Rep. Arthur Handy

Maddy summaryHB 6157 creates a new commercial fishing license for Rhode Island residents to harvest invasive green crabs (Carcinus maenas) at a $10 annual fee. The bill authorizes residents to legally remove this invasive species, which threatens local ecosystems, and allows the director to establish regulations for the license. This policy directly affects Rhode Island residents seeking to commercially target green crabs as a management tool, with the license taking effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5493 establishes a mandatory energy benchmarking program for large buildings in Rhode Island. It requires owners of commercial and residential buildings over 25,000 square feet (with larger buildings starting in 2027 and smaller ones in 2029) to annually report energy use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions through the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. The collected data will be publicly posted to increase transparency about building energy performance. Exemptions apply for unoccupied properties, those undergoing demolition, or properties without energy services during the reporting year. The law focuses solely on data collection and reporting, not on requiring energy upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 5432 prohibits health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects patients seeking these treatments and insurers who must comply with the new rule. The key provision removes a common administrative barrier, allowing patients to access covered in-network care without prior insurer approval. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and aligns with existing parity requirements for mental health coverage.

Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.

Prohibits the use of service agreements that are unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to persons who may become owners of that real estate in the future.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 60th annual Gaspee Days celebration and the 253rd anniversary of the 1772 burning of the British schooner HMS Gaspee by Rhode Island colonists. It honors this event as a pivotal moment in American independence history and urges Rhode Island residents to participate in the annual festivities. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Gaspee Days Committee. It does not create new laws, affect any group, or change existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Karen McGrath, a Cranston Public Library branch librarian retiring after 39 years of service, including founding the 29-year-old Books @ Home program that delivers library materials to homebound residents. The Rhode Island House formally thanks her for her contributions to Cranston libraries and the state, wishing her a happy retirement. It is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6372 is a formal request from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the U.S. Coast Guard. It urges the Coast Guard to retain and maintain 38 buoys currently considered for removal from Rhode Island waters. The resolution aims to ensure the safety of recreational boaters and commercial traffic, emphasizing the importance of physical aids to navigation alongside modern electronic systems.

Increases the maximum penalty for certain violations related to the cutting, removal, damage by injurious liquids or gases to trees, plants and shrubs on any public highway or public land under the jurisdiction of state agencies from $500 to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding House resolution commemorating World Refugee Day on June 20, 2025, and recognizing Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for its 100+ years of service to refugees and immigrants. It formally acknowledges Dorcas' work through programs like resettlement, legal services, and job training, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dorcas' CEO. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative recognition. It directly affects Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island as the recipient of this formal acknowledgment.