Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded public works projects involving glass installation to hire certified workers, with the number of certified employees on each crew increasing from one to 50% over a four-year period starting in 2024. It defines "public works projects" broadly to include any construction or renovation undertaken by the state, municipalities, or schools that exceed specific spending thresholds, such as one million dollars for renovations or five million dollars for new construction. The Department of Labor and Training is tasked with enforcing these rules, which include holding hearings for violations and imposing fines or license revocations for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes April 2026 as "Out-of-School Time Month" in Rhode Island to honor the value of after-school and summer programs for children. The resolution aims to raise awareness about how these programs support youth development, mental health, and academic success while acknowledging the hard work of the professionals who run them. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the importance of these services for the state's youth. The Secretary of State is instructed to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association.

Converts the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act into a continuing scholarship program at Rhode Island College, similar to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Reorganizes the coastal resources management council under the department of environmental management and create the bureau of coastal resources management.

Maddy summaryHB 8486 authorizes the committees of the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely during meetings. Under this bill, individuals can participate via electronic communication, such as telephone conferencing or videoconferencing, provided that remote participants are audible and visible to those present in the room. The legislation also includes specific requirements for public notice when videoconferencing is used and ensures that a quorum of the committee members must be participating for the meeting to proceed. This change aims to increase accessibility for the public without altering the existing rules regarding closed sessions or disruptive conduct.

Requires renovation projects of pre-1978 buildings to comply with provisions of chapter 24.6 of title 23 and chapter 21 of title 28, and requires presence of lead inspector and supervisor and requires lead training. DLT ensures compliance.

Permits dealers without a distributor's license to resell cigars, and ultra premium pipe tobacco, excluding pipe tobacco intended for cigarettes, to other dealers.

Maddy summaryHB 7803 establishes a state-funded rental subsidy program in Rhode Island to help extremely low, very low, and low-income households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It allocates $25 million from the state general fund (starting July 2026) to provide project-based rental assistance, meaning the subsidy is tied to specific housing units rather than individual tenants. The program requires that tenants pay no more than 30% of their gross income toward rent (after utility allowances), regardless of area median income thresholds, and prioritizes households referred through Rhode Island’s Continuum of Care or Olmstead Plan. The program will be administered by the state’s executive office of housing, ensuring units meet federal safety standards and comply with fair housing laws.

Permits a nurse who has the appropriate knowledge, credentials and clinical competency, to provide home services foot care, which includes routine foot and nail care, as well as implementing a plan of care that includes hygiene and fingernails.

Removes the definition of "totally and permanently disabled" from the general law affording college tuition paid by the state to the spouse and children of active members of the police force who are killed or disabled during duty.