Sen. Frank Ciccone

Establishes a revolving fund to assist first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase a home in Rhode Island by issuing grants of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000).

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.

Increases the membership of the energy facility siting board from 3 to 5 members and would revise the process of energy facility siting to mandate inclusion/participation of the host community of the facility as well as of the public and cities and towns.

Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.

Maddy summarySB 400 repeals the 2021 Act on Climate, which established statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (including 45% below 1990 levels by 2030) and required a Climate Change Coordinating Council to develop plans for meeting these goals. The repealed law mandated the council to produce regular emission reduction plans, address environmental justice, and create equitable transition programs for workers in the clean energy sector. By repealing this act, SB 400 removes the state's legal obligation to pursue these emission targets and eliminates the associated planning requirements for state agencies. This repeal directly affects Rhode Island's climate policy framework by dismantling the structured approach to emission reductions.

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.

Maddy summarySB 89 adds ethical energy standards to the state's 2021 Act on Climate. It requires the climate council to annually study whether state climate programs shift environmental or labor impacts onto developing countries, including tracking mining conditions for materials like lithium and cobalt. The bill also mandates that solar permit applicants set aside funds for end-of-life panel recycling, requires wind turbine blades to be recycled or disposed of within the state (with limited exceptions), and establishes renewable energy credit programs that exclude electricity from facilities using child labor or certain toxic materials in manufacturing. These provisions directly affect state agencies, energy developers, and utility companies implementing climate policies.