Allows the state to require utilities to relocate facilities for certain highway projects and to pay the cost of the relocation to the utility as part of the cost of the federally aided highway project.
Authorizes a property owner to pursue reasonable actions to protect their property from coastal hazards that affect life, infrastructure, or essential land uses without prior approval.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates April 2026 as Alcohol Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the dangers of alcohol abuse and promote public education. The resolution cites statistics on alcohol-related health risks, economic costs, and emergency room visits to underscore the need for community outreach. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the Governor and various state health officials. The measure is a symbolic gesture intended to encourage participation in existing awareness initiatives rather than implementing new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryHB 7835 amends Rhode Island's architecture registration laws, affecting individual architects and architecture firms. It changes certificate expiration dates to December 31 of odd-numbered years for individuals and even-numbered years for firms. The bill requires firms to obtain a separate "certificate of authorization" from the board, mandating that two-thirds of leadership (partners/directors/managers) be registered architects, with one-third specifically registered in architecture (not engineering), and the person in charge must be a registered architect within the firm. Firms must submit detailed organizational information to the board and renew their authorization every two years.
Clarifies the right of the public to have access to bulk electronic data processing records, compilations of electronic court records, including the Rhode Island adult criminal database and the Rhode Island traffic tribunal database extract.
Maddy summaryHB 7913 would require food service businesses (like restaurants and cafes) to make single-use plastic straws available for customers to take directly from a dispenser, rather than automatically providing them. This changes current practice by shifting responsibility to the customer to actively take a straw if desired. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, applying to all covered establishments. It directly affects how businesses distribute straws but does not ban plastic straws or alter other food service regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 7985 would require individuals making public records requests to provide their identifying information. This bill directly affects anyone seeking public records from government agencies by adding a new step to the request process. The key provision mandates that requesters share personal details like name or contact information when submitting a request. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House State Government & Elections committee.
Maddy summaryHB 7267 establishes insurance requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs, where individuals rent their personal vehicles through apps. It mandates that during the entire sharing period (from pickup to return), vehicles must have insurance meeting state minimums, and the car sharing platform must cover third-party injuries or property damage unless fraud or failure to return the vehicle occurred. If the owner or driver’s insurance lapses, the platform must provide coverage starting from the first dollar of a claim. This directly affects car sharing platforms, vehicle owners, and drivers using these services.
Maddy summaryHB 8012, the Rhode Island Pedestrian Safety Act, allows cities and towns to use automated camera systems to detect specific traffic violations that endanger pedestrians. It authorizes fines of $50 for violations like failing to yield to pedestrians, stopping improperly at crosswalks, or ignoring stop signs, primarily in school zones, hospital areas, work zones, or high-pedestrian-risk locations. Registered vehicle owners - not drivers - are liable for fines, with municipalities required to send detailed violation notices including photos/videos and appeal options. For the first 30 days after implementation, cities must issue warnings instead of fines to educate drivers. The law does not create new traffic offenses but enables local enforcement of existing pedestrian safety rules through automated monitoring.
Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.
