Rep. Scott Slater

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 15-member commission to study whether Rhode Island should publicly own its electricity and natural gas utilities. The commission includes legislators, utility representatives, consumer advocates, and labor leaders, and will examine models like Nebraska’s "Neighbor’s First" approach, compare public versus private utility performance, and assess costs, renewable energy transition, and governance structures. It will specifically evaluate potential benefits such as lower consumer costs, access to low-cost debt, and cross-subsidization for public services. The commission must report its findings to the legislature by April 16, 2026, before dissolving on May 27, 2026.

Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

Maddy summaryHB 5552, the "Price Tags Act," requires grocery suppliers to offer identical pricing and terms to all retailers purchasing the same products in similar quantities. It directly affects large food suppliers (with over $6 billion in annual sales to RI retailers) and dominant grocery chains (with over $18 billion in annual sales across 20+ states). Key provisions mandate suppliers to share anonymized pricing data with smaller retailers upon request and prohibit refusing sales to non-dominant retailers without valid reasons. The law aims to prevent large chains from leveraging their size to secure better deals, ensuring smaller grocery stores in Rhode Island receive fair treatment in pricing negotiations.

Extends the range of a school zone for purposes of school-zone-speed-enforcement systems from one-quarter (1/4) mile to three-quarters (3/4) of a mile.

Prohibits the division of motor vehicles from placing on a motorist's driving record, a traffic violation which fine has been paid no longer than thirty (30) days after its issuance. This procedure would only be utilized twice per year.

Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.

Provides that for the period up until July 1, 2027, an applicant for a teaching certificate in Rhode Island would not be required to complete a standardized teacher's examination as a prerequisite to obtaining a teaching certificate.

Maddy summaryHR 5809 is a ceremonial resolution commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence (February 27, 2025). It recognizes the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence from Spain in 1844 and highlights the contributions of Rhode Island's Dominican community, which numbers approximately 54,000 residents. The resolution formally honors Dominicans' economic, civic, and military contributions to Rhode Island and the United States. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Dominican Republic officials and the Dominican-American Association. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing formal gratitude. It thanks Victor M. Mendoza for over 40 years of service to Rhode Island's Hispanic community through founding or co-founding key organizations like the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and the Hispanic Cultural Arts Committee. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Mendoza. It does not impact any laws, funding, or regulations.