Removes the exemption for tinting of the windshield and imposes fines of $250 for a first and second offense and subsequent offenses are punishable by a $250 fine and up to a one year suspension of the vehicle registration.
Maddy summaryHB 7610 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to produce a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy rates for consumers. The study must compare Rhode Island's electric and gas rates with other states, review all state energy programs that increase costs, and identify policies or practices that could be changed to reduce bills. The PUC will use $100,000 in funding to hire consultants and develop a research plan, including recommendations for transparent "energy notes" on future legislation affecting costs. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents who pay energy bills by directing state agencies to investigate cost-reduction strategies.
Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.
Allows the state to require utilities to relocate facilities for certain highway projects and to pay the cost of the relocation to the utility as part of the cost of the federally aided highway project.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to keep money from gift certificate sales in a separate account until customers use or redeem the certificates. The rule applies to businesses selling gift certificates for their own products but exempts certificates given out for free through loyalty or promotional programs. Once a certificate is fully redeemed, the retailer can move the corresponding funds back to their regular business account. The measure aims to protect consumer funds by ensuring they are set aside before being spent.
Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.
Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.
Exempts certain cookware that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact for consumer goods from the provision of the consumer PFAS ban act of 2024.
Maddy summaryHB 7985 would require individuals making public records requests to provide their identifying information. This bill directly affects anyone seeking public records from government agencies by adding a new step to the request process. The key provision mandates that requesters share personal details like name or contact information when submitting a request. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House State Government & Elections committee.
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.
