Creates a new chapter for the support/access to bilingual education. It creates a dual language program fund to be administered by the department of education. Local education agencies would be eligible to apply to the department for funding. Eff. 7/1/24
Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription asthma inhaler to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.
Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.
Prohibits the courts from setting cash or surety bail on any misdemeanor offense but permits the court to set reasonable non-monetary conditions of bail to assure the defendant's presence in court as required and to protect the community.
Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.
Commencing 1/1/25, gradually increases the minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities from the current ($3.89) to ($14.95) by 1/1/29 and on 1/1/30 the minimum wage shall be no less than the minimum wage established by the minimum wage law.
Prohibits the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) from imposing any fares and/or charges for service provided to the general public. Effective 1/1/2025.
Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person's employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.
Increases the state minimum wage by $1.25 per year from 2026 through 2029 when it would reach twenty dollars ($20.00) per hour and then provides for subsequent annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.