Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31.41.1-4.
Requires the board of elections to establish a secure area for the public observation of mail ballot processing and require the mail ballot voter’s signature be compared to the signature on file within the state central voter registration system.
Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
Creates a special joint legislative commission to make a comprehensive study of Rhode Island's education funding formula and education finance system.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to make it a crime for individuals in the custody of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to use force or weapons against correctional officers. Specifically, it prohibits inmates from resisting lawful requests or directives given by officers, while maintaining separate rules for resisting arrests by peace officers. Anyone found guilty of violating this provision could face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The law applies directly to people already held in correctional facilities and aims to establish clear consequences for physical resistance within those institutions.
Maddy summaryHB 8384 introduces "Casey's Law," which allows judges to impose stricter penalties on drivers convicted of misdemeanors or felonies if they are found to have acted out of "road rage." The bill defines road rage as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. If a court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime resulted from such behavior, the driver faces additional consequences, including mandatory fines, potential license suspension, and longer prison terms for felony offenses. All fines collected under this new provision must be placed into a dedicated fund to support public awareness campaigns about safe driving. This law does not create a new crime but rather adds enhanced sentencing options for existing offenses motivated by road rage.
Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.
Maddy summaryHB 7520 expands underinsured motorist coverage to include property damage (such as vehicle damage) alongside bodily injury, which currently only covers bodily injury for underinsured drivers. This change would directly affect car owners who suffer property damage in accidents with drivers carrying insurance but with limits below the damages owed. The bill establishes a $200 deductible for property damage claims under this expanded coverage and allows insureds to opt out of property damage coverage if they have collision insurance. It also clarifies that "underinsured" includes drivers with insufficient coverage limits and ensures subrogation rights for insurers.
Maddy summaryHB 7507 requires judgment creditors to send written notice to property owners within 10 business days of recording a lien on real property. The notice must include the creditor's contact details, judgment amount, property description, and instructions for resolving or disputing the lien, sent by certified mail to the owner's last known address. Failure to provide this notice does not invalidate the lien but may delay enforcement deadlines until the notice is sent. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and directly affects property owners who may face liens on their real estate.
Maddy summaryHB 7513 requires radon testing for most residential real estate transactions starting on June 1, 2027, to ensure buyers are informed about radioactive gas levels in homes. The law mandates that a certified professional conduct the test no earlier than one year before closing and share the results with both the buyer and seller. If the test shows unsafe radon levels, the seller must install a mitigation system before the sale is finalized, or the cost must be held in escrow until the work is done. Certain situations, such as foreclosures, sales of non-residential property, or homes with a recent mitigation system, are exempt from these testing requirements.
