Rep. Brandon Potter

Maddy summaryHB 7281 reduces the waiting period for expunging criminal records. It shortens the time to 3 years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and 5 years for felonies or multiple misdemeanors (down from 5 and 10 years, respectively). The bill applies to people with eligible non-violent convictions who have paid all court fees and fines. Violent crime convictions and certain offenses under specific statutes remain ineligible for expungement. The changes take effect upon passage.

Creates a 10 member bail task force to study the need of monetary conditions of bail and to consider other methods for ensuring an accused’s appearance in court, enhance public safety and honor the presumption of innocence and to file report by 1/1/2028.

Maddy summaryHR 7340 is a non-binding House resolution urging Rhode Island insurers and the Rhode Island Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against fossil fuel polluters who knowingly misled the public about climate impacts. It directly affects homeowners by seeking to lower insurance costs through reimbursement from polluters, similar to past cases involving tobacco and opioids. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages insurers to use existing legal mechanisms to recover costs from polluters responsible for climate-related damages that drive up premiums. It was introduced to the House Corporations committee on January 28, 2026.

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable and mixed-use housing on land they own as a by-right use, set statewide development standards, limit local barriers, and streamline approvals to expand housing supply.

Maddy summaryHB 7773 modifies how workers' compensation reimbursement works when an injured employee recovers damages from a third party (like another company or individual responsible for the injury). It requires employees to reimburse employers or insurers for workers' comp payments received, but excludes reimbursement for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or other non-compensable damages. If third-party recovery exceeds compensation paid, benefits may be suspended for a period calculated by dividing the excess by the employee’s weekly rate, though medical benefits continue. The bill also sets a 2-year and 8-month deadline for employees to sue third parties, after which employers can pursue claims and seek reimbursement.

Requires employers to protect workers from extreme heat and cold by implementing safety plans, providing paid rest breaks, shade or warmth, drinking water, and protective equipment, ensuring training, and recordkeeping.

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

Transfers authority over the examination and licensing of telecommunications professionals to the state board of examiners of electricians and amends the composition of that body to require the inclusion of a telecommunications professional.