Rep. Justine Caldwell

Maddy summaryHB 8068 prohibits individuals under 18 years old from possessing firearms, making it a criminal offense. This bill directly affects minors in the state by restricting their access to firearms. The key provision states that any person under 18 found possessing a firearm would violate this law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 8067 would prevent people with prior felony convictions from buying or owning firearms. This bill directly affects individuals who have been convicted of a felony offense, disqualifying them from firearm transactions. The key provision creates a new legal barrier for these individuals, requiring them to be excluded from purchasing or possessing firearms under state law. The bill, introduced on February 27, 2026, proposes this restriction as a change to existing criminal offense regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires background checks for all ammunition purchases and transfers, prohibiting sales or transfers without a successful check. It directly affects individuals buying or receiving ammunition in the state. The law would implement this background check as a mandatory condition for every ammunition transaction.

Maddy summaryHB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 7035 prohibits individuals from purchasing or taking possession of more than one firearm (defined as pistol, rifle, or shotgun) within any 30-day period. This directly affects most private firearm buyers, excluding specific exemptions like law enforcement officers, licensed dealers, government transfers, inheritance through probate, temporary gun range rentals, firearm safety courses, and curio collector transfers. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties for first offenses (up to 1 year in jail or $500 fine) and felony penalties for repeat offenses (up to 3 years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 8018 requires that all new residential buildings must include at least two standard exterior doors serving as exit routes for emergencies. This applies directly to builders and developers constructing new homes, apartments, or other residential properties. The bill amends the state building code to mandate this safety feature, ensuring multiple exit options during fire or evacuation scenarios. It does not affect existing buildings or renovations, and the requirement would take effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7842 would establish the State of Rhode Island Interior Design Practice Act, creating a regulatory framework for interior designers in the state. The bill aims to control and regulate the profession by setting standards for qualifications, ethics, and scope of practice. It directly affects interior designers practicing in Rhode Island, requiring them to meet these state-defined standards to legally offer services. The bill is currently in early stages, having been introduced and referred to the House Corporations committee on February 27, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 7895 proposes the Safe School Technology Act of 2026, which would establish new regulations for technology use in schools. The bill directly affects school districts, educational institutions, and technology vendors by setting standards for implementing surveillance and monitoring systems in educational settings. Key provisions would likely include guidelines for data privacy, requirements for parental notification, and standards for how student information is collected and stored through school technology systems. This legislation aims to create a framework for balancing safety concerns with privacy rights in the digital school environment.

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.