Exempts the Downtown Overlay District from the provisions of this section allowing for the city of Woonsocket shall, after application, to have the authority to exempt from the provisions of this section any proposed retailers' license of any class.
Authorizes reassessment of taxes on new construction from the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy or the date it is first used, whichever is the earlier.
Creates a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal. This act would not apply to assistance/service animals.
Maddy summaryHB 7020 establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase reporting on arts education at Rhode Island's public middle and high schools. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, schools must include data on student enrollment percentages and the number of available courses in dance, music, theater, and visual arts on their annual report cards. The bill also allows the state education department to hire arts curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these requirements and mandates that high schools start submitting student portfolios demonstrating arts proficiency by the 2026-27 school year.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 8180 clarifies the rules for Rhode Island's motion picture production tax credit by expanding which expenses count toward the credit. The bill ensures that all costs for goods and services performed within the state qualify as certified production costs, provided they are incurred and paid during the production process. This change directly affects film and television companies making movies, documentaries, or commercials in Rhode Island, allowing them to include a broader range of local expenses when applying for the tax incentive. The legislation also defines specific eligibility requirements, such as needing at least 51% of filming days or budget spent in the state, while excluding certain types of content like news coverage or reality television. By updating these definitions, the law aims to provide clearer guidance on how production companies can utilize the state's financial support for local media projects.
Permits euthanization of vicious dogs upon finding that dogs condition warrants euthanasia or after determination that there is no reasonable placement for the dog/provides any municipality that surrenders dog to RISPCA shall be responsible for costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates the section of the Blackstone River Bike Path located in Woonsocket as the "Albert P. Valliere Bike Path." The legislation amends state laws to permanently assign this specific name to the trail, honoring Albert P. Valliere. Once enacted, the change takes effect immediately and applies to all future references to that portion of the path.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that expresses condolences for the death of Louis M. Pulner, a prominent Rhode Island attorney and former town solicitor. It acknowledges his professional achievements, including his work prosecuting drunk driving cases and his long service as Solicitor for the Town of Barrington, as well as his personal life and family. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to Pulner's surviving family members, including his wife, children, and sister.
Maddy summaryHB 7517 updates the procedures for handling unclaimed human remains in Rhode Island by establishing specific timelines for families to claim bodies after a death. The bill requires the Office of State Medical Examiners to release a deceased person's body to relatives or domestic partners within fourteen days of notice, with the state covering transport costs if an autopsy was performed. If the body is not claimed or removed from the morgue within thirty days, or if no family members are known, the remains are classified as unclaimed and buried according to existing state laws. Additionally, the legislation formally defines "domestic partner" for these purposes, requiring a relationship of at least one year and evidence of financial interdependence. The law also specifies that the state treasurer has priority in recovering burial expenses from the deceased person's estate.
