Rep. Jackie Baginski

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state zoning laws to clarify how cities and towns calculate floor area ratios for development projects. Specifically, it mandates that the area of a basement must be excluded from these calculations, allowing more usable space above ground without increasing the official density limit of a building. The change directly affects local municipalities and developers by providing a clearer standard for measuring building size in zoning ordinances. By removing basements from the ratio formula, the legislation aims to simplify the planning process while maintaining control over overall development intensity.

Relocates the chapter relating to licensing of massage therapists from the health and safety title to the businesses and professions title with multiple amendments.

Creates a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal. This act would not apply to assistance/service animals.

Maddy summaryHB 7020 establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase reporting on arts education at Rhode Island's public middle and high schools. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, schools must include data on student enrollment percentages and the number of available courses in dance, music, theater, and visual arts on their annual report cards. The bill also allows the state education department to hire arts curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these requirements and mandates that high schools start submitting student portfolios demonstrating arts proficiency by the 2026-27 school year.

Prohibits noncompete agreements except for noncompete agreements between a seller and buyer of a business; creates civil action for an employer for the violation of an agreement by employee regarding disclosure or wrongful utilization of trade secrets.

Provides that effective July 1, 2025, any attorney who self-certifies that they have successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course shall have the authority to prosecute any violation of a protective order.

Maddy summaryHB 7297 creates a new pathway for individuals to become licensed opticians by completing a registered apprenticeship program of at least 4,100 hours over two years, alongside the existing requirement to graduate from an accredited two-year school. The bill also removes the previous mandate that applicants demonstrate "good moral character" and adjusts licensing requirements for those already licensed in other states to include a one-year history of practicing opticianry. These changes allow more people to enter the profession through hands-on training rather than solely through formal education, while maintaining standards for passing national and practical competency exams.

Changes the term "assumed name" to "trade name" and centralizes the filing, administration and regulation process of trade names to the secretary of state and requires an annual renewal of the trade name.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's inclusionary zoning law to require that developments with ten or more units include at least 15% affordable housing for a minimum of 30 years. It allows municipalities to offer density bonuses, such as adding two market-rate units for every affordable unit, or to accept alternative contributions like off-site construction, land donations, or fee-in-lieu payments instead of on-site affordable units. However, projects using these alternative methods are not eligible for the density bonus, and any fees collected must be deposited into restricted accounts to fund new affordable housing within the municipality. The legislation also establishes annual reporting requirements for municipalities and the state to track fee collections and the creation of affordable housing units.

Maddy summaryHB 7013, known as Ryan's Law, amends existing regulations to give licensing boards the authority to fine healthcare professionals who overprescribe controlled substances and cause deaths. The bill establishes a tiered fine system where a first offense incurs no monetary penalty, while subsequent offenses can result in fines up to $1,000 for the second charge and $5,000 for each additional charge. Most notably, the law mandates a minimum three-year probationary period for any licensee found guilty of overprescribing that results in death, during which further related violations could lead to license suspension or revocation. Additionally, the act allows boards to assess administrative costs for disciplinary proceedings, capped at $5,000, and requires the Department of Health to create rules guiding how these sanctions are applied.