Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Patricia A. Mehrtens on her 90th birthday by formally recognizing her lifelong contributions to the community of Burrillville, Rhode Island. The document highlights her extensive service as a town council member, town clerk, and historian, as well as her work preserving local history through books and digital archives. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Mrs. Mehrtens as a gesture of appreciation from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new beverage container deposit recycling program in Rhode Island to reduce litter and increase recycling rates. It would establish a system where consumers pay a small refundable fee when buying eligible drinks in containers like plastic, glass, or metal, which they can get back by returning empty bottles to designated drop-off facilities. The Department of Environmental Management would oversee the program, while manufacturers and importers would be responsible for funding and managing the collection efforts through designated nonprofit organizations. The law specifically defines which products are covered, such as single-use drinks between 50 milliliters and three liters, while excluding items like milk and infant formula.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates Milissa O'Neil on being selected as the 2024-2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. It directly affects Ms. O'Neil, an elementary and special educator at Oakland Beach Elementary School, by officially recognizing her achievements and dedication to her students. The resolution highlights her extensive background in education, her advocacy for STEAM and social-emotional learning, and her various leadership roles within the school community. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to Ms. O'Neil as a gesture of appreciation.

Amends certain election statutes to require ballot questions be written in plain language reasonably calculated to be understood by persons with an eighth-grade reading level.

Prevents insurance companies from treating widowed persons differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining an insured's rate or classification respecting the operation of a personal motor vehicle. Effective 1/1/25.

Maddy summaryHB 7113 designates rhythm and blues as the official state music of the state. The bill defines this genre broadly to include elements of pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic music. Once passed, this designation becomes part of the state's official emblems and symbols.

Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates for vehicles supporting The Preservation Society of Rhode Island. Owners of these plates must pay a standard registration fee plus a $40 issuance surcharge and a $10 annual renewal fee, with the funds split between the state's general fund and the preservation society. The society is required to submit annual accounting reports and must use any state-sourced funds to benefit Rhode Island-based charitable organizations. The plates will be designed by the society in conjunction with the motor vehicle division and approved by the state police, and they will replace the vehicle's standard registration plates.

Requires public school districts to adopt a policy for responding to the death of a student or staff member. Also amends the title of chapter 16-21.7 to "The Nathan Bruno, Jason Flatt, and Alicia Biros Bereavement Act."

Appropriates $1,875,000 for the creation of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals (BHDDH).