Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act to establish state-level procedures that prevent discrimination and vote suppression in elections. It directly affects political subdivisions across Rhode Island, including cities, towns, and state agencies, by prohibiting election policies that create disparities in voter participation or ability to participate in the political process. The law defines protected classes based on race, color, language-minority status, and other characteristics, and sets standards for identifying voter suppression and vote dilution without requiring proof of intentional discrimination. Key provisions include protections for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and early voting access, while allowing political subdivisions to adopt alternative election methods if they can show a compelling governmental interest.
Sponsored bills
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Provides that the EOHHS, through Emergency Medicaid, cover dialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease ("ESRD") and kidney transplants for RI residents who do not qualify for full Medicaid under federal law due to their immigration status.
Maddy summarySB 2196 prohibits courts or government entities from forcing individuals to reveal private keys that control access to digital assets (like cryptocurrency), digital identities, or other digital rights. It applies directly to people holding such keys, such as cryptocurrency owners or digital service users. The law allows exceptions only if a public key cannot be used to access the asset or information. This does not prevent legal actions requiring the transfer of the digital asset itself, only the forced disclosure of the private key. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing the official title from "doctor of naturopathy" to "naturopathic doctor" for practitioners licensed under the Naturopathy Act of 2017. The change directly affects naturopathic medical professionals and the state's licensing regulations for this healthcare category. The key provision is a simple terminology update that modifies the chapter's language without altering existing licensing requirements or practice standards. This legislative update aims to standardize professional titles within the healthcare sector.
Allows patients to authorize providers to email medical notes or records, requires written consent acknowledging risks, and ensures compliance with HIPAA while expanding delivery options beyond fax or in-person pickup.
Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.
Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee, by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement, under a health plan as of January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act to clarify definitions and improve disclosure requirements for solar energy agreements. It directly affects homeowners and solar retailers by updating standard forms used for lease and purchase agreements to include clearer details about costs, payment schedules, and customer responsibilities. The bill introduces a specific provision for catastrophic loss, allowing customers to temporarily suspend lease payments if their property becomes uninhabitable, though it does not cancel the remaining payments. Additionally, the legislation requires more transparent information on insurance responsibilities and potential federal tax credits in purchase agreements.