Rep. Tina Spears

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person's transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.

Excludes portable solar generation devices intended primarily to offset part of a customer's electricity consumption from the definition of eligible net-metering system.

Amends the zoning ordinances to allow the town to restrict occupancy to one unrelated person per bedroom in a dwelling, up to a five (5) bedroom unit. Units with more than five (5) bedrooms may be limited to five (5) unrelated persons per unit.

Maddy summaryHB 8451 allows the town of New Shoreham on Block Island to request a temporary exemption from statewide deer hunting restrictions to address local overpopulation and public health concerns. Under this bill, the town council would submit a detailed management plan to the state Department of Environmental Management, which must include evidence of deer-related threats to ticks, native wildlife, and safety, along with specific population reduction goals. If approved, the director could grant a time-limited exemption lasting up to two years, permitting the town to adopt its own local rules on hunting seasons, methods, and bag limits while maintaining state enforcement authority. The legislation also requires the town to hold public hearings, coordinate with landowners, and submit annual reports on deer harvests and population progress to ensure accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 7676 allows advisory bodies (like commissions or committees without decision-making power) to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing under specific conditions. It permits remote participation for members on active military duty, those with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation (after a public waiver process), and University of Rhode Island board members, provided audio/video clarity is maintained. The bill requires that remote attendees be clearly audible/visible to in-person members and that all participation decisions be documented publicly. This update modernizes open meeting rules while maintaining transparency requirements for advisory group meetings.

Creates a fourteen (14) member special legislative study commission to study the use and impact of digital and electronic technology in public education and on mental health.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent commission to study climate change impacts and solutions in Rhode Island. The commission, consisting of 18 members including state agency representatives, environmental groups, business associations, and coastal community members, will examine specific issues like sea level rise, flooding, beach erosion, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. It will analyze adaptation strategies - such as beach nourishment, green infrastructure, and managed retreat - and hold public hearings to gather input from stakeholders. The commission will produce reports on economic, environmental, and social implications to guide state resilience planning, with no compensation for members.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that honors the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England for their work in empowering girls through leadership and service. It recognizes the organization's efforts, including transforming Camp Rocky Farm into a maritime facility and supporting STEM and environmental programs for thousands of youth in Rhode Island. The resolution formally expresses gratitude to the group and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the organization's CEO.

Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.

Maddy summaryHB 8000 requires local agencies to provide at least 15 days' written notice to people living in outdoor encampments on public property before removing or relocating them. This applies to homeless individuals and their belongings in temporary shelters, directly affecting those residing in such encampments. Exceptions to the notice requirement include immediate public safety risks (like active construction sites, environmental hazards, or infrastructure repairs). The bill mandates agencies also notify local homelessness outreach services when providing notice, unless one of the five safety exceptions applies. It takes effect upon passage.