Rep. Robert Craven

Maddy summaryHB 7395 allows retired members of the Rhode Island state labor relations board to continue receiving their retirement pension while working paid positions with the state. This amendment specifically permits them to maintain full pension benefits during such employment without suspension, though no additional retirement credits or contributions are granted. Monthly reporting to the retirement board is required for these positions. The bill targets a gap in existing rules, ensuring labor relations board members can serve in paid roles without losing pension eligibility.

Creates "Harter's Law" to extend the civil statute of limitations, for injuries resulting from first degree child abuse, to thirty-five (35) years and cap civil damages recovery at five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for the passing of Sylvia A. DeLuca, a resident of Saunderstown, Rhode Island. The document honors her life by highlighting her roles as a devoted wife, dedicated employee, and supportive family member, noting her career as an administrative assistant at the University of Rhode Island and her personal passions for art and cooking. The resolution formally extends the House's sympathy to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution honoring the life and legacy of baseball player Davey Lopes, who passed away after complications from Parkinson's disease. It recognizes his distinguished 45-year career in professional baseball, highlighting his achievements as a second baseman, base stealer, coach, and manager. The resolution expresses the House's condolences and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Lopes's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the construction, expansion, or operation of pyrolysis facilities within one mile of any public or private K-12 school. It defines pyrolysis facilities as sites that thermally break down solid waste like plastics to produce fuel or oil in an oxygen-limited environment. To enforce this rule, the state's environmental management department cannot issue permits for such facilities that do not meet the distance requirement, and the restriction cannot be waived by any authority. The law takes effect upon passage and applies to all schools approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Maddy summaryHB 7696 establishes a tax credit for Rhode Island businesses transitioning to employee ownership structures. It provides up to 50% of eligible conversion costs (capped at $100,000 for worker-owned co-ops or employee ownership trusts, $25,000 for alternate structures) and up to 50% of expansion costs (capped at $25,000) for qualified businesses expanding existing employee ownership models. The credit applies to income tax years 2026-2028 for businesses converting to or expanding employee ownership trusts, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), worker-owned cooperatives, or defined "alternate equity structures" that meet specific participation and allocation requirements. This directly affects qualifying businesses seeking to shift ownership to employees while retaining community investment.

Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.

Removes the requirement that 5% of the hotel tax generated from regional tourism districts be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, and adds that 5% of the hotel tax to the existing tax paid to the RI commerce corporation.

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.