Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.
Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.
Maddy summaryHB 6242 updates Rhode Island's firearm exemption law to replace "Rhode Island state marshals capitol police" with "capitol police" in two sections of the General Laws. This change directly affects Capitol Police officers, ensuring they are explicitly listed as exempt from certain firearm restrictions while on duty. The bill makes a technical correction to the legal language defining which law enforcement personnel can carry concealed weapons without restriction. It does not alter the actual firearm rules or expand exemptions - it only updates the agency name in the statute. The bill became effective June 26, 2025, without requiring governor approval.
Maddy summaryHB 5575 amends Rhode Island's energy procurement rules to allow public utilities to include nuclear power in regional competitive solicitations alongside renewable sources like offshore wind. It directly affects electric and gas utilities, which can now bid on projects transmitting nuclear power or renewable energy to New England, with costs shared among ratepayers. Key provisions require the state energy office and utilities to jointly evaluate projects for reliability, security, and cost impacts before seeking public utility commission approval. The bill does not mandate nuclear use but establishes a framework for considering it as part of Rhode Island's energy planning.
Maddy summaryHB 5441 reduces the waiting period for expunging criminal records in Rhode Island. It shortens the timeframe to three years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and five years for felonies or multiple misdemeanors (two to five offenses). The bill applies to eligible first-time offenders who have paid all court fees and fines, excluding those convicted of violent crimes or specific offenses under Chapter 29 of Title 12. Expungement remains unavailable for violent offenses, and records related to decriminalized offenses can still be expunged after conviction.
Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
Requires that beginning January l, 2027, all contractors supervising structural remodeling or building new residential structures with one to four (4) family dwelling units be licensed by the contractors' registration and licensing board.
Updates the statutory terminology by replacing the phrase "institutions of higher learning" with that of "educational institutions", and would redefine child daycare centers as educational institutions.
Maddy summaryHB 5516 requires the state board of elections to publish all write-in votes online, regardless of whether the candidate was eligible to appear on the ballot or if the votes could affect election results. It mandates local election boards to review individual write-in votes for any race where the total could change the outcome, including races with fewer than five write-in votes. The bill specifies that even write-in votes for unqualified candidates must be reported as a combined total for each office, not just individual votes. This ensures full transparency of all write-in ballots cast in elections.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Karen McGrath, a Cranston Public Library branch librarian retiring after 39 years of service, including founding the 29-year-old Books @ Home program that delivers library materials to homebound residents. The Rhode Island House formally thanks her for her contributions to Cranston libraries and the state, wishing her a happy retirement. It is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation.
