Rep. Joseph Solomon

Maddy summaryHB 5070 increases the maximum fee sheriffs, sergeants, and constables can charge for serving most writs, citations, or subpoenas from $45.00 to $70.00. This directly affects these court officers who deliver legal documents, raising their allowable compensation for this specific service. The bill amends the existing fee schedule to reflect this higher maximum, while requiring all fees to be deposited as general revenue. The change applies immediately upon passage, with no broader policy shifts beyond the adjusted fee amount.

Requires that beginning January l, 2027, all contractors supervising structural remodeling or building new residential structures with one to four (4) family dwelling units be licensed by the contractors' registration and licensing board.

Maddy summaryHB 6315 removes a 10% cap on certain investments for domestic insurance companies in the state. It eliminates the restriction that previously limited these companies from allocating more than 10% of their admitted assets to specific investment types, such as oil and gas production loans, timber deeds, mineral rights, and transportation equipment. This change directly affects domestic insurers operating within the state by allowing greater flexibility in their investment portfolios. The bill does not introduce new requirements but removes an existing limitation on how insurers can allocate capital. The repeal takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Provides that commercial driver instruction would include industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking.

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5160 clarifies that any change in an insurance producer’s pay (compensation) is considered a "contract modification" under Rhode Island’s insurance licensing law. It requires insurers to provide 180 days’ written notice before modifying such contracts, affecting producers who work with multiple insurers. The bill also mandates 14 months’ notice for canceling a producer’s contract, with continued policy renewal at prior rates during that period. Exceptions apply for producers convicted of dishonest acts, revoked licenses, or employees of the insurer. This law directly impacts insurance agents/brokers and their business relationships with insurers.

Maddy summaryHB 5882 shortens the training requirement for school bus drivers in Rhode Island who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Specifically, it reduces the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course to a shorter, focused program covering only Rhode Island-specific rules and safety requirements. This change directly affects CDL holders seeking to drive school buses in Rhode Island, streamlining their path to certification without altering safety standards or background checks. The bill does not change other requirements, such as passing written/driver tests or providing proof of residency and employment.

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and would increase penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals.

Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians to allow other healthcare providers to enter into such agreements and removes the definition of “collaborative practice committee.”

Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.