Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for taxicabs by setting specific limits on how long and how far these vehicles can operate before they must be retired. Under the new rules, a taxicab cannot be used once it reaches 300,000 miles or ten model years, whichever happens first, and it cannot be placed into service if it is already more than eight model years old. The legislation allows for exceptions in rare cases where a vehicle is in extraordinary condition, provided the operator proves the car looks and functions like a newer model to the satisfaction of the public utilities administrator. These changes directly affect taxi companies and drivers by establishing clearer standards for vehicle age and mileage to ensure safety and reliability.
Sponsored bills
Authorizes Providence to issue not more than $400,000,000 general obligation bonds & notes to finance the construction, related demolition, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools throughout the city.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require state and municipal police departments in Rhode Island to collect detailed data on every routine traffic stop and vehicle search. Officers must record specific information for each stop, including the driver's perceived race and ethnicity, the reason for the stop, whether a search occurred, and the outcome such as citations or arrests. An outside agency chosen by the Department of Transportation will conduct an annual study of this data to analyze potential racial disparities in enforcement, with the first report due within 18 months of data collection beginning. The bill also mandates that quarterly summary reports be made public while keeping individual officer identities confidential, and it allows civil rights organizations to sue police departments that fail to comply with these data collection requirements.
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.
Amends the provision of notice to be provided for the release of any hazardous gas or liquid as determined by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Requires RIDE to develop type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of students that will be posted publicly on RIDE's website.
Maddy summaryHB 7981 updates state laws to give Rhode Island towns and cities more flexibility in writing their local zoning rules. The bill allows municipalities to create special districts that offer development incentives, such as higher density or increased building heights, in exchange for providing public benefits like new housing, open spaces, or traffic improvements. It also permits communities to establish mixed-use zones and regulate specific features like drive-through windows and development near scenic areas. By standardizing these options, the legislation aims to help local governments better manage land use while addressing housing needs and infrastructure challenges.
This act serves as the enabling act required by § 16-7-44 of the general laws in order for the principal and interest on bonds issued in support of school housing projects to be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Medical Spas Safety Act to regulate cosmetic medical procedures by defining them as the practice of medicine and surgery. It requires every medical spa to appoint a trained medical director responsible for overseeing patient care, managing staff delegation, and maintaining required insurance. Under the new rules, non-physicians can only perform these services if they are properly trained and explicitly delegated by a supervising physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse who is available for direct or indirect supervision. The legislation also mandates that all providers follow written treatment protocols, conduct patient assessments, and maintain detailed medical records to ensure safety standards are met.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a one-time appropriation of $3,000,000 to 25 Bough, LLC to fund the initial phase of renovations for a mixed-use development on 25 Bough Street in Providence. The funds are intended to support a project that includes affordable housing units, educational programs focused on STEM and future industries, and a cultural museum. The legislation directs the state controller to release the money from the general treasury upon receipt of proper documentation.