Rep. Brandon Potter

Maddy summaryHB 5870 defines public-private partnerships (PPPs) as long-term contracts where private companies develop, finance, or maintain state-owned assets while bearing significant risk. It requires state agencies to use competitive procurement for PPPs and mandates specific requirements in requests for proposals, including value-for-money analyses, oversight plans, and financial documentation. The bill directs the chief purchasing officer to create rules by July 2026 to encourage PPP use, while ensuring state agencies remain responsible for oversight. It directly affects state agencies making infrastructure or property purchases and private contractors seeking to partner with the government. The law does not change existing procurement rules but provides a formal framework for evaluating and implementing PPPs.

Maddy summaryHB 5817 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" by repealing state regulations on VoIP and internet protocol services while creating a statewide broadband mapping requirement. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to submit data on service speeds, technology types, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which must maintain an updated public map showing broadband availability across all areas. This map will identify underserved regions and guide infrastructure planning, with state agencies obligated to provide supporting data. The law directly affects ISPs (through data reporting), state agencies (through data sharing), and Rhode Island residents (by targeting broadband expansion to unconnected communities).

Maddy summaryHB 5858 clarifies and expands the prescribing authority of certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) in maternal and child health care. It authorizes licensed midwives to prescribe specific medications directly related to their practice, including prenatal vitamins, emergency drugs like epinephrine for anaphylaxis, magnesium sulfate for seizures, and common treatments like antibiotics for infections. The bill directly affects certified midwives and their patients, particularly in settings involving prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It does not create new programs but formalizes existing midwifery scope under state health department oversight, requiring midwives to prescribe within their training and department guidelines. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6052) is a symbolic resolution declaring March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the importance of music education by highlighting its benefits for student engagement, creativity, and academic outcomes, as documented by research. The resolution formally supports music education in public schools and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Music Education Association. It does not create new funding or policy changes, but serves as a public acknowledgment of music education's value.

Maddy summaryHB 5908 allows plaintiffs in civil lawsuits to seek punitive damages when defendants acted with "willful or wanton conduct" or showed "reckless disregard" for others' health, safety, or welfare. It directly affects individuals bringing civil cases against entities or people who caused harm through knowingly dangerous or heedless actions. The bill defines "willful or wanton conduct" as behavior the defendant knew or should have known was dangerous, done without regard for consequences or others' safety. This change would apply to civil cases, including those under specific statutes, and takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 5931 repeals a law that allowed motor vehicle license suspension for failure to pay traffic fines. This bill directly affects drivers who cannot pay court-imposed fines for traffic violations. The key provision removes the requirement that license suspensions remain in effect until all fines are paid or payment arrangements are made with the court. The repeal eliminates this enforcement mechanism for unpaid traffic fines.

Extends the range of a school zone for purposes of school-zone-speed-enforcement systems from one-quarter (1/4) mile to three-quarters (3/4) of a mile.

Maddy summaryHB 5907 would require litigation lending agreements (LLAs) to comply with Rhode Island's usury laws, making high-interest loans to litigants subject to state interest rate limits. It directly affects individuals involved in civil lawsuits who take such loans and the companies providing them, as repayment terms exceeding the loan amount would be treated as interest under existing usury rules. The bill explicitly states that no matter how lenders label these agreements (e.g., "investment" or "advance"), any repayment above the initial amount counts as interest and must adhere to state limits. This policy change would prevent lenders from circumventing usury laws through creative contract terms, ensuring all litigation financing aligns with standard loan regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5646 adds individuals aged 70 or older to the list of people eligible to request exemption from jury service in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents of Rhode Island who are 70 years or older and receive a jury summons. The bill amends existing law to allow these individuals to formally decline jury duty by claiming the exemption, rather than being automatically exempt. This change applies to all Rhode Island courts and civil procedures involving jury selection.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state - particularly those in schools, hospitals, mental health services, and community support roles - who help address issues like mental health, substance use disorders, homelessness, and social justice. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as symbolic recognition of the profession's impact.