Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 4th annual "RI Craft Beer Week" (March 7-16, 2025) in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state’s craft beer industry’s economic impact, including $876 million in annual wages/benefits and 7,161 jobs supported by 50 breweries. The resolution formally celebrates the industry’s contributions to local communities and economic growth. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the RI Brewers Guild. (Note: This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with binding effects.)

Amends the definition of the ”practice of pharmacy” to include the administration of immunizations vaccines for persons three years of age and older.

Maddy summaryHB 5870 defines public-private partnerships (PPPs) as long-term contracts where private companies develop, finance, or maintain state-owned assets while bearing significant risk. It requires state agencies to use competitive procurement for PPPs and mandates specific requirements in requests for proposals, including value-for-money analyses, oversight plans, and financial documentation. The bill directs the chief purchasing officer to create rules by July 2026 to encourage PPP use, while ensuring state agencies remain responsible for oversight. It directly affects state agencies making infrastructure or property purchases and private contractors seeking to partner with the government. The law does not change existing procurement rules but provides a formal framework for evaluating and implementing PPPs.

Maddy summaryHB 5331 removes an existing exemption that allowed lenders to operate without a license if they originated fewer than six loans in a year. This change directly affects small lenders or loan brokers who previously did not need a license for low-volume lending activity. The key provision requires these lenders to obtain a license under Rhode Island’s financial regulations, aligning their requirements with other lenders. The bill does not create new licensing standards but eliminates the exemption for the specified low-volume activity. This change applies to all lenders meeting the threshold, regardless of loan purpose or amount.

Amends the section of law relative to violations for driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license and expands the list of offenses for which an unlicensed motorist would be in violation.

Maddy summaryHB 5641 simplifies appeal fees for small claims and consumer cases in district courts. It increases the appeal filing fee to $75 (including processing fees), with $20 of each fee directed to a new mediation fund for small claims disputes. The bill also raises the maximum counterclaim amount from $2,500 to $5,000 and specifies that defendants who default in consumer cases (e.g., product damage claims) forfeit their right to appeal. This affects individuals and businesses involved in small monetary disputes under $5,000, streamlining procedures while clarifying appeal rights.

Maddy summaryHB 5937 adopts the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to establish clear court procedures for dividing property owned by multiple family members (called "heirs' property"). It directly affects individuals holding real estate in tenancy in common where at least 20% of interests are held by relatives or acquired through family lines. Key provisions require courts to determine property value through appraisal (or agreed valuation), offer cotenants the chance to buy out others who want to sell, and allow partition by sale or in kind. The law applies to partition cases filed after January 1, 2026, and supplements existing property law for these specific cases.

Maddy summaryThis resolution celebrates the 27th Annual "Women in Construction Week" (March 2-8, 2025) in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes NAWIC Rhode Island Chapter 52 for promoting women's careers in construction, supporting community development, and advancing skilled trades through educational programs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to the RI Builders Association and Professional Women in Building. It has no binding effect but serves as an official state acknowledgment of the organization's work.

Maddy summaryHB 5433 amends Rhode Island's Health Care Reform Act to strengthen oversight of health insurance. It requires the health insurance commissioner to hold quarterly public meetings on insurer rates and services, establish an advisory council with consumer and business representatives to address small business insurance affordability, and analyze the impact of merging individual and small-employer insurance markets. The advisory council must produce annual reports on topics like provider fee transparency, claim processes, and data on quality and costs to help consumers make informed choices. These provisions directly affect health insurers, small businesses, and healthcare providers by increasing accountability and transparency in insurance regulation.

Makes any offense under this statute that could result in the death of an animal punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each offense.