Corporations

RI - Representative Joseph J. Solomon, Jr. (D)

Title:

Chair

RI - Representative William W. O'Brien (D)

Title:

First Vice Chair

RI - Representative Justine A. Caldwell (D)

Title:

Second Vice Chair

RI - Representative Justine Caldwell (D)

Title:

Second Vice Chair

RI - Representative Stephen M. Casey (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Anthony J. DeSimone (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Alex S. Finkelman (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Michelle E. McGaw (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Brian C. Newberry (R)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Robert D. Phillips (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Brandon C. Potter (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Robert J. Quattrocchi (R)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Enrique Sanchez (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Enrique George Sanchez (U)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Patricia A. Serpa (D)

Title:

Member

RI - Representative Brandon T. Voas (D)

Title:

Member

RI - HB7013 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- RYAN'S LAW (Overprescribing, death resulting, would result in three (3) year license suspension.)

RI - HB7014 AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES (Exempts used vehicles sold "for parts only" or purchased at end of their lease term by the current lessee that have a valid certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield, from the requirement that dealers of used vehicles conduct a new inspection.)

RI - HB7015 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS (Clarifies the types of electrical services that require an electrical contractor's license.)

RI - HB7016 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING (Forbids a motor vehicle liability insurance carrier from considering the zip code of where an insured lives for purposes of calculating their policy premium.)

RI - HB7017 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.)

RI - HB7018 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING (Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.)

RI - HB7081 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES (Protects and continues health insurance coverage for the dependent of an employee who wishes to change their health insurance coverage to Medicare or are currently on Medicare.)

RI - HB7082 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- NONPROFIT DENTAL SERVICE CORPORATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND FAIR SHARE FOR DENTAL CARE ACT (Requires carriers offering dental benefit plans to annually submit information which includes the current and projected medical loss ratio for claims for their plans. The medical loss ratio would be eighty-five percent (85%).)

RI - HB7083 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANCE LICENSING COMPACT ACT (Adopts the model compact for the physician assistant's licensure compact in Rhode Island.)

RI - HB7084 AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VEHICLE BARRIERS-THE CHARLOTTE A. VACCA ACT (Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when construction/renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.)

RI - HB7085 AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF NEW ENGLAND BIBLE DOCTRINE CHURCH

RI - HB7086 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- VEGETATION MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTRIC SYSTEM RELIABILITY (Requires an electric distribution company to develop and act pursuant to a vegetation management plan approved by the DPUC to carry out vegetation management activities on and around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way.)

RI - HB7087 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FACILITATING BUSINESS RAPID RESPONSE TO STATE DECLARED DISASTER ACT OF 2024 (Exempts out-of-state businesses and their employees performing services, during declared state or federal disasters or emergencies, from state or local business requirements, as well as state or local taxes or fees.)

RI - HB7088 AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- COUNCILS AND GOVERNING BODIES (Provides that municipal insurance corporations be subject to laws regulating insurance companies and be regulated by the Rhode Island department of business regulation.)

RI - HB7089 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Requires that a business entity that is selling goods or services at retail offering a digital coupon to a consumer would also have to offer a paper coupon of identical value.)

RI - HB7090 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Providers of a club, facility, or services to a consumer must stop automatic deductions from the consumer's account or credit card within 30 calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.)

RI - HB7136 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY (Enables the Rhode Island public transit authority (RIPTA) to work with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to allow commuter rail passes to be used as dual passes for both RIPTA and MBTA.)

RI - HB7137 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- SOLAR PANELS (Requires that all sales representatives selling or leasing solar panels are licensed by the department of business regulation and that a statement be provided to homeowners setting forth pertinent information pertaining to the solar panels.)

RI - HB7138 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION (Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or f5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly.)

RI - HB7139 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CONTROL OF HIGH PRESCRIPTION COSTS -- REGULATION OF PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS (Regulates PBMs policies and practices relating to accurate costs and pricing reporting, restricts discriminatory practices and establishes consumer protections and enforcement of penalties for violations by the office of the attorney general.)

