Rep. Chris Blazejewski

Maddy summaryHB 8325 updates Rhode Island state laws to include technical corrections and specific changes to two key areas. First, it clarifies how lottery prizes must be paid to minors and individuals under legal disabilities by directing funds to guardians or custodians. Second, it reorganizes how hotel taxes are distributed among various regional tourism districts, local cities, and state agencies, with different percentages applying to taxes collected before and after December 31, 2015. The bill also reenacts a large portion of the state's general laws to ensure consistency after these amendments.

Makes several amendments relative to manufactured homes, including adding a definition for manufactured home and a provision allowing for certain manufactured homes to be considered a single-family home if on a lot zone for such use.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates state laws to create consistent rules for zoning accessory dwelling units, which are secondary living spaces like detached garages or basement apartments built on the same lot as a main home. By standardizing definitions and requirements across all towns and cities, the legislation ensures that local zoning ordinances apply these housing types uniformly. The changes directly affect local governments, property owners, and developers by establishing clear guidelines for what constitutes an ADU and how it must be integrated into existing neighborhoods.

Provides amendments to the membership provisions of planning boards or commissions and would enable municipalities to establish "combined review boards" to replace separate planning and zoning boards.

This resolution would provide for a twelve (12) member bi-partisan commission to assemble information on constitutional questions in preparation for a vote by electors on holding a constitutional convention, and who would report back by September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every town and city in the state to switch to electronic permitting for all development applications related to zoning, land subdivision, and low-income housing by October 1, 2025. To fund the necessary digital systems and staff, the law mandates that applicants pay an additional fee equal to one-tenth of one percent of their total application cost, which goes to a state office to build a uniform online platform. The legislation also allows the state building commissioner to create specific rules for how these digital tools must be implemented and ensures that local governments can be reimbursed for their compliance costs. Ultimately, the act moves the entire process of submitting plans, reviewing documents, and calculating fees online to streamline how communities handle construction and development projects.

This resolution would provide for the presentation of the following question at the next general election "Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the Constitution?"

This resolution would create an 11 member commission to study and provide recommendations to update and clarify the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act", and would report back to the House by May 5, 2025, and would expire on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally honors Representative Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson for her eight years of service in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It recognizes her legislative work, including sponsoring laws related to birth control access, veterans' benefits, and climate resilience, as well as her background as a former Navy officer and city council member. The resolution expresses gratitude for her contributions and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Representative Vella-Wilkinson.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative Brianna Henries for her service to the people of East Providence, Pawtucket, and the State of Rhode Island. It recognizes her legislative work on issues such as housing, minimum wage, and affordable healthcare, as well as her personal commitment to helping those facing homelessness. The House of Representatives formally acknowledges her achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her.