Rep. Sherry Roberts

Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.

Makes it a felony for any person required to register as a sex offender to live within three hundred feet (300’) of a school as defined in § 11-37.1-2.

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."

Expands the Rhode Island rehabilitation and fire code to include existing one, two, and three-bedroom homes, removing their current exclusion and promoting the continued use and reuse of existing residential buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 20, 2026, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the impact of Alzheimer's disease on the state's residents. The resolution acknowledges the disease's prevalence, noting that over 24,000 Rhode Islanders are affected and that caregiving places significant strain on families. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter to support awareness efforts. The measure focuses on raising public consciousness about Alzheimer's rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Requires that any costs, tariffs or other mandates related to the state’s renewable energy growth program be reviewed and approved by the general assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 7174 repeals a 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour charge on electricity that funded renewable energy programs in Rhode Island, ending this specific funding mechanism effective December 31, 2028. The bill directly affects electric distribution companies, which previously collected this fee to support renewable energy initiatives like solar installations and energy efficiency projects. This change removes a dedicated funding source for renewable energy programs without altering separate demand-side management charges for energy efficiency or gas utility programs. The repeal simplifies utility billing by eliminating this specific renewable energy funding stream.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates Miranda Marie Musumeci on being named Miss Ireland in the West Warwick St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026. The resolution recognizes her dedication to Irish heritage and community service, highlighting her involvement in various activities such as student teaching, volunteer work, and participation in the NJROTC program. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Musumeci as an official acknowledgment of her achievement. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, serving to honor an individual's recognition within the state's cultural celebrations.

Requires that court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault of first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated sentence upon the offender.