Rep. Jose Batista

Maddy summaryHR 5059 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It recognizes his civil rights legacy and efforts to advance equality, without creating new laws or affecting any specific group. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, Rhode Island's congressional delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact beyond acknowledging Dr. King's historical significance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5058) expressing condolences for the late Senator James S. D'Ambra, a former Rhode Island State Senate member and educator. It formally honors his 16-year legislative service, career in education, and community contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his widow, children, and grandchildren. It has no policy provisions or impact on laws or constituents.

Authorizes the Speaker and the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus to request equity impact statements on up to five (5) proposed bills.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution, not a substantive legislative bill. HR 5038 expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences upon the passing of Judge Edward Clark Parker, who served on the State Traffic Tribunal for 30 years (retiring in 2022). The resolution honors his career, family, and community service, including his role as Deputy Attorney General and his 61-year membership at Pawtucket Country Club. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. No policy changes or affected parties are involved.

Creates the Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protect Act for data privacy protections for the personal data of the citizens of Rhode Island.

Requires hosting platforms offering short-term rental of residential property for tourist or transient use to disclose on listings the current, valid registration number and its expiration date.

Amends works program to provide eligibility for benefits to pregnant persons from onset of pregnancy including lawful permanent residents, increases monthly cash benefits, disallows termination of benefits for failure to work, limits monetary sanctions.

Requires the office of energy resources to initiate the process of developing programs and associated funding mechanisms, for electric energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system.

Exempts from taxation the non-commercial real and tangible personal property of Southside Community Land Trust, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.