Sen. Lori Urso

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the fees and procedures for appealing certain district court decisions to the superior court in civil cases. It requires parties filing an appeal to pay a $75 filing fee, a minimum $25 in costs, and a $50 attorney fee to the opposing party within two days of judgment for general civil cases, or within five days for landlord-tenant disputes. The changes also adjust how costs are calculated and when appeals must be submitted, with the new rules taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.

Maddy summarySB 2123 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Pawtucket from local property taxes. This targeted exemption applies specifically to the center's buildings and physical assets used for its operations. The bill amends existing tax law to add this organization to the list of entities eligible for property tax exemptions. It does not create new tax policy or affect other properties or organizations.

Maddy summarySB 2260 requires owners of large Rhode Island buildings (25,000+ gross square feet) to annually report energy and water usage data using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. Buildings over 50,000 sq ft must start reporting by May 15, 2028, while those between 25,000-49,999 sq ft begin in 2030. The law mandates reporting of metrics like energy use intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, and compliance status to the Office of Energy Resources, which will publish this data publicly. This affects commercial, residential, and campus properties, aiming to increase transparency about building energy performance without imposing new energy efficiency standards.

Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.

Updates the state’s public accountancy act for consistency with the 9th edition of the Uniform Accountancy Act, as issued by NASBA and AICPA in July 2025.

Establishes requirements for capital, liquidity, and corporate governance including: audit, risk management, and board oversight, for nonbank mortgage servicers.

Allows any member of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Rhode Island to receive recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses free of charge.

Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians to allow other healthcare providers to enter into such agreements and removes the definition of “collaborative practice committee.”

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provides criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good character.