Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council to create a detailed report on how to track energy use and improve performance in large Rhode Island buildings, which are defined as those with at least 25,000 square feet of floor space. The report must cover topics such as current energy sources, estimated costs for upgrades, and a timeline for implementing new standards, while also considering input from the public and relevant committees. The legislation directs the council to submit this document to state legislative leaders and make it available online by February 15, 2025. Ultimately, the bill seeks to gather specific data and recommendations to guide future policy decisions regarding building efficiency rather than establishing new rules immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 7053 expands the ability of individuals with felony convictions to have certain misdemeanor offenses removed from their criminal records. Under this bill, a person convicted of one felony and one or more misdemeanors can apply to expunge the misdemeanor charges, provided they have not committed a crime of violence and have paid all related court fees. Additionally, the legislation allows for the expungement of up to six misdemeanor convictions for those who have not been convicted of a felony. Eligibility requires applicants to wait a specific number of years after completing their sentences, demonstrate good moral character, and show no new arrests or convictions during that waiting period. The court retains discretion to grant or deny the request based on whether the individual has been rehabilitated and if expungement serves the public interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require state and municipal police departments in Rhode Island to collect detailed data on every routine traffic stop and vehicle search. Officers must record specific information for each stop, including the driver's perceived race and ethnicity, the reason for the stop, whether a search occurred, and the outcome such as citations or arrests. An outside agency chosen by the Department of Transportation will conduct an annual study of this data to analyze potential racial disparities in enforcement, with the first report due within 18 months of data collection beginning. The bill also mandates that quarterly summary reports be made public while keeping individual officer identities confidential, and it allows civil rights organizations to sue police departments that fail to comply with these data collection requirements.

Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage

Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.

Amends the provision of notice to be provided for the release of any hazardous gas or liquid as determined by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to track energy and water use in large commercial buildings in Rhode Island, aiming to help the state reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. It requires buildings with at least 25,000 square feet of floor area to report their performance using tools like the EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and sets future standards for how efficiently these buildings must operate. Owners of covered properties who do not meet these standards or reporting requirements may have to pay a compliance fee instead. The Office of Energy Resources will manage the program, develop rules for implementation, and ensure enough staff and funding are available to carry it out.

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, per ear, for all people regardless of age.

Extends the reporting and expiration dates, and amend the commission’s purpose to include glass and aluminum products, and would report back by April 30, 2025, and expire on May 5, 2025.

Requires DEM, when practicable, to coordinate with local fire departments to assess fire prevention at certain state properties managed by the department.