Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryHR 7511 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to honor Delores (Ravo) Melillo, a Cranston resident who died on January 22, 2026, at age 87. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to her family, highlighting her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime Quill Pen assembler known for her work ethic and love of family gatherings. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her surviving family members, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy impact or direct effect on any community or law.

Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 7039 sets a maximum 8-hour workday for most state peace officers (defined under §12-7-21) and a 10-hour limit for correctional officer stewards, prohibiting forced overtime except during unforeseeable emergencies like riots. It requires the state to pay affected officers double time and a half if they are compelled to work beyond these limits, with exceptions for true emergencies after exhausting reasonable staffing efforts. The bill directly affects Rhode Island Department of Corrections peace officers, aiming to protect their health and safety while ensuring emergency response flexibility. This policy change takes effect upon passage, with no impact on existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 7354 permits motorcycles to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or very slow-moving vehicles (under 10 mph) in the same lane - under specific conditions. It requires motorcycle riders to filter at speeds no faster than 20 mph, only when lanes are wide enough for safe passing, and when road conditions allow continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders and drivers on roads where this practice is permitted, modifying existing traffic rules to explicitly allow this maneuver. It takes effect upon passage and does not change general speed limits or traffic laws beyond this specific provision.

Prohibits healthcare insurers from requiring or conducting a review for prescription medicine used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorder containing Methadone, Burenorphine, or Naltrexone, or approved to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Maddy summaryHB 7409 prohibits retail establishments from adding extra fees to customers who pay with credit cards for in-state transactions. It directly affects businesses selling goods or services within the state and their customers. The bill amends deceptive trade practices law to make imposing such credit card surcharges a violation, treating it as deceptive behavior. This policy change eliminates a common practice where businesses charged more for credit card use compared to cash or debit. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Effective January 1, 2028, Increases the hourly minimum wage in accordance with the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region for the previous four (4) fiscal years.

Amends the definition of infectious diseases to include the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and would include emergency medical technicians eligible for benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 7038 establishes a uniform $70 fee for most routine court documents, including writs, citations, and subpoenas not specifically listed in existing fee schedules. This change directly affects sheriffs, sergeants, and constables who serve these documents, replacing variable fees with a set rate for unspecified cases. The bill standardizes fees to ensure a minimum $70 charge for these services, with all collected fees deposited as general revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Raymond J. Turbitt, a Rhode Island educator and community member who taught mathematics for many years and was involved in marine archaeology. It formally mourns his passing and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Judith "Sharon" Turbitt. The resolution has no policy provisions or effects on laws or regulations. It is a purely ceremonial gesture honoring Turbitt's life and contributions.