Rep. Evan Shanley

Maddy summaryHB 7179, the "Charlotte A. Vacca Act," requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers meeting Rhode Island building code standards at retail establishments (stores selling food or goods) as part of new construction. It also encourages owners to add barriers at existing locations for pedestrian safety, while mandating compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility. The bill includes a provision requiring insurers to offer premium discounts for properties with installed barriers, subject to approval by the insurance commissioner. This law directly affects retail property owners and aims to reduce vehicle-impact risks to pedestrians and occupants. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7281 reduces the waiting period for expunging criminal records. It shortens the time to 3 years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and 5 years for felonies or multiple misdemeanors (down from 5 and 10 years, respectively). The bill applies to people with eligible non-violent convictions who have paid all court fees and fines. Violent crime convictions and certain offenses under specific statutes remain ineligible for expungement. The changes take effect upon passage.

Protects Rhode Island natural forests by banning extractive and even-age logging on state lands and preserves, allowing only limited safety, invasive removal, or selection management after review, hearings, and fines for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7627 extends early intervention services under Rhode Island's Part C program for children with special health care needs whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31. This change prevents a service gap by allowing these children to remain in early intervention until September 1 after their third birthday, bridging to preschool services. The bill directly affects families of children with developmental disabilities born in this window, ensuring continuity of care without interruption. It aligns with federal law allowing states to extend such services and requires the state to implement this by January 2028, following a 2026 plan development phase.

Updates disability parking space signage and enables municipalities to participate in the parking mobility app program where individuals submit photos on the app of vehicles parked in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities.

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Michael J. Murphy, a resident of Warwick, Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a formal tribute to honor his life and contributions to his community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to Murphy's family, acknowledging his legacy as a basketball coach, insurance agent, and community leader.

Maddy summaryHB 7611 amends Rhode Island's renewable energy standard, requiring electric utilities (obligated entities) selling electricity to retail customers to gradually increase their renewable energy supply. Starting at 3% in 2007, the required renewable percentage escalates annually, reaching 9.5% by 2044 with a target of 100% renewable electricity for all Rhode Island demand by that year. The bill includes a 2% cap on using existing renewable resources toward the goal and allows compliance through NE-GIS certificates or alternative payments to a development fund. It also exempts pre-2022 power contracts from later-year requirements until their contract end dates.