Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryHB 8079 amends jury qualification laws to include individuals receiving public assistance benefits in the pool of eligible jurors. This change directly affects people currently excluded from jury service due to their receipt of public assistance, expanding who can be summoned for jury duty. The bill modifies statutory language to remove barriers preventing these individuals from being listed on jury rosters. It does not alter other eligibility requirements or create new exemptions.

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.

Deletes the provision permitting out of state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states. It also corrects a minor typographical error.

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

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.

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 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.