RI - HB7140 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACEUTICAL COST TRANSPARENCY (Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provide the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.)

RI - HB7141 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- COUNSELING COMPACT (Adopts a counseling compact for the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses governed and administrated by commission.)

RI - HB7142 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PATIENT BROKERING ACT (Prohibits the practice of patient brokering and would provide monetary penalties and enforcement by the office of the attorney general.)

RI - HB7143 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE AND DISCIPLINE -- PROMPT PROCESSING OF INSURANCE CLAIMS (Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.)

RI - HB7144 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- COVID-19 PANDEMIC INSURANCE RECOVERY ACT (Allows businesses that had an insurance policy in place for business interruption as of March 9, 2020 or thereafter to recover from their insurance companies for a COVID-19 business impact.)

RI - SB2090 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE SALES DISCLOSURES (Requires radon testing within one year of any residential real estate transaction and the installation of a radon mitigation system if unsafe radon levels are present, at the seller's expense.)

RI - HB7210 AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE (Provides amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code for emerging technologies.)

RI - HB7211 AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- LICENSED ACTIVITIES -- LENDERS AND LOAN BROKERS -- CHECK CASHING (Repeals the provisions of the general laws allowing deferred deposit providers, also known as "payday lenders.")

RI - HB7212 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER AND FUNERAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS (Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.)

RI - HB7213 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- RHODE ISLAND PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSURE COMPACT ACT (Allows the state to become a member of the physical therapist licensure compact adopted by twenty-five (25) states in order to facilitate the interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services.)

RI - HB7229 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT (Provides that original equipment manufacturers, implemented by/with surrogate distributors, of agricultural equipment, provide to independent service providers repair information and tools to maintain and repair electronics-enabled agricultural equipment.)

RI - HB7230 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GROCERY STORES (Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.)

RI - HB7231 AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (Authorizes and regulates the distribution of the product known as "kratom.")

RI - SB2184 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT (Adopts model legislation facilitating the interstate practice of regulated social workers.)

RI - HB7264 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PARTS (Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.)

RI - HB7265 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (Amends the licensing statute to allow a graduate of a board approved physical therapy school to be reinstated upon a failed examination upon the filing and registering for a second examination.)

RI - HB7280 AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT (Makes numerous technical amendments to the statutes on taxes and corporations, associations and partnerships.)

RI - HB7281 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- EXAMINATIONS (Amends the statutory provisions regarding domestic and foreign insurers and insurer examinations to provide provisions with regard to cybersecurity events involving Rhode Island consumers.)

RI - HB7282 AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- POWERS AND OPERATIONS (Amends outdated provisions of the banking statutes and the home loan protection act, adds consumer protections, including minimum capital requirements and limits on investments, for currency transmitters, including crypto currency.)

RI - HB7283 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRODUCER LICENSING ACT (Amends provisions re insurance producer appointments and clarifies language re insurance claims adjusters. Amends the RI life & health guarantee assoc act. Adds insurance data security and pet insurance acts and unfair discrimination prohibitions.)

RI - HB7284 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Provides that advertising goods that don't include a price referencing all mandatory fees and charges shall be a deceptive trade practice.)

RI - HB7285 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- UTILITY THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK AND JOBS ACT (Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).)

RI - HB7286 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Creates an income-sensitive tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households.)

RI - HB7287 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT (Increases the amount requiring that an appraisal be performed by a licensed appraiser when a vehicle sustains damage from $2,500 to an amount in excess of $5,000. This act also corrects a citation regarding salvage and reconstructed titles.)

RI - HB7288 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING (Prohibits auto insurance companies from using certain race and geographical locations criteria when determining insurance rates.)

RI - HB7350 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT (Adopts model legislation facilitating the interstate practice of regulated social workers.)

RI - HB7351 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND ECONOMIC GROWTH BLOCKCHAIN ACT (Establishes an economic growth blockchain act, which would regulate virtual and digital assets, and establish depository banks for these purposes.)

RI - HB7352 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS (Increases the penalties for public utilities for violations of the general law governing the duties of utilities and carriers.)

