Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.
Maddy summaryHB 7842 would establish the State of Rhode Island Interior Design Practice Act, creating a regulatory framework for interior designers in the state. The bill aims to control and regulate the profession by setting standards for qualifications, ethics, and scope of practice. It directly affects interior designers practicing in Rhode Island, requiring them to meet these state-defined standards to legally offer services. The bill is currently in early stages, having been introduced and referred to the House Corporations committee on February 27, 2026.
Bans preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.
Expands council on elementary and secondary education and board of education and makes teacher of year and student advisory chair voting members on each.
Makes persons convicted of simple possession of controlled substances, eligible to have their records expunged three (3) years after imposition of their sentence.
Maddy summaryHB 8083 allows individuals convicted of non-violent felonies to have their criminal records cleared (expunged) after 10 years from their conviction date. This applies to people with multiple non-violent felony convictions, not violent offenses. The key provision sets a 10-year waiting period from the date of conviction before expungement becomes possible. The bill directly affects eligible individuals seeking to remove past non-violent felony convictions from their legal records.
Maddy summaryHB 8085 would allow people convicted of petty misdemeanors to have their criminal records permanently removed from public access one year after completing their sentence. This bill directly affects individuals with minor criminal convictions who currently face barriers to employment or housing due to these records. The key provision lowers the waiting period for expungement from longer terms (which may have existed under prior law) to just one year post-sentence. If passed, it would make the expungement process more accessible for this specific group of offenders.
Establishes a commission to promulgate rules, regulations and make recommendations to the governor as to petitions for pardons under Article IX, Section 13 of the Constitution of Rhode Island.
Prohibits the courts from setting cash or surety bail on any misdemeanor offense but permits the court to set reasonable non-monetary conditions of bail to assure the defendant's presence in court as required and to protect the community.
Maddy summaryHB 7204 would allow individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to petition for the removal of their criminal records after completing their sentences for 10 years. This applies to people with more than one felony conviction (excluding crimes of violence) who have paid all court fees and fines, maintained a clean record for 10 years, and demonstrated good moral character. The bill amends existing expungement laws to expand eligibility beyond single offenses, specifically targeting those with multiple non-violent felony convictions. It does not apply to violent felony convictions or cases involving certain offenses under Chapter 29 of Title 12.
