Rep. Teresa Tanzi

Maddy summaryHB 5651 allows state agencies to access juvenile criminal records for firearm background checks until the individual turns 21. This affects people who were juveniles (under 18) at the time of an offense and are now under 21 when seeking to purchase a firearm. The bill amends existing law to create a specific exception to the usual sealing of juvenile records, permitting their use in National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks for firearms. It maintains standard confidentiality protections for juvenile records in all other contexts, including public access and other legal proceedings.

Prohibits local licensing authorities from issuing a concealed carry permit to out of state residents based on permits issued by authorities from other states or subdivisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5890 prohibits anyone under 18 from possessing a firearm in Rhode Island, except in specific supervised situations. It allows minors to use firearms only at approved camps or ranges with a parent, guardian, or "qualified adult" (21+ with legal firearm rights), during supervised hunting, ROTC, competitive shooting, or firearms education programs. The bill also permits minors to carry unloaded firearms in a case to/from these approved locations when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or qualified adult. These provisions take effect upon passage and directly affect minors under 18 seeking to possess or transport firearms.

Makes it easier to vote for people eligible to vote who are incarcerated at the Rhode Island adult correctional institute and creates the position of "voting coordinator," within the department of corrections.

Maddy summaryHB 5902 prohibits property owners from including restrictions that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on land designated for selling fresh food for off-premises consumption. It allows exceptions only if a closed store relocates within one-half mile within one year, maintains similar product offerings, and meets specific timing requirements. Existing agreements made before the law's effective date remain valid. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to new property agreements.

Amends the uniform controlled substances act and reclassifies simple possession of 28 grams or less of certain controlled substances as a misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 5416 prohibits Rhode Island auto insurance companies from using race, ethnicity, zip code, credit scores, gender, education level, or occupation to set rates or classify drivers. The bill also bans penalizing drivers solely for being widowed (vs. married) or for being 65+ years old with a clean driving record (no accidents or violations in three years). Additionally, it prevents insurers from refusing policy renewals based solely on age (65+), low-value claims under $3,000, or minor fault (50% or less) in accidents. The law applies to all private passenger auto insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Expands meaning of bomb threats and false reports to include any warning or threat of the existence of an explosive device and allows judge to impose conditions of bail to include extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders and counseling.

Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Rhode Island's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to seek immediate rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for residents and businesses facing high utility costs, particularly low-income households, seniors, and small businesses. It asks the DPUC to take action similar to Massachusetts' approach and report progress by April 22, 2025. The resolution does not change rates but formally urges the regulator to address the financial burden.