Rep. Tom Noret

Maddy summaryHB 7513 requires radon testing for most residential real estate transactions starting on June 1, 2027, to ensure buyers are informed about radioactive gas levels in homes. The law mandates that a certified professional conduct the test no earlier than one year before closing and share the results with both the buyer and seller. If the test shows unsafe radon levels, the seller must install a mitigation system before the sale is finalized, or the cost must be held in escrow until the work is done. Certain situations, such as foreclosures, sales of non-residential property, or homes with a recent mitigation system, are exempt from these testing requirements.

Amends the current law on low-income housing to include moderate-income housing and eliminates the income percentages used to determine qualifications for low or moderate income housing.

Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.

Establishes the commercial kitchen exhaust system inspection and cleaning licensing and certification act. Requires entities inspecting or cleaning commercial exhaust systems to be licensed and insured.

Provides that all contractual provisions in a firefighters collective bargaining agreement continue until a successor agreement has been reached or an interest arbitration award has been rendered.

Directs middle and high schools which issue student identification cards to include on those cards on or before September 8, 2026, contact crisis telephone numbers for suicide prevention and substance use disorder prevention.

Extends the reporting/expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study/review the cost and status of the State of RI owned, vacant, and abandoned properties and provide recommendations for methods to mitigate the associated expenses.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr. for his distinguished service to the people of Rhode Island and specifically thanks him for his work on behalf of the citizens of Warwick. The document highlights his legislative achievements, which include sponsoring laws to address physician shortages, modernize banking taxes, support affordable housing, and protect seniors from financial exploitation. It also notes his advocacy for animal welfare, small business development, and public safety measures such as suicide barriers on bay bridges. Finally, the resolution extends its best wishes for his announced campaign for Attorney General and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the honor to Representative Solomon.

Maddy summaryHB 7644 increases filing and writ of execution fees in Rhode Island's district, superior, and family courts. For example, district court small claims fees rise from $55 to $75, other civil actions from $80 to $100, and writs of execution from $20 to $40. The bill also specifies that $5-$20 of each filing fee (depending on case type) will be directed to Rhode Island Legal Services, a provider of free legal aid. These changes apply to all civil filings in the three court types and take effect upon passage. The bill does not alter court procedures or create new legal requirements, only adjusting fee amounts.

Requires that before any fire fighter or police officer is eligible to receive benefits for illness or injury sustained off duty, they prove they had reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency existed that required immediate need of their assistance.