RI - HR7353 HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING RHODE ISLAND ENERGY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR NEW, MULTI-YEAR ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROGRAMMING

RI - HB7423 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DRIVER NATIONAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (Provides a criminal background check procedure for for-hire intrastate passenger transportation services.)

RI - HB7424 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- FILING OF ASSUMED NAME (Changes the term "assumed name" to "trade name" and centralizes the filing, administration and regulation process of trade names to the secretary of state and requires an annual renewal of the trade name.)

RI - HB7425 AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS -- UNIFORM PARTNERSHIP ACT (Requires certain limited liability partnership providing professional services to carry liability insurance.)

RI - HB7426 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR DECOMMISSIONING PLANS (Requires that developers of ground-mounted solar systems submit a plan for decommissioning to be held on file by the municipality and requires DEM, with the office of energy resources, make publicly available model decommissioning plans.)

RI - HB7427 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- EXCAVATION NEAR UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES (Amends the provision of notice to be provided for the release of any hazardous gas or liquid as determined by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.)

RI - HB7428 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Replaces time to time language with staggered for acquisitions, commission would review the acquisition plan, and requires an annual review. Repeals §§ 39-1-27.3.1 and 39-1-27.8 dealing with standard offer service.)

RI - HB7429 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Changes the requirements of quarterly meetings of the board to monthly meetings. The chairperson of the board would be the commissioner or acting commissioner of the office of energy resources.)

RI - HB7430 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD (Restores several provisions of the Renewable Energy Standards chapter which were repealed in 2022.)

RI - HB7431 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING (Modifies the definition of "core forest" to refer to unfragmented forest blocks or single or multiple parcels totaling 250 acres or greater and at least 25 yards from mapped roads.)

RI - HB7432 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURERS' REHABILITATION AND LIQUIDATION ACT (Provides that no person, for over ten days, shall be restricted from enforcing a right under any pledge, security, credit, guarantee agreement, arrangement or other agreement credit enhancement to which a federal home loan bank is a party.)

RI - HB7433 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICIES (Amend the standards for issuing Medicare supplemental insurance policies.)

RI - HB7434 AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES (Amends the current law to allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages by the bottle to be consumed on the premises of a licensee.)

RI - HB7435 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PET INSURANCE ACT (Enacts a chapter to regulate pet insurance.)

RI - HR7436 HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (This resolution creates a 5 member commission to study various insurance and benefit plans provided to Uber, Lyft, and self-employed drivers, and ...

RI - HB7505 AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT (Permits hybrid cannabis cultivators to advertise regarding cannabis products during the transitional period.)

RI - HB7506 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE (Provides for mandatory uninsured motorist coverage.)

RI - HB7507 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT (Provides that any insurer refusing to honor a "direction to pay" executed by an insured for payment on a property damage benefit would constitute an unfair claims practice.)

RI - HB7508 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Provides for the legal governance of licensed electronic literacy materials.)

RI - HB7509 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES (Provides that gift certificates issued by state-chartered institutions of higher education would be exempt from the provisions of the gift certificate statute relating to expiration, escheatment, reissuance and refund.)

RI - HB7510 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TAXICABS AND LIMITED PUBLIC MOTOR VEHICLES (Amends requirements regarding how taxicabs can be placed in service.)

RI - HB7511 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- WATER SUPPLY (Provides that water utility companies be responsible for all costs associated with maintenance, operation and delivery of water pumping stations to individual parcels of land and schools with no pumping stations on the property.)

RI - HB7556 AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION FEES (Allows veterans with "Disabled Veterans" license plates to all the rights and privileges to persons possessing a disability parking permit. There would be no requirement of a parking privilege placard to be displayed in the vehicle.)

RI - HB7557 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (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.)

RI - HB7558 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE -- MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISION (Increases the minimum claim amount necessary to require a matter involving motor vehicle liability be submitted to mandatory arbitration.)

RI - HB7603 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY DISCLOSURE AND HOMEOWNERS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT (Repeals the "Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act." Amends title 5 "Businesses and Professions" to include a new chapter 93, an amended "Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act.")

