Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
Maddy summaryHB 5220 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments statewide to collect detailed data during routine traffic stops and searches. This includes recording the officer's perception of the driver's race/ethnicity, stop reasons, search details, and outcomes (like citations or arrests), starting no later than January 2026. An independent agency chosen by the Department of Transportation must conduct an annual study analyzing this data for racial disparities and publish public reports quarterly and annually. The law aims to provide transparency on traffic stop practices and support efforts to address potential inequities in policing.
Maddy summaryHB 5436, the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025, prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, or transfer of specific semi-automatic firearms after July 1, 2026. It bans weapons defined as "assault weapons" based on features like detachable magazines, folding stocks, pistol grips, or threaded barrels (e.g., rifles with >10-round fixed magazines or shotguns with detachable magazines and certain features). Current owners of qualifying firearms legally possessed before July 1, 2026, may keep them under a grandfather clause, but new ownership or transfers after that date are prohibited. Exceptions include .22 caliber rimfire rifles with tubular magazines and Olympic target pistols. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 or up to 10 years in prison.
Prohibits the use of service agreements that are unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to persons who may become owners of that real estate in the future.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6412) is a symbolic gesture celebrating Ida Lewis, a historic lighthouse keeper from Newport, Rhode Island, and her lifesaving legacy. It formally recognizes the National Lighthouse Museum’s awarding of the "Past Light Keeper Award" to honor Lewis’s heroic rescues (credited with saving 18 lives) and her role as the first woman to receive the U.S. Gold Lifesaving Medal. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House on June 12, 2025, has no binding policy effects - it merely expresses legislative support for the museum’s commemoration. It directly honors Lewis’s historical contributions to Rhode Island’s maritime heritage, not specific individuals or communities.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' gratitude to the state's 25 community newspapers for their role in local journalism. It formally thanks these publications - such as the Warren Times-Gazette (est. 1826) and Newport Daily News (est. 1846) - for serving as "local watchdogs" covering government and community issues. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to each newspaper publisher. No new laws, funding, or policy changes are enacted.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Frank A. Karpinski for retiring after 31 years of service in Rhode Island's Office of the General Treasurer, specifically recognizing his leadership of the Employees' Retirement System (ERSRI). It acknowledges his role in modernizing retirement systems, guiding ERSRI through financial reforms, and his national expertise in public pension administration. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Karpinski. It does not create new laws or affect any stakeholders.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally celebrates the 240th Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, recognizing it as the oldest continuous Fourth of July event in the U.S. (since 1785). It honors the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, volunteers, and specific individuals like the General Chair and parade marshal by directing the Secretary of State to send them certified copies. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, with no new laws or funding. It directly affects the committee members and volunteers involved in organizing the event.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes June 12, 2025, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Cox Communications for its community philanthropy, including over $11 million in grants for youth STEAM programs and support in areas like environment, education, and diversity. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply declares a date to acknowledge Cox's charitable work and thanks the company. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 5537 extends legal immunity protections currently available to physicians and surgeons in mental health proceedings to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) licensed in the state. The bill amends the Mental Health Law to explicitly include APRNs who meet licensing requirements, ensuring they cannot be sued for actions taken during mental health care under this law - except in cases of actual fraud or gross negligence. This change directly affects APRNs working in behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and hospital mental health settings by aligning their liability protections with those of physicians. The policy change clarifies that APRNs cannot be held liable for patient rights issues (like discharge) unless the care involved serious misconduct or violated written medical orders.
