Requires all municipal zoning ordinances be amended to provide that any lot with access to public water/sewer services, not establish or enforce a minimum lot area that exceeds 5,000 sq.ft. for a residential building with between one and 4 dwelling units.
Establishes the trades worker justice and safety act to help provide workers with a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, bullying, abuse and retaliation.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a $25 million bond referendum to the Rhode Island voters for approval at the November 2026 election to fund a statewide bicycle infrastructure network. If approved, the state would issue bonds to finance planning, design, and construction of priority projects outlined in the Rhode Island Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan. The funding would support building safe, connected bicycle facilities across the state to improve transportation options, reduce emissions, and promote public health. The bill requires voter approval before any bonds can be issued, ensuring public consent for the capital investment.
Sets the allocation to RIPTA at the greater of $0.1175 per gallon or 29.375% of total proceeds, with $0.005 per gallon derived from the $0.01 per gallon environmental protection fee.
Increases and reallocates the fees collected for motor vehicle inspections, including motorcycle inspections, with an allocation of ten dollars ($10.00) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $40,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for participation in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC). The NFFPC is a mutual aid agreement among seven New England states, New York, and five Canadian provinces that allows states to share firefighting resources during large wildfires. Rhode Island uses this compact to access specialized equipment and personnel from other jurisdictions when local resources are overwhelmed, and this funding covers the state's share of costs for wages, transportation, and maintenance when requesting assistance. The bill does not change the compact's rules but ensures Rhode Island meets its financial obligations under the existing agreement.
Amends chapter 80 of the public laws of 1965 with respect to the composition of the regional district school building committee, apportionment of construction and operating costs and amendments to the agreement.
Maddy summaryHB 7823 proposes a universal healthcare system called "RICare" that would guarantee all Rhode Island residents access to primary and preventive care through a single public insurance program, replacing the current multi-payer system. The bill creates a unified payment system to consolidate administrative costs, establishes a RICare board and fund for oversight, and requires state agencies to coordinate implementation, including workforce planning for transitions. It directly affects every state resident by ensuring comprehensive coverage regardless of income or pre-existing conditions, while focusing on reducing costs through streamlined administration rather than employer-sponsored insurance.
Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.
Maddy summaryHB 8197 exempts the purchase of new or used bicycles and bicycle parts from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects consumers buying bikes or parts, as well as retailers selling them, by removing a tax burden on these items. The bill’s key mechanism is amending the tax code to specifically exclude bicycles and parts from taxable sales, simplifying the tax treatment for these goods. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.