RI - HB7604 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION (Gives PUC jurisdiction rather than division of approval petition/mandates public hearing/allows intervention by interested parties/provides for appeal of decision.)

RI - HB7605 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT (Establishes a definition of consumer accessible fair market value for purposes of determining the value of any vehicle that is damaged or totaled as a result of damage.)

RI - HB7606 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING (Prevents insurance companies from treating widowed persons differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining an insured's rate or classification respecting the operation of a personal motor vehicle. Effective 1/1/25.)

RI - HB7607 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE AVAILABILITY ACT (Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.)

RI - HB7608 AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REFORM ACT (Authorizes any and all state licensing authorities to issue licenses to individuals moving into this state with a minimum of three (3) years of practice, in good standing in any other state jurisdiction.)

RI - HB7609 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Provides protection and prevent the unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees, by anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs except as authorized by federal law.)

RI - HB7610 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- LAND SURVEYORS (Grants a right of entry for professional land surveyors to enter upon or cross any lands, air space or water resources necessary to perform surveying services except public utility and/or wastewater treatment facilities upon prior notice.)

RI - HB7611 AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- RELOCATION OF UTILITY SERVICES (Utility relocation costs related to highway construction to be partially or fully paid for by the state.)

RI - HB7612 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Requires school districts to provide the parent/guardian of a student with an individualized education program (IEP) with information concerning the achieving a better life experience (ABLE) account program benefits and the program application process.)

RI - HB7694 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND INDIVIDUAL MARKET AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2024 (Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance exchanges.)

RI - HB7695 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION (Prohibit rate charges in excess of rates applied if tenant of residential complexes with electrical master-meters receives electricity directly from a public utility.)

RI - HB7712 AN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- AIRPORTS AND LANDING FIELDS (Designates the appropriate authority on air space issues as the president and CEO of the Rhode Island airport corporation and aligns certain job titles with their proper responsibilities relative to aeronautics.)

RI - HB7713 AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ELECTRIC BICYCLES (Defines 3 classes of electric bicycles, authorizes the DEM to determine allowable uses of electric bicycles at properties under the department’s jurisdiction, allows Class 1 electric bicycles to legally access state bicycle trails or paths.)

RI - HB7714 AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTORIZED BICYCLES (Requires helmets be worn by all riders, regardless of age, while operating or riding any electric bicycle or electric motorized bicycle.)

RI - HB7715 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED, SERIOUSLY ILL, OR IN ARREARS OF PAYMENT (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.)

RI - HB7716 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ACT (Requires that healthcare entities and network plans, eff. 1/1/25, include provision in every contract with a provider of mental health/substance use disorders that rates paid pursuant to the contract would be subject to a rate increase at least annually.)

RI - HB7717 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE ACT (Requires healthcare plans in RI to notify providers of any proposed amendments to an agreement 60 days before the effective date and requires 60 days notice of any amendment to a manual, policy or procedure that is referred to in a provider agreement.)

RI - HB7718 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE RATING (Permits the use of telematics by motor vehicle insurance companies to record the driving habits of insured motorists for the purpose of pricing, underwriting and customer service.)

RI - HB7719 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES (Replaces the term "the drug naloxone" with the term "opioid antagonist" in chapters regulating life insurance policies and group life insurance policies.)

RI - HB7720 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE -- FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES (Ensures that independent pharmacies are protected from pharmacy benefit discrimination toward non-affiliated pharmacies and helps protect consumers' ability to choose local, independent pharmacies.)

RI - HB7808 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING (Prohibits utility companies from limiting eligibility of net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed to be credited to consumer. Also amends definition of excess renewable net-metering credit.)

RI - HB7809 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- VEGETATION PLANNING AND MAINTENANCE ACT (Establishes the Vegetation Planning and Management Act to provide guidelines for utilities to manage and maintain vegetation near power lines.)

RI - HB7810 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Requires the public utilities commission (PUC) to produce a report by January 1, 2025 and each January 1 thereafter, on the ability for the current electric grid to handle the electrification load need to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes.)

