Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.
Provides protections to children using online platforms by requiring platforms to turn off open chats by default for young users, and requires parent to approve children's financial transactions on gaming and social media sites.
Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform.
Maddy summaryHB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.
Maddy summaryHB 7675 establishes a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (paid by waste haulers and landfill operators) to fund composting initiatives. The revenue flows into a dedicated "Compost Fund," which supports three grant programs: competitive grants for composting projects, municipal waste diversion grants (available only to towns that opt-in), and infrastructure development. The bill directly affects waste disposal entities and municipalities, aiming to reduce landfill use by incentivizing organic waste diversion. Key provisions include quarterly surcharge collection starting in 2027, annual adjustments tied to inflation or a 20% increase, and requiring funds to stay within the Compost Fund rather than returning to the general state budget.
Maddy summaryHB 7999 modifies state procurement rules for food and food supplies, allowing agencies to purchase items under $25,000 in total without following full competitive bidding procedures. This directly affects state departments and agencies that regularly buy food for operations, such as schools, hospitals, or correctional facilities. The bill streamlines small food purchases by exempting them from standard competitive bidding requirements, reducing administrative steps for transactions below the $25,000 threshold.
Maddy summaryHB 8018 requires that all new residential buildings must include at least two standard exterior doors serving as exit routes for emergencies. This applies directly to builders and developers constructing new homes, apartments, or other residential properties. The bill amends the state building code to mandate this safety feature, ensuring multiple exit options during fire or evacuation scenarios. It does not affect existing buildings or renovations, and the requirement would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 7982 establishes a new performance audit division within the Office of the Auditor General. This division will conduct regular audits to assess how effectively state agencies are using public funds and delivering services. The bill directly affects state agencies by requiring them to undergo these performance reviews, aiming to improve government efficiency and accountability.
Requires the public utilities commission to provide for a classification of service for retail electricity consumers that are large energy use facilities.
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.
