Rep. Julie Casimiro

Maddy summaryHB 7557, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm manufacturers, distributors, and retailers ("firearm industry members") to implement safety measures preventing sales to prohibited buyers, straw purchasers, or firearm traffickers. It mandates "reasonable controls" to ensure compliance with existing firearm laws, prohibits advertising that promotes illegal use, and bans sales to entities violating these rules. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, injunctions, or loss of business permits. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to civil cases filed after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 7647 allows law enforcement to access juvenile criminal records during firearm background checks under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This affects juveniles who were processed through family court but not yet turned 21, as their sealed records can now be reviewed for gun purchases. The bill adds a specific exception to existing sealing rules (Section 14-1-64(c)), permitting this access until the individual reaches age 21. It does not change general sealing procedures for juvenile records or public access to other court documents. The policy change directly impacts firearm background checks for young adults who had prior juvenile court involvement.

Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2027.

Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform.

Makes it permissible for any student, professor, or other employee of any public or private college or university, to carry, possess and have in their custody, possession and/or under their control, a stun-gun or pepper spray for purposes of self-defense.

Requires individuals who own firearms to obtain and continuously maintain a policy of liability insurance in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 dollars and exempts active duty law enforcement and military from this requirement.

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 8153 requires the state to reimburse Exeter Fire and Rescue for 75% of the costs incurred during fire calls made to state property. This bill directly affects Exeter Fire and Rescue by covering a portion of their expenses for emergency responses on state-owned land. The key provision establishes a fixed 75% reimbursement rate for all such calls, shifting a portion of the financial burden from the fire department to the state. The policy change specifically targets costs associated with state property responses, not general firefighting operations.