Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryHB 7440 amends state fishing regulations to permit the harvesting of blue crabs during nighttime hours, changing the previous rule that restricted catching to daylight only. The bill directly affects residents of the state who fish for blue crabs by allowing them to use scoops, crab nets, trot lines, or hand lines after sunset and before sunrise. Additionally, the legislation corrects a terminology error by updating "land line" to "hand line" in the relevant section of the law. This change expands the time window available for crabbing without altering the required equipment or residency requirements.

Requires that the DEM rules and regulations for remediation of hazardous material releases not include any provision requiring the remediation of arsenic which is naturally occurring at levels less than 19 parts per million.

Requires the department of environmental management to promulgate by rule, a list of "furbearers" for purposes of the furbearing animals chapter of the general laws.

Replaces the term "the drug naloxone" with the term "opioid antagonist" in chapters regulating life insurance policies and group life insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's long-term economic development policy to require the inclusion of climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal resiliency in state planning data. It establishes an economic development planning council with nineteen members, including representatives from the departments of environmental management and coastal resources, to create a unified strategy that balances business growth with equitable outcomes for all residents. The council is tasked with developing a strategic plan that sets long-term goals and measurable benchmarks, which must undergo public hearings and legislative review before final approval by the governor. Additionally, the act mandates that all state agencies cooperate with the council by providing necessary staff, data, and administrative support to implement the plan.

Prohibits any agreement whereby an advanced practice registered nurse is restricted in the right to practice in a certain geographic area, assist or provide treatment or establish a professional relationship with any other employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for drivers whose vehicles are significantly damaged after hitting a deer, requiring them to report the incident to a conservation officer within 24 hours. If the officer confirms the damage, the driver is entitled to keep and use the deer carcass for their immediate family, provided they follow new regulations set by the Department of Environmental Management. The law also grants drivers the first right to claim the animal in these situations. These changes aim to clarify the process for handling wildlife collisions and determining who can possess the resulting animal.

Extends the current provisions relative to certain rights of innkeepers and eliminates the sunsetting of such sections thereby preserving the law as it currently exists.

Exempts used vehicles sold "for parts only" or purchased at end of their lease term by the current lessee that have a valid certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield, from the requirement that dealers of used vehicles conduct a new inspection.

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.