Rep. Tina Spears

Maddy summaryHB 5558 requires all new and renewing contractor applicants in Rhode Island to submit a legible copy of a valid government-issued ID as part of their registration application. This change directly affects individuals and businesses seeking to register as contractors, adding a new verification step to the existing application process. The bill does not alter other requirements like insurance documentation, education hours, or background checks, but mandates this ID submission to confirm applicant identity. The provision takes effect upon passage and applies to all contractor registration applications submitted after the law is enacted.

Creates the PURPLE alert state system to aid in the search for a missing adult with a serious physical, behavioral health, neurological disabilities or medical condition.

Serves as the enabling act required by Rhode Island General Laws§ 16-7-44 in order for the principal and interest on bonds issued in support of school housing projects to be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement.

Maddy summaryHB 5882 shortens the training requirement for school bus drivers in Rhode Island who already hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Specifically, it reduces the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course to a shorter, focused program covering only Rhode Island-specific rules and safety requirements. This change directly affects CDL holders seeking to drive school buses in Rhode Island, streamlining their path to certification without altering safety standards or background checks. The bill does not change other requirements, such as passing written/driver tests or providing proof of residency and employment.

Permits a certified foot care nurse or a certified foot care specialist, to provide certain at-home foot care, including routine foot and nail care including nail clipping.

Prohibits the use of service agreements that are unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to persons who may become owners of that real estate in the future.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6372 is a formal request from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the U.S. Coast Guard. It urges the Coast Guard to retain and maintain 38 buoys currently considered for removal from Rhode Island waters. The resolution aims to ensure the safety of recreational boaters and commercial traffic, emphasizing the importance of physical aids to navigation alongside modern electronic systems.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6381) formally congratulates the South Kingstown High School Rebel Theater Group for winning multiple awards at the 2024-2025 Ocean State Star Awards, including Outstanding Musical and several individual honors. It directly recognizes the students and staff involved in their production of "Shrek the Musical," which received accolades in categories like ensemble, orchestra, and technical achievements. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative support through a ceremonial congratulatory statement and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the theater group's director. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 6365 imposes a 50-cent fee per transaction on retailers (including marketplace facilitators) delivering taxable tangible goods to Rhode Island customers, effective October 1, 2025. It exempts retailers with under $500,000 in annual delivery sales in the state and all food-related deliveries (including prepared food and food service establishments). The fee is charged per transaction regardless of shipment size, must be listed separately from sales price on receipts, and is nonrefundable for returned items. Retailers may choose to collect the fee from customers but are not required to do so.

Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer. The plate would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI. The fees for the plate would be divided equally between the general fund and the partnership not-for-profit.