Rep. Jose Batista

Maddy summaryHB 5502 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's laws. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or a fine over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to 1 year imprisonment or a fine up to $1,000, a petty misdemeanor involves up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine up to $500, and a violation is punishable only by a fine under $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in sentencing laws means 364 days, not 365. This definition change directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defendants when classifying criminal charges and determining penalties. The bill is currently pending further study after a committee hearing.

Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms.

Precludes a person who pled nolo contendere or convicted of a misdemeanor offense and sentenced in accordance with the hate crime sentencing enhancement act for such misdemeanor, from purchasing, owning, carrying, transporting or having possession firearm

Maddy summaryHB 5275 would implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in primary elections for state representative and state senator when three or more candidates run. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) instead of choosing just one candidate. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in rounds, with their votes transferred to the next-ranked candidate on each ballot until one candidate achieves a majority. This change applies only to general assembly primary elections, not general elections, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Amends the uniform controlled substances act and reclassifies simple possession of 28 grams or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 5571 amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to increase the damage threshold requiring a licensed appraisal for vehicle repairs from $2,500 to $5,000 and extends the time insurers must complete appraisals from three days to four days. This directly affects car owners filing insurance claims for vehicle damage and auto repair shops handling those claims. The key change requires insurers to use a licensed appraiser (unaffiliated with the repair shop) for claims exceeding $5,000, with the appraisal completed within four business days. The bill does not alter other provisions of the Unfair Claims Practices Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5813 prevents utility companies (like electricity and gas providers) from raising transmission and distribution fees on consumer bills for two years, starting July 1, 2025. This freeze applies to all utilities with 7,500 or more accounts, requiring legislative approval for any fee increase during this period. Smaller utilities (under 7,500 accounts) are exempt from this cap. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and directly affects residential and business consumers paying utility bills.

Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) that officially recognizes March 18, 2025, as "Transit Employee Appreciation Day" in Rhode Island. It specifically honors public transportation workers, including those employed by the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA), for their service to riders and communities. The resolution has no policy changes or funding impact - it simply declares a day of appreciation and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with RIPTA's leadership.

Maddy summaryHR 5515 proposes a constitutional amendment to change voting eligibility in Rhode Island. It would remove the 30-day state and local residency requirement for voters, allowing individuals to register or vote on election day. The amendment maintains a 30-day residency requirement for candidates seeking office. If approved by voters, this change would take effect January 1, 2026, and would replace the current voting eligibility rules in the state constitution. The amendment must be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election.