Rep. Evan Shanley

Maddy summaryHB 8078 allows county grand juries to formally issue reports about their investigations and creates a process for superior courts to review and approve these reports before they are shared publicly. This bill directly affects county grand juries, which would now have the authority to produce reports, and superior courts, which would handle the review and approval. The key mechanism requires courts to evaluate the reports for completeness and appropriateness before authorizing public dissemination. If passed, this would standardize how grand jury findings are made available to the public, though the bill is currently in the early introduction stage (referred to House Judiciary on 2/27/2026).

Establishes a marina users' bill of rights allowing recourse through the consumer protection unit of the Rhode Island attorney general's office as well as civil causes of action.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Francisco J. "El Grande" Batista, a realtor from Rhode Island. It formally acknowledges his life, family connections, and contributions to his community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Batista family as an official gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a commemorative tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the death of Michael D. Zarum, a lifelong Warwick resident who passed away in a pedestrian accident. The resolution acknowledges the circumstances of his death, noting that police found no evidence of speeding, impairment, or distracted driving as contributing factors. It highlights Zarum's community contributions, including his environmental advocacy work and civic engagement, while formally offering sympathy to his family. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Zarum's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca, who recently passed away. It directly affects her family and friends by formally acknowledging her life and contributions to her community. The resolution highlights her roles as a devoted mother, church volunteer, and veteran supporter, and authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family. It serves as an official tribute rather than a policy change, recognizing her personal legacy and faith.

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Maddy summaryHB 7341 requires school districts that send students to regional vocational schools for career and technical education (CTE) or pathways programs to receive regular updates on student progress from the receiving district, starting July 1, 2026. It mandates quarterly reports or immediate updates for significant changes, such as a student leaving the program. The bill also adjusts costs: if the receiving district’s program costs less than the home district’s per-pupil spending, the home district only pays the lower cost, and transportation costs are limited to actual expenses. This applies to all students enrolled in approved CTE or pathways programs outside their home district.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 7077) is a non-binding statement by the Rhode Island House of Representatives condemning specific immigration enforcement tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It specifically criticizes ICE's use of unmarked vehicles, plain clothes, and concealment of agents' identities during operations in Rhode Island and nationwide, which the resolution claims create community fear and undermine trust. The resolution opposes future "mass immigration raids" and "fear tactics," affirming the state's commitment to protecting all residents' rights regardless of immigration status. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Attorney General, Senate, and all municipal councils. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws or directly affect individuals.

Permits municipalities to enter into contracts with the department of transportation for the municipality to perform minor and routine maintenance work on state highways, roadways, and shoulders located within the municipality.

Maddy summaryHB 7984 requires the Rhode Island Auditor General to conduct an independent audit of the Department of Transportation's performance and efficiency. This bill directly affects the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) by mandating a review of its operations and resource use. The key provision is the requirement for a formal, external audit focused on identifying areas for cost savings and improved service delivery. The bill is currently pending, having been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee for further study.