RI - HB7811 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 2024 ENERGY STORAGE ACT (Requires the office of energy resources to initiate the process of developing programs and associated funding mechanisms, for electric energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system.)

RI - HB7812 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY SECURITY ACT (Requires a New England transmission project to determine if long-term transmission service agreements appear commercially reasonable for Rhode Island.)

RI - HB7813 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY SECURITY ACT (Makes several amendments relative to the affordable clean energy security act establishing the act's priority over chapter 6.2 of title 42 (the "2021 act on climate").)

RI - HB7814 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD (Requires the PUC to make public notification of any changes in eligibility or production of energy, and would direct the commission to promulgate rules and regulations to allow and facilitate the prompt public disclosure of this information.)

RI - HB7815 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD (Provides that any renewable energy project that cannot certify a net reduction of carbon emissions through scientific studies, using the best practices as defined in ISO LCA standards 14040 and 14044, be prohibited or discontinued by the PUC.)

RI - HB7816 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE (Incorporates ethical energy standards to the 2021 Act on Climate.)

RI - HR7817 JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY (Creates a 5 member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submit an interim progress report by January 5, 2025, and a final report by January 5, 2026, and expire on February 5, 2026.)

RI - HB7861 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE (Requires that insurance policies for property damage, personal injuries, and indemnification other than payment of compensation for workers compensation, state policy limits and no amount of the policy may be used to pay costs to defend a claim.)

RI - HB7862 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Creates a process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions.)

RI - HB7863 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Allows unit owners to participate in association meetings remotely through the use of digital platforms such as zoom or googlemeet.)

RI - HB7864 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Provides that the "rights of secured lenders" provision from § 34-36.1-2.19 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982.)

RI - HB7865 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Provides that the "meetings" requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982 and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.)

RI - HB7866 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Requires associations to provide unit owners with thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy ensuring that unit owners will have coverage relating to their responsibility.)

RI - HB7867 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Requires the recording of the bylaws and rules of the association in the land evidence records of the city or town the condominium is located in and require amendments to the original filings to be certified by 2 or more members of the executive board.)

RI - HB7868 AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW (Eliminates unreasonable and fiscally irresponsible constraints of budget caps created in some condominium documents by developers to help sell units.)

RI - HB7906 AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS (Extends teacher certifications without fee or penalty for three (3) or five (5) years for teachers who hold certifications as of July 1, 2024.)

RI - HB7935 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- NEWPORT AND BRISTOL COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU (Makes various amendments to the chapter creating the Newport and Bristol County Convention and Visitors Bureau.)

RI - HB7936 AN ACT RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee under the provisions of chapters 29 through 38 of title 28 and under § 9-31-8 of the general laws.)

RI - HB7937 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ARCHITECTS (Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.)

RI - HB7938 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ATHLETIC TRAINERS (Requires athletic trainers to be trained in the use of epi-pens on and after January 1, 2025.)

RI - HB7939 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES

RI - HB7940 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- SENIOR SAVINGS PROTECTION ACT (Prohibits the charging of any fees to a senior citizen who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. The violation of this provision would be a deceptive trade practice subject to a ($500) fine.)

RI - HB7941 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTEREST AND USURY (Removes the exemption from interest rate limits provided by the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980, for all loans made within the state of Rhode Island.)

RI - HB7942 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Makes any term or condition in any agreement that unnecessarily burdens a person's vindication of rights under this section null and void.)

RI - HB7943 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES (Prohibits disclosure terms "down payment", "money down", or any similar language to describe lump sum payments in order to reduce monthly lease payments. Provides that lump sum payments are non-refundable in the event of a total loss of the vehicle.)

RI - HB7944 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- DENTAL INSURANCE LOSS RATIO REPORTING AND STUDY ACT (Requires dental health insurance carriers to file an actuarial memorandum disclosing its incurred claims/earned premiums, to assist the health insurance commissioner with respect to a study report/recommendations regarding a dental insurance loss ratio.)

RI - HB7945 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT (Creates the occupational therapy licensure compact that would allow licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice in all states that join the compact.)

