Rep. Tom Noret

Maddy summaryHB 5269 allows cities or towns to waive interest on overdue property tax payments for commercial properties, directly affecting commercial property owners who meet specific criteria. To qualify, owners must have owned the property for five years, paid taxes on time for five years, submit a written request, and have the overdue bill issued within two years. The waiver is capped at $500 per request, and local tax collectors must issue written decisions, with taxpayers able to appeal to the city council if denied. This bill does not change tax amounts but provides limited relief for overdue payments on commercial properties.

Expands meaning of bomb threats and false reports to include any warning or threat of the existence of an explosive device and allows judge to impose conditions of bail to include extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders and counseling.

Maddy summaryHB 5814 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2026, aimed at identifying ways to lower energy rates for consumers. The study must review all state energy programs to find those increasing costs, compare Rhode Island's rates with other states, and recommend eliminating policies that raise bills. It allocates $100,000 for consultants to conduct this research and mandates that future energy-related legislation include "energy notes" showing cost impacts, similar to fiscal notes. This bill directly affects Rhode Island ratepayers and state energy policy through its focus on transparent cost analysis and program evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Rhode Island's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to seek immediate rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for residents and businesses facing high utility costs, particularly low-income households, seniors, and small businesses. It asks the DPUC to take action similar to Massachusetts' approach and report progress by April 22, 2025. The resolution does not change rates but formally urges the regulator to address the financial burden.

Maddy summaryHB 5845 requires major water suppliers in Rhode Island (those serving over 50 million gallons annually) to create and maintain flood resilience plans by 2026. These plans must assess risks like flooding and hurricanes, evaluate infrastructure and chemical safety, and outline response strategies. Suppliers must submit initial assessments by July 2026 to state officials and update plans every three years. The bill aims to strengthen drinking water system preparedness against natural disasters without specifying funding or enforcement details. The measure is pending further committee review after a March 2025 hearing.

Authorizes early voting for the ten (10) calendar days except the second weekend prior immediately preceding election day, while requiring, as is practicable, that all the election day protections and procedures be afforded to early voters.

Maddy summaryHB 5137 requires the state board of elections to verify the U.S. citizenship status of every person on the voter registration list. It mandates comparing registrations against state DMV records and federal Social Security databases to ensure only citizens are registered. Before adding any new registration, the board must confirm citizenship using these databases. Unverified registrations will be removed after notifying the voter and providing an opportunity to submit proof of citizenship. The bill applies to all voter registrations statewide and takes effect upon passage.

Requires verification of an applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license number or state identification number on all applications seeking mail ballots and emergency mail ballots.

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.

Limits the mandatory rental registry to properties constructed prior to 1978, and further push out the effective date of registration to September 1, 2025, with the penalty clause becoming effective as of October 1, 2025.