Rep. Tina Spears

Authorizes the Chariho Regional School District to finance the construction, furnishing and equipping of an elementary school and to issue not more than $116,000,000 bonds and/or notes.

Maddy summaryHB 8104 restricts mortgage prepayment penalty rules to loans secured by owner-occupied properties containing one to four dwelling units. Under the new provisions, lenders must allow borrowers to pay off these mortgages without penalty after the first year, while limiting early prepayment fees to two percent of the remaining balance. The bill also permits lenders to offer alternative loan products with different prepayment terms, provided they clearly disclose the costs, obtain borrower consent, and ensure no penalties apply after sixty months. Additionally, lenders offering these alternative products must also make available a standard mortgage option that complies with the stricter prepayment limitations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's abandoned property laws to allow for the sale of buildings and properties that have been declared public nuisances, with specific provisions for installing energy storage systems. When a court orders the sale of such properties, it can require the buyer to install an energy storage system as a condition of the sale, and these systems would be automatically permitted under local zoning rules without additional environmental reviews. The legislation also establishes a priority system for distributing sale proceeds, giving preference to buyers who commit to affordable housing, owner-occupancy restrictions, or energy storage installation. These changes apply to properties under receivership where public nuisance abatement has been completed or approved, affecting municipalities, receivers, and potential property buyers.

Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.

Maddy summaryHB 7373 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Pawtucket from local property taxation. The bill directly affects this specific nonprofit organization by removing its property tax obligation for its physical assets. The key provision is a targeted tax exemption for the center's buildings and equipment, not a broad policy change. The bill is currently under review by the House Municipal Government & Housing committee, having been referred for further study after a scheduled hearing.

Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.

Allows any member of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Rhode Island to receive recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses free of charge.

Authorizes the state retirement board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that individual is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime related to their public office or public employment.

Maddy summaryHB 7865 creates the "Strengthen Rhody Homes" program to help Rhode Island homeowners retrofit or build primary residences to better withstand hurricanes and catastrophic weather using federal or other grant funds (not state funds). The program targets owner-occupied single-family homes (excluding condos or mobile homes) that meet specific criteria, including having wind insurance, being in good repair, and following Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) standards for storm resilience. Homeowners must secure pre-qualification from an IBHS-certified evaluator, hire three approved contractors, and complete work to IBHS standards before grants are paid directly to contractors. Administered by the state’s insurance division, the program does not obligate the state to fund projects and requires random inspections to prevent fraud.

Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.