Rep. Scott Slater

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally expresses condolences for the death of Linda Zanni, a Rhode Island resident who worked in the state legislature and owned a local dance studio. The document honors her life by highlighting her community service, her role as a mother, and her dedication to teaching dance. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family as a gesture of sympathy.

Maddy summaryHB 7880 creates a tiered subsidy program to make home energy costs affordable for low-income households earning 150% of the federal poverty level or less. It requires large electric and gas utilities (with over 100,000 customers) to file income-based discount plans by January 2027, capping energy costs at 3% of income for non-electric heat users or 6% for electric heat users. Utilities must cover the cost of these discounts - plus administrative expenses - through adjusted rates paid by all customers, not just low-income households. The Public Utilities Commission must approve these plans by January 2028, and enrolled customers will receive fixed monthly discounts while being offered energy efficiency programs.

Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.

Authorizes a property owner to pursue reasonable actions to protect their property from coastal hazards that affect life, infrastructure, or essential land uses without prior approval.

Allows private employees at nursing homes, developmental disability and home care providers whose salaries are 90% funded with federal or state monies to be eligible to opt into the state healthcare plan.

Creates a special legislative commission of 17 members whose purpose would be to study evaluate and make recommendations regarding educator preparation, licensure, certification and early-career support systems in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7478 creates a "Homeowner Casualty Insurance Bill of Rights" for Rhode Island residents filing property insurance claims. It requires insurers to provide policyholders with a clear, written summary of their claims process rights within 14 days of a claim being reported, including specific timelines for acknowledgment (14 days), investigation confirmation (20 days), and settlement (30 days). The bill summarizes existing state law - such as the right to receive claim updates and contact the state insurance division - and advises homeowners on documenting damage, verifying contractors, and managing repairs. It does not create new legal rights or allow lawsuits against insurers, nor does it override existing policy terms.

Maddy summaryHB 7835 amends Rhode Island's architecture registration laws, affecting individual architects and architecture firms. It changes certificate expiration dates to December 31 of odd-numbered years for individuals and even-numbered years for firms. The bill requires firms to obtain a separate "certificate of authorization" from the board, mandating that two-thirds of leadership (partners/directors/managers) be registered architects, with one-third specifically registered in architecture (not engineering), and the person in charge must be a registered architect within the firm. Firms must submit detailed organizational information to the board and renew their authorization every two years.

Creates a 7-member commission to study and provide recommendations for amending RI General Law §44-3-3, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027, and would expire on March 5, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes March 31, 2026, as "401Gives Day" in Rhode Island to promote charitable giving to nonprofit organizations. It does not create new laws or change government operations but serves to acknowledge and encourage public support for the state's nonprofit sector through the 401Gives campaign. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to United Way of Rhode Island and other partners involved in the giving initiative. Its primary purpose is to highlight the role of nonprofits in community support and to inspire residents to contribute to these organizations on the designated day.