RI - HB7946 AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- UNLAWFUL CONFINEMENT OF A COVERED ANIMAL (Exempts egg laying hens kept for commercial egg production purposes from the provisions of chapter 4-1.1 until January 1, 2034.)

RI - HB8024 AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES (Prohibits manufacturers of alcoholic beverages from holding or having any interest in a wholesaler license.)

RI - HB8040 AN ACT RELATING TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND SPECIAL DEPOSITS ACT (Establishes the Rhode Island Special Deposits Act to be governed by an account agreement between the bank and the depositor or its beneficiary.)

RI - HB8041 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS (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, 2025.)

RI - HB8042 AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF NEW ENGLAND RACING FUEL, INC.

RI - HB8055 AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT (Allows the sharing of certain information between the division of taxation and the secretary of state's office regarding an entity's tax status as compliant or non-compliant.)

RI - HB8056 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES (Prohibits insurance companys from paying a rate that is less than the approved Medicaid rate set by the executive office of health and human services.)

RI - HB8070 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PSYCHOLOGISTS (Includes licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general laws governing the regulations of psychologists and expands the licensing of school psychologists for independent practice.)

RI - SB2807 AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SHEILA C. "SKIP" NOWELL ACADEMY (Provides for changes to the operating structure of the Nowell Academy establishing a cooperative agreement among school districts.)

RI - HB8116 AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS -- THE RHODE ISLAND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT (Replaces the existing limited liability company act with a newer and updated model act.)

RI - HB8143 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES (Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to 1 per year unless fraud or misrepresentation is reasonably suspected. The Rhode Island attorney would have the authority to impose sanctions for violations.)

RI - SB2972 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES (Establishes general caseload limits for DCYF workers similar to those contained in the Council on Accreditation standards.)

RI - HB8170 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONTRACTORS' REGISTRATION AND LICENSING BOARD (Requires all applicants who seek to register as a contractor to produce a legible copy of a valid government issued identification.)

RI - SB2985 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (Establishes a Rhode Island creative futures fund in the amount of eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000).)

RI - HB8201 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OPERATION OF RAILROADS GENERALLY (Provides that no train or light engine would be used in connection with the movement of freight could be operated unless it had a crew consisting of at least 2 persons, would also include the imposition of fines upon a company for violation of the act.)

RI - HB8217 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- MOTOR PASSENGER CARRIERS -- NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION (Establishes a safe and reasonable regulatory framework for companies and drivers providing non-emergency medical transportation services to a population of vulnerable passengers through coordination with the state's health and human service agencies.)

RI - SR3026 JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,000,000 TO THE ELISHA PROJECT (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $2,000,000 to the Elisha Project.)

RI - HB8252 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT (Makes several pro-consumer changes to the "Fair claims settlement practices act".)

RI - HB8253 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE (Assures rental vehicle coverage under private auto policy, extends to the named insured and any drivers listed on the insured’s policy and requires that the insurer pay for a rental that is of like quality as the insured’s damaged rental vehicle.)

RI - HB8261 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR SITING ADVISORY TASKFORCE (Creates a taskforce to provide recommendations, advice and guidance to help expedite and provide technical assistance with regard to the development of solar energy systems on property owned by the state.)

RI - HB8279 AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- CONSUMER ENFORCEMENT OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE WARRANTIES (Requires manufacturers of assisting technology devices to make available to independent repair providers/the owner of the device, any documentation/parts, software/other items intended for use with the equipment/parts, including updates to software.)

RI - HB8295 AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Changes utility company billing practices so that when a gas electric utility changes their customer billing, they would be required to file a copy of the new bill with the PUC for approval, with a complete explanation of the changes.)

RI - HB8317 AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE RHODE ISLAND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

RI - HB8331 AN ACT TO VACATE THE FORFEITURE OR REVOCATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE KENT OFFICE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.

RI - HB8335 AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE SALES DISCLOSURES (Requires radon testing within one year of any residential real estate transaction and the installation of a radon mitigation system if unsafe radon levels are present, at the seller's expense.)