Rep. Robert Craven

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies to include mandatory uninsured motorist coverage for drivers in the state, ensuring that policyholders can claim damages from at-fault drivers who lack insurance or have insufficient coverage. The law mandates that this bodily injury protection matches the driver's existing liability limits, though owners may opt out for property damage coverage or choose lower limits after signing a specific warning notice. Effective January 1, 2025, the changes apply to all new and renewed auto policies, including provisions for handling claims against insolvent carriers and allowing recovery of multiple premiums paid for the same coverage. Additionally, the bill clarifies that "uninsured motorist" includes underinsured drivers and establishes rules for deductibles and subrogation rights when insurers collect money from third parties.

Repeals the "Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act." Amends title 5 "Businesses and Professions" to include a new chapter 93, an amended "Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act."

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates June 2024 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese community. It recognizes the group's historical contributions to the state's economy, culture, and public life, as well as specific landmarks like the Our Lady of the Rosary Church. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Portuguese government officials, and a local nonprofit organization.

Amends certain election statutes to require ballot questions be written in plain language reasonably calculated to be understood by persons with an eighth-grade reading level.

This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $2,000,000 to the Rhode Island Foundation to distribute as grants to the Rhode Island nonprofit organization recipients of federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of "public official" to include school superintendents, principals, central office staff, and all other school employees. By making this change, it ensures that making threats against these individuals is treated as a criminal offense under the same rules currently applied to elected officials, judges, and law enforcement officers. The law specifies that such threats must be made because of the person's role or public duties and carry penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both. This update directly affects schools by extending criminal protections to their staff and clarifies that threats motivated by hostility toward their positions are illegal.

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island (Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island), a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the fee that individuals must pay to justices of the peace in Rhode Island from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars, with a higher fee allowed for special sessions held between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The legislation also grants justices of the peace immunity from lawsuits for actions taken while performing their duties under the law. These officials, who are already authorized to set bail and issue warrants for various law enforcement agencies, will see this financial adjustment apply to each person appearing before them. The change does not alter the existing powers of justices of the peace regarding bail, warrants, or scheduling pre-trial conferences, but it does update the compensation structure for their services.

Permits the family court to disclose criminal records of juvenile offenders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the purposes of background check conducted when an individual attempts to purchase a firearm.

Exempts full-time members of the capitol police from the seven (7) day waiting period and other requirements for purchasing concealable firearms or rifles and shotguns.