Prohibits the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, public hearing, and approval by the department of health.
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 7557, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm manufacturers, distributors, and retailers ("firearm industry members") to implement safety measures preventing sales to prohibited buyers, straw purchasers, or firearm traffickers. It mandates "reasonable controls" to ensure compliance with existing firearm laws, prohibits advertising that promotes illegal use, and bans sales to entities violating these rules. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, injunctions, or loss of business permits. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to civil cases filed after that date.
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.
Allows for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.) or less to have passenger registration license plates.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates April 2026 as Organ Donation Month in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors. It encourages residents to register as donors through the state's driver's license system or online, aiming to increase the number of people willing to donate life-saving parts. The measure directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with relevant state and regional organizations to promote the observance.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with missing or altered limbs. The resolution encourages residents to support affected people, learn about related issues, and honor veterans who have lost limbs in service. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as "Community Development Month" in Rhode Island to honor the work of local nonprofit organizations. It specifically recognizes the Housing Network of Rhode Island and its member groups for their efforts in creating affordable housing and supporting community services like childcare and job training. The resolution does not change any laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal proclamation to acknowledge these organizations' contributions to the state's economy and housing stock. The Secretary of State is instructed to send a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally expresses condolences for the death of Linda Zanni, a Rhode Island resident who worked in the state legislature and owned a local dance studio. The document honors her life by highlighting her community service, her role as a mother, and her dedication to teaching dance. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family as a gesture of sympathy.
