of "employee" to remove casinos from the list of exempt workplaces, ensuring they follow standard overtime rules for holiday and Sunday shifts. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other exemptions, like those for restaurants or healthcare workers.
Creates the interchange fee restriction act restricting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.
