Rep. Brandon Potter

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5834) respectfully requests Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how current electricity pricing impacts the state's climate goals. The agencies must examine rate structures that support building and transportation electrification while protecting low- and moderate-income households, assess how the 2025 Climate Action Strategy should address rates, and evaluate alternatives to current rate designs. They are required to submit findings and recommendations to the House by September 1, 2025. The resolution does not change laws but directs state agencies to investigate rate reforms needed for decarbonization.

Establishes an intervenor support program to provide compensation for an intervenor who makes a substantial contribution to a proceeding resulting in a decision favorable to the interest of utility consumers.

Provides amendments to procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities by giving the public utilities commission jurisdiction; mandates public hearings, allows intervention by any interested party and provides for appeal.

Maddy summaryHB 5682 clarifies that worker cooperatives can operate as hiring halls for skilled labor by allowing them to specify in their founding documents that members provide labor as independent contractors. This directly affects worker cooperatives seeking to function as hiring halls, ensuring members maintain independent contractor status when performing contract work for other entities. The key provision requires cooperatives to formally declare this structure in their articles of incorporation or bylaws. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, enabling clearer legal operation without changing worker classification.

Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, requires a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 5940 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses to notify all employees in writing within seven days if they plan to sell the business (or at least 51% of it), giving employees a 30-day exclusive window to form a group and purchase it as an employee-owned business. It applies to private Rhode Island businesses with at least three workers that meet small business size standards and operate locally for over a year. Key provisions include mandating owner transparency (sharing financial records), ensuring existing labor agreements continue post-sale, and offering owners a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The bill aims to facilitate worker ownership transitions while protecting democratic governance within the new employee-owned entity.

Maddy summaryHB 5597 requires schools with HVAC systems to meet specific indoor air quality standards. It mandates the Department of Health to establish recommended levels for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particle levels (PM2.5/PM10), while the Department of Education must conduct school air quality inspections every five years using a skilled workforce. Schools must install MERV 13 air filtration where feasible and report deficiencies in capital improvement plans. The bill directly affects all public schools with HVAC systems, ensuring air quality data is shared online with principals, school boards, and the education department. Key provisions include mandatory filtration standards, regular inspections, and public transparency of results.

Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) that officially recognizes March 18, 2025, as "Transit Employee Appreciation Day" in Rhode Island. It specifically honors public transportation workers, including those employed by the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA), for their service to riders and communities. The resolution has no policy changes or funding impact - it simply declares a day of appreciation and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with RIPTA's leadership.