Rep. Brandon Potter

Maddy summaryHB 7764 prohibits landlords from using computer algorithms that rely on secret competitor data (like other landlords' rent prices or occupancy rates) to set or adjust residential rent. It directly affects residential landlords, property managers, and agents who use such tools to determine rent amounts. The law bans this practice starting January 1, 2027, with limited exemptions for federal housing programs and basic internal record-keeping. This change aims to prevent opaque, data-driven rent increases based on nonpublic market information. The bill does not restrict algorithms used solely for historical market reporting or compliance with government housing programs.

Maddy summaryHB 8113 (2026) requires residential landlords to pay interest on security deposits held for tenants. This directly affects landlords who collect security deposits and tenants who provide them. The key provision mandates that landlords pay interest on these deposits, likely calculated at a specified rate, though the exact rate isn't detailed in the abstract. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (referred to House Judiciary on 02/27/2026) and has not yet been voted on or enacted.

Limits rent increases to 4% annually, but allows an additional increase for taxes, insurance, or health and safety costs if the landlord gets an exemption from the secretary of housing, and provides tenants civil remedies for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 8109 would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants from residential housing without a valid legal reason, directly affecting both landlords and renters in rental properties. The bill prevents landlords from removing tenants or attempting to exclude them from their homes, requiring just cause for any eviction. Key provisions include banning no-cause evictions and establishing that landlords must have a legally recognized justification, such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations, to seek removal. This bill aims to strengthen tenant protections by limiting arbitrary displacement in residential housing.

Maddy summaryHB 8111 would allow tenants to have certain eviction records sealed, making them inaccessible to future landlords or background checks. This directly affects tenants who faced evictions under specific qualifying circumstances, such as disputes over repairs or non-payment due to financial hardship. The key mechanism requires tenants to petition a court to seal records after meeting eligibility criteria, removing them from public access. The bill aims to provide a fresh start for tenants by limiting the long-term impact of past eviction cases.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 7034 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration or discriminating against them based on that status. It amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly ban such inquiries and discrimination, protecting individuals who have been released from prison. The bill also maintains existing protections against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. This directly affects landlords, rental applications, and formerly incarcerated residents seeking housing.

Amends the definition of public works so that it would include any public works projects performed for any city or town or quasi-municipal entity and the state and any quasi-state entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island" to raise awareness about individuals with profound autism spectrum disorder. The resolution formally recognizes the unique challenges faced by people with profound autism, who have significant intellectual disabilities and require 24-hour supervision, along with their families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Profound Autism Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for support and inclusion for these individuals. This is a commemorative measure intended to highlight the importance of including people with profound autism in services and research rather than implementing new policy changes.

Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.