Sen. Frank Ciccone

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Melvin L. Zurier, a Rhode Island resident and retired Air Force Reserve Colonel who served as a lawyer, public servant, and community leader. It formally honors his life, career, and family without creating any new laws or policies. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his family, including his son Senator Samuel D. Zurier. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond expressing official sympathy.

This resolution would amend the rules of the Senate relative to committees and would create a new committee on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits hunters to use crossbows to harvest wild turkeys, provided they follow rules set by the Department of Environmental Management. While the law generally prohibits taking wild birds with crossbows or other specific weapons, it creates a specific exception for wild turkeys. The change applies only to wild turkeys and does not affect the rules for hunting other types of birds.

Totally repeals the 1964 public law, which established the Johnston Municipal Court and which has never been amended and would enable the town of Johnston to establish a municipal court and housing court with expanded legal and equitable powers.

Maddy summarySB 3105 expands the definition of unfair claims practices under the state's Insurance Code to provide clearer protections for policyholders and claimants. The bill specifically targets insurance companies by adding numerous prohibited actions, such as delaying claim investigations, refusing to pay without a reasonable review, and misleading consumers about coverage limits or deadlines. It also introduces strict timelines for insurers to respond to claims and conduct appraisals, particularly for vehicle damage exceeding $2,500, and mandates that insurers honor requests to pay directly to a consumer's chosen rental car company or auto body shop. By codifying these standards, the legislation aims to ensure that insurance providers handle claims fairly and transparently while giving consumers more control over their repair and replacement options.

Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed healthcare facilities to publicly disclose a comprehensive list of standard charges for all items and services they provide. Hospitals must post this information on their websites in a free, searchable digital format that includes specific pricing details such as gross charges, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates for various insurance plans. The law also mandates a separate, consumer-friendly list for shoppable services, ensuring patients can easily access cost data without needing to create accounts or provide personal information. By standardizing how price information is presented and formatted, the legislation aims to increase transparency and allow patients to compare costs across different facilities.

Creates a 13-member joint commission to study the transportation needs of students and recommend what changes are necessary, and who would report back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, and expire on May 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2885 allows hybrid cannabis businesses in Rhode Island to advertise their products during a specific transitional period while they prepare for full legalization. The law requires these businesses to separate medical and adult-use cannabis in their inventory, storage, and sales areas, and to maintain strict tracking systems to distinguish between the two. It also mandates that medical patients continue to receive priority service and ensures that existing medical program rules remain in effect until new regulations are finalized. Once the transition is complete, the bill transfers regulatory authority from several state agencies to a newly established cannabis office.

Requires all health care facilities to provide functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and least one person who is properly trained in the operation and use of an AED.