Rep. Nathan Biah

Maddy summaryHB 7808 exempts energy storage systems (as defined in § 39-33-1) from Rhode Island's sales and use taxes. This change directly affects businesses that manufacture, install, or purchase these systems, removing a tax burden on their transactions. The bill amends Section 44-18-30 of the General Laws to add energy storage systems as a new category of exempt gross receipts. The exemption applies to sales, storage, use, or consumption of these systems within the state, aligning them with existing tax-exempt categories like school meals or newspapers. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (referred to House Finance on 2/12/2026).

Maddy summaryHR 7707 is a legislative resolution appropriating $800,000 from the state treasury to support the operational costs of WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization. This funding, designated for fiscal year 2026-2027, directly supports WaterFire's year-round activities, including its signature river bonfire events and the WaterFire Arts Center. The resolution authorizes the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation. It does not alter existing laws or create new programs, but provides direct financial assistance to an organization cited for generating significant tourism revenue and community engagement in Providence.

Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.

Provides that licensed assisted living community is not required to hold a residential unit for a Medicare-eligible resident absent from the facility for a period exceeding 10 days unless EOHHS provides payment to the facility to hold the bed.

Requires the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to apply an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (“COLA”) to the Medicaid reimbursement rates paid for assisted living services provided pursuant to this chapter.

Creates an 12-member commission to study the impact on family and school performance in relation to current disciplinary policies in public schools, and would report back by November 17, 2027, and would expire on February 17, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 7478 creates a "Homeowner Casualty Insurance Bill of Rights" for Rhode Island residents filing property insurance claims. It requires insurers to provide policyholders with a clear, written summary of their claims process rights within 14 days of a claim being reported, including specific timelines for acknowledgment (14 days), investigation confirmation (20 days), and settlement (30 days). The bill summarizes existing state law - such as the right to receive claim updates and contact the state insurance division - and advises homeowners on documenting damage, verifying contractors, and managing repairs. It does not create new legal rights or allow lawsuits against insurers, nor does it override existing policy terms.

Maddy summaryHB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.

Ensures any public school with available seats, after completion of the initial enrollment period for students, shall make all open seats available to other students residing within the same school district.

Maddy summaryHB 8012, the Rhode Island Pedestrian Safety Act, allows cities and towns to use automated camera systems to detect specific traffic violations that endanger pedestrians. It authorizes fines of $50 for violations like failing to yield to pedestrians, stopping improperly at crosswalks, or ignoring stop signs, primarily in school zones, hospital areas, work zones, or high-pedestrian-risk locations. Registered vehicle owners - not drivers - are liable for fines, with municipalities required to send detailed violation notices including photos/videos and appeal options. For the first 30 days after implementation, cities must issue warnings instead of fines to educate drivers. The law does not create new traffic offenses but enables local enforcement of existing pedestrian safety rules through automated monitoring.