Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 7579) formally rescinds Rhode Island's 1861 ratification of the Corwin Amendment, a proposed constitutional amendment from the Civil War era. The Corwin Amendment aimed to protect slavery by prohibiting future constitutional amendments that could interfere with "domestic institutions" like slavery in states. Rhode Island's ratification is being repealed because the amendment was never adopted by enough states, became obsolete after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, and has no current legal effect. The resolution is purely procedural, correcting a historical record without changing any existing law or constitutional provisions.
Maddy summaryHB 7538 requires healthcare providers and facilities to inform patients when artificial intelligence (AI) is used to document their in-person or telehealth visits. It directly affects patients receiving care and all licensed healthcare professionals (including doctors, nurses, and dentists) and healthcare facilities covered under the law. The bill mandates clear notification about AI’s specific role in recording visit details, defining AI broadly to include technologies like natural language processing and machine learning. This law focuses solely on transparency about documentation practices, not on regulating AI's medical decision-making or other uses.
Maddy summaryHB 7198 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in Rhode Island law. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or fines over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to one year imprisonment (or fines up to $1,000), and a petty misdemeanor involves up to six months imprisonment or fines up to $500. The bill also changes how "one year" is interpreted in sentencing to mean 364 days instead of 365 days. This technical adjustment affects all criminal cases classified under these terms in Rhode Island’s legal code, ensuring consistent application of sentencing guidelines. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not create new penalties or policies.
Authorizes the city of Providence to issue not more than $25,000,000 in general obligation bonds and notes to fund the providence housing trust fund to finance affordable multi-family housing projects in the city.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that honors Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi for his leadership and service to the State of Rhode Island. It recognizes his specific legislative achievements, such as passing housing and healthcare laws, implementing tax reforms, and advancing climate initiatives during his tenure. The resolution formally thanks him for his contributions and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to him.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative David Morales for his dedicated service to the people of Providence and the State of Rhode Island. It recognizes his legislative achievements, including advocating for workers' rights, affordable healthcare, and library protections, as well as his personal background and recent announcement of his candidacy for Mayor of Providence. The House formally thanks him for his contributions and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to him.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state liquor licensing laws to allow the issuance of a new Class BV license for a specific property at 819 Westminster Street in Providence, Rhode Island. The legislation modifies existing restrictions that typically prevent alcohol licenses from being issued near schools, churches, or properties where neighbors object, creating a special exemption for this particular location. By adding this specific property to the list of exempted areas, the bill enables the Providence Board of Licenses to approve the license despite proximity concerns that would normally apply under current rules. The change directly affects the ability to operate an alcohol retail establishment at the specified address and adjusts how licensing authorities evaluate applications in that area.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, thereby extending anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. The legislation updates various legal definitions within the state's employment chapter to clarify terms related to gender identity, race, disability, and religious accommodation. By making these changes, the bill ensures that domestic workers are covered by the same safeguards against discrimination as other employees in the state.
Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.
