Rep. Kathleen Fogarty

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the existing crime of false reporting to include false claims about shootings or other dangerous events, directly affecting individuals who make such reports via telephone or other means. Under the new provisions, anyone who knowingly transmits a false warning about a shooting that causes fear, prompts an evacuation, or triggers a law enforcement response could face up to ten years in prison, a fine of $1,000, or both. The legislation also allows courts to impose specific conditions on bail for those charged, such as extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders, or referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows driver education schools in Rhode Island to teach the required thirty-three-hour curriculum in an instructor-led virtual format alongside traditional classroom settings. It applies specifically to individuals under eighteen years old who need to complete this training before obtaining a driver's license or limited-instruction permit, while adults with out-of-state licenses remain exempt. The legislation mandates that virtual courses maintain the same curriculum standards, including specific hours on Rhode Island traffic laws and the effects of alcohol and drugs, and requires a future report comparing virtual and in-person test results. Additionally, the act ensures that all driver education programs include information about drivers' rights when stopped by law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution offering condolences to the family of Paul T. DeRoche, a longtime lobbyist for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce who recently passed away. It recognizes his thirty-seven-year career in government affairs and his role as a respected fixture at the State House. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Helen M. Caldwell and her family.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new beverage container deposit recycling program in Rhode Island to reduce litter and increase recycling rates. It would establish a system where consumers pay a small refundable fee when buying eligible drinks in containers like plastic, glass, or metal, which they can get back by returning empty bottles to designated drop-off facilities. The Department of Environmental Management would oversee the program, while manufacturers and importers would be responsible for funding and managing the collection efforts through designated nonprofit organizations. The law specifically defines which products are covered, such as single-use drinks between 50 milliliters and three liters, while excluding items like milk and infant formula.

Requires the dept of behavioral healthcare/developmental disabilities/hospitals to coordinate with the DOH to propose revisions to chapter 1.10 and 10.1 of title 23, including updates and revisions of statutory language and evidence-based best practices.

Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.

Prevents insurance companies from treating widowed persons differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining an insured's rate or classification respecting the operation of a personal motor vehicle. Effective 1/1/25.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.

Allows victims of violent crime receiving awards under the state's crime victim compensation program to use up to $1,000 of their total award to make reasonable modification to their residence to ensure their future safety.