Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryHB 5141 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply for this plate would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would display "Gov. Roger Williams" and the state seal, replacing the vehicle's standard license plates. This commemorative plate is optional and would not alter standard registration requirements or fees for regular plates.

Maddy summaryHB 5183 allows motorcycle riders to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles (traveling 10 mph or slower) in the same lane - under specific safety conditions. It requires motorcycles to move at 20 mph or less while filtering, only on roads with lanes wide enough for safe passing, and only when conditions permit continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders in the state by modifying traffic rules for lane filtering. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change rules for cars or other vehicles. The legislation is limited to this specific lane-filtering provision for motorcycles.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5238), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences on the passing of Violet Rose Little, a community member and mother of former colleagues Rep. Anastacia Williams and Rigoberto Cano Little. The resolution acknowledges her life, family, education, career at Rhode Island College, and decades of volunteer work with churches and community organizations. It was passed by the House on January 30, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her family.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5148) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Sylvia "Siggy" Weber, a 85-year-old psychiatric nurse, veteran (Air Force/Army Reserves), and community leader. It honors her 50-year career in psychiatric nursing, advocacy for environmental justice, and leadership in the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, while extending sympathy to her family (daughters Ilene Schulenberger and Susan Tashian, and sister Estelle Beckerman). The resolution, passed on January 23, 2025, has no policy provisions and serves solely as a ceremonial tribute. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Weber’s family members.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5004) expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of Bishop Emeritus Louis E. Gelineau, the former Bishop of Providence. It honors his 25-year service as Bishop, his establishment of the permanent diaconate, his outreach initiatives like the Providence-Haiti project, and his recognition as "The People’s Bishop." The resolution formally declares the House's deepest condolences and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Diocese of Providence. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Designates Sapowet Marsh Management Area, comprised of two hundred ninety-six (296) acres, more or less, located within the town of Tiverton and Sapowet Cove as open space to be utilized for passive outdoor recreation.

Maddy summaryHB 7730 amends state laws to permit hunters to use crossbows for harvesting wild turkeys, provided they follow rules set by the Department of Environmental Management. While the bill maintains existing restrictions on using crossbows for other types of birds, it specifically carves out an exception for wild turkeys within the section that lists prohibited hunting methods. This change directly affects turkey hunters who wish to use crossbows instead of traditional shotguns or bows. The legislation ensures that any use of crossbows remains subject to specific regulations regarding when and how they can be used.

Requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for public assistance and creates a pilot program for out of hospital service upon expiration of similar federal program.

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

Enacts the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.