Rep. George Nardone

Maddy summaryHB 5856 prohibits employers, schools, landlords, and other entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, or mask mandates without offering specific opt-outs. Individuals can decline mandates based on medical reasons (including pregnancy), religious or personal beliefs, proof of immunity via lab tests, willingness to undergo regular testing, or using employer-provided protective equipment. The law applies to relationships like employment, education, housing, and healthcare, requiring entities to provide exemption forms and allowing complaints to the attorney general if exemptions are denied. Violations may result in fines up to $50,000 per incident for larger organizations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 6083) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program. It recognizes anglers, the sportfishing industry, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in creating and sustaining the "American System of Conservation Funding." The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely expresses appreciation for the program's historical contributions to fisheries conservation. It does not affect any individuals, agencies, or legislative procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 5880 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, examining their effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with laws (including equal employment and minority business rules). This directly affects all state agencies, such as departments and boards, but excludes legislative branch entities and public utilities. Key mechanisms include mandatory exit conferences with agency officials, written responses to audit findings within 60 days, and annual reports to the legislature detailing audit results and agency responses. The bill mandates these audits begin January 1, 2026, with the auditor general reporting non-compliant agencies to the governor and legislative leaders each year.

Expands the lobbying reform act to apply to persons who lobby municipal government executives and legislative bodies, as well as local fire districts.

Requires the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and the Rhode Island commerce commission to develop and implement a plan to assist businesses in obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance program.

Maddy summaryHB 5717, the Universal Regulatory Sandbox Act, creates a program allowing businesses to temporarily test innovative products, services, or business models (particularly in financial services and insurance) under temporary exemptions from certain state laws or regulations. It establishes a "regulatory relief office" within the commerce corporation to administer the program, review applicable rules for potential waivers, and act as a liaison between businesses and regulators. Businesses applying to the sandbox must demonstrate their offering meets defined criteria for innovation, while the program includes an advisory committee to provide industry and agency input. This directly affects fintech and insurance companies seeking to pilot new offerings without full regulatory compliance during testing. The bill focuses on creating a structured testing environment for regulatory innovation, not on specific outcomes or policy advocacy.

Requires the executive climate change coordinating council to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of carbon emissions removal technology as an alternative to reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals.

Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

Maddy summaryHB 5469 sets aside $2 million for the Small Business Assistance Program's micro-loan component during fiscal year 2025-2026. It requires that 10-25% of program funds be allocated specifically to micro-loans ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. These loans will be administered by lending organizations selected through a competitive process by the Commerce Corporation, which must have experience supporting microenterprises. The bill directly affects small businesses seeking affordable startup or expansion capital through this targeted loan program.