RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS --, DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
Summary
H7515 amends Rhode Island’s Deceptive Trade Practices chapter to add new definitions and expand the list of conduct that can be treated as an unfair or deceptive act in commerce. The bill specifically defines terms tied to insurance, including “claimant,” “insurer,” and “insurance claim handling services,” and it updates the statute’s prohibited practices list to include deceptive conduct in the insurance claim process. It also retains and reorganizes the existing consumer-protection definitions and unfair-practices provisions that apply broadly to trade and commerce.
In addition to the insurance-related changes, the bill updates the deceptive practices list to reflect newer consumer issues. It adds a prohibition on advertising, displaying, or offering live-event tickets or short-term lodging prices in violation of federal rules, and it includes a new prohibition on unfair or deceptive conduct by persons advising or assisting veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims. The act takes effect upon passage.
Impact
The bill would amend § 6-13.1-1 of the Rhode Island General Laws, expanding the state’s deceptive trade practices framework by adding insurance-specific definitions and expressly covering deceptive conduct in insurance claim handling. It would also broaden the statute’s enumerated unfair practices to include live-event ticket and short-term lodging pricing violations and deceptive assistance in veterans’ disability claims. These changes would affect insurers, claims handlers, retailers, ticket sellers, lodging advertisers, and individuals or businesses assisting veterans with VA claims.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment, with the bill described in the explanation as strengthening consumer protections. There is no recorded committee testimony or vote history in the provided materials, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or divided views in the record supplied. The bill’s framing indicates a consumer-protection purpose rather than a controversial policy shift.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the new regulatory burdens placed on insurers and entities involved in insurance claim handling, as well as the expanded liability for businesses advertising live-event tickets or short-term lodging. Another possible area of concern is the new prohibition aimed at persons advising or assisting veterans with disability claims, which could raise questions about the scope of covered conduct and enforcement. No specific objections or supporters are documented in the provided transcript or voting materials.
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Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.
Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.
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.