Rep. Scott Slater

Maddy summaryHB 7194 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty committed by a family or household member against another household member. It specifically adds three offenses to the list: unnecessary cruelty to an animal (§ 4-1-3), malicious injury or killing of an animal (§ 4-1-5), and abandonment of an animal (§ 4-1-26). This change directly affects victims who share household animals with an abuser and allows courts to address animal cruelty as part of domestic violence cases. The bill amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to explicitly include these animal-related offenses under the same legal framework as other domestic violence crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 7409 prohibits retail establishments from adding extra fees to customers who pay with credit cards for in-state transactions. It directly affects businesses selling goods or services within the state and their customers. The bill amends deceptive trade practices law to make imposing such credit card surcharges a violation, treating it as deceptive behavior. This policy change eliminates a common practice where businesses charged more for credit card use compared to cash or debit. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Allows social gaming in private residences and in public taverns or private clubs as long as the gambling is incidental to a bona fide social relationship between the participants and no person other than the participants receive anything of value.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 27, 2026, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day" to highlight rising food insecurity in the state. It does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes the issue through a symbolic declaration. The resolution references current data showing 34% of Rhode Island households face food insecurity, with higher rates among communities of color. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Governor, serving only as a ceremonial observance.

Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.

Removes the cap on post-retirement employment for teaching administrator or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36 or 35 of the general laws.

Provides modifications for payments of interest on student loans shall be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income to an amount equal to the payments of interest for the satisfaction of outstanding student loans.

Maddy summaryHR 7063 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to express condolences for the passing of Dr. William R. Holland, a former educator, Army officer, and commissioner of higher education. The resolution details his 44-year career in education across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including his leadership as commissioner overseeing campus improvements at state colleges. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Holland's family, as approved on January 13, 2026. This is a procedural resolution with no policy changes, solely honoring his legacy.

Requests that the Cannabis Control Commission conduct a study on statutory reform and rules and regulations to regulate the sale of hemp THC-infused beverages.

Makes it an unfair claims practice for insurer to designate a motor vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair motor vehicle to its pre-accident condition is less than 75% to 80% of the fair market value.