Rep. Evan Shanley

Maddy summaryHB 7505, known as the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, allows hybrid cannabis cultivators and retailers to advertise their products during a specific transitional period. This temporary measure applies to businesses that currently sell both medical and adult-use cannabis while the state finalizes its new regulatory rules. The bill requires these businesses to maintain strict separation between medical and adult-use inventory and sales, ensure continued service levels for medical patients, and follow detailed operational plans until a new commission takes over full regulatory authority. By signing this act, the Governor enabled these businesses to legally market their goods while the state prepares for a more permanent regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to change the date on which presidential electors meet from the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December to the first Tuesday of that month. The change directly affects the timing of the Electoral College vote in Rhode Island, aligning the state's schedule with the federal standard set by the Twelfth Amendment. By updating the specific calendar date in the General Laws, the legislation ensures that the state's electoral process matches the national timeline for electing the President and Vice President.

Changes the term "assumed name" to "trade name" and centralizes the filing, administration and regulation process of trade names to the secretary of state and requires an annual renewal of the trade name.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's inclusionary zoning law to require that developments with ten or more units include at least 15% affordable housing for a minimum of 30 years. It allows municipalities to offer density bonuses, such as adding two market-rate units for every affordable unit, or to accept alternative contributions like off-site construction, land donations, or fee-in-lieu payments instead of on-site affordable units. However, projects using these alternative methods are not eligible for the density bonus, and any fees collected must be deposited into restricted accounts to fund new affordable housing within the municipality. The legislation also establishes annual reporting requirements for municipalities and the state to track fee collections and the creation of affordable housing units.

Maddy summaryHB 7015 clarifies which electrical services require a state contractor's license, directly affecting businesses and individuals who install, maintain, or service electrical systems. The bill updates legal definitions to explicitly include work on support systems for electrical equipment, fire alarms, and lightning protection while excluding low-voltage wiring for heating and cooling units. It mandates that licensed contractors carry their licenses on-site and display their license numbers on advertisements and contracts, with an exemption for single-family owner-occupied homes. Additionally, the legislation establishes specific license categories for specialized roles such as burner contractors, fire alarm contractors, and renewable energy professionals.

Outlines the requirements and process for LEAs to get written parental consent before conducting an evaluation, reevaluation, making an initial placement/changes in placement/the individual education program of a student in a special education program.

Extends injured-on-duty (IOD) benefits to police officers and firefighters that suffer from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorders, except under certain conditions.

Eliminates requirements of signing with an "X" for voters who cannot sign name due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write. Establishes a timeframe for local boards to accept mail ballot applications, if delivered via the postal service.

Adds the month of August to the dates a Class A retail alcoholic beverage establishment can offer unlimited free samples of wine, beer and distilled spirits products.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's long-term economic development policy to require the inclusion of climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal resiliency in state planning data. It establishes an economic development planning council with nineteen members, including representatives from the departments of environmental management and coastal resources, to create a unified strategy that balances business growth with equitable outcomes for all residents. The council is tasked with developing a strategic plan that sets long-term goals and measurable benchmarks, which must undergo public hearings and legislative review before final approval by the governor. Additionally, the act mandates that all state agencies cooperate with the council by providing necessary staff, data, and administrative support to implement the plan.