Rep. Sam Azzinaro

Maddy summaryHB 6001 redirects the distribution of hotel tax revenue in Rhode Island, shifting a larger share to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for tourism promotion. For tax payments received after December 31, 2015, 75% of the tax generated by hotels in the statewide district (covering most of the state) must now go directly to the Commerce Corporation, up from previous allocations. The bill requires the Commerce Corporation to spend at least the full amount it receives annually on promoting Rhode Island as a tourism destination. This change primarily affects hotels statewide, altering how local tourism districts, cities, and the Commerce Corporation receive funding from hotel taxes.

Provides duties/obligations of medical personnel to born-alive infants resulting from an abortion punishable as a felony along with a civil action for compensatory/punitive damages/automatic one year license suspension.

Maddy summaryHB 5033 removes the requirement for nuclear plant construction projects to seek approval from the Rhode Island General Assembly. This bill directly affects developers planning new nuclear facilities, as they will no longer need legislative sign-off for project plans. The key change shifts the approval process away from the General Assembly, meaning developers must now navigate other regulatory pathways instead of legislative review. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter existing regulatory authority for other entities.

Maddy summaryHB 6164 creates a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office to address consumer protection, health care regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against businesses or organizations engaging in repeated illegal activities that harm the public, including seeking court orders to stop such conduct and recover restitution or fines. It requires the bureau to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes like injunctions or penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to entities already exempted under existing law.

RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5391 gives Rhode Island residents priority over nonresidents for reserving campsites and recreational facilities by allowing residents a two-hour head start on the online reservation system. It also provides a 50% fee reduction for 100% disabled veterans on specific state recreational fees, including licensing, camping, and picnic table fees. The bill does not cover all fees (like parking or golf admission) but requires proper disability verification for veterans' benefits. This policy directly affects state park users and veterans with qualifying disabilities.

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.

Provides that all contractual provisions in a firefighters collective bargaining agreement continue until a successor agreement has been reached or an interest arbitration award has been rendered.

Recognizes that municipal employees have the opportunity to utilize interest arbitration and would establish new factors for the arbitrators to consider. These factors include comparisons of wages/hourly conditions of employment in similarly skilled jobs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 171st anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity by designating March 31 (the treaty’s signing date) as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Rhode Island’s historical ties to Japan, including Commodore Matthew Perry’s Newport roots, the Newport-Shimoda sister city relationship, and cultural exchanges like the Black Ships Festival. The resolution also recognizes current economic and diplomatic connections, noting Japanese companies employ 2,300 Rhode Islanders and contribute $182 million in annual exports. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with state officials, federal representatives, and the Japanese Consul General in Boston.