Rep. Megan Cotter

Maddy summaryHB 8113 (2026) requires residential landlords to pay interest on security deposits held for tenants. This directly affects landlords who collect security deposits and tenants who provide them. The key provision mandates that landlords pay interest on these deposits, likely calculated at a specified rate, though the exact rate isn't detailed in the abstract. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (referred to House Judiciary on 02/27/2026) and has not yet been voted on or enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 8109 would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants from residential housing without a valid legal reason, directly affecting both landlords and renters in rental properties. The bill prevents landlords from removing tenants or attempting to exclude them from their homes, requiring just cause for any eviction. Key provisions include banning no-cause evictions and establishing that landlords must have a legally recognized justification, such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations, to seek removal. This bill aims to strengthen tenant protections by limiting arbitrary displacement in residential housing.

Maddy summaryHB 8111 would allow tenants to have certain eviction records sealed, making them inaccessible to future landlords or background checks. This directly affects tenants who faced evictions under specific qualifying circumstances, such as disputes over repairs or non-payment due to financial hardship. The key mechanism requires tenants to petition a court to seal records after meeting eligibility criteria, removing them from public access. The bill aims to provide a fresh start for tenants by limiting the long-term impact of past eviction cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Anna Casale, a 98-year-old Rhode Island resident. It directly affects the Casale family by formally acknowledging their loss and honoring her life as a devoted mother, grandmother, and community member. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to the family as a gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her legacy and contributions to her family and faith community.

Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.

Maddy summaryHB 7563, the Development Review Efficiency Act, allows property owners or their contractors to hire licensed architects, engineers, or building code administrators (called "independent providers") to review construction plans and perform building inspections instead of relying solely on local government staff. This directly affects developers, contractors, and property owners by potentially speeding up project approvals, as the bill requires local governments to reduce fees by the amount they save when using third-party reviews. Key safeguards include mandatory professional liability insurance ($1M-$4M coverage depending on project size), restrictions against providers having ownership stakes in projects, and a requirement that local governments issue occupancy certificates within 7 business days (or 3 days for single-family homes) after inspections are completed. The law aims to streamline development while maintaining safety standards through regulated third-party oversight.

Permits students diagnosed with asthma, a condition that may lead to bronchospasm or anaphylaxis, or both, to carry and self-administer asthma medication or auto-injectable or intranasal epinephrine, or both.

Designates the month of May, annually, as "Rhode Island Native Plant Month," with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize and educate people about Rhode Island's native plants.

Maddy summaryHB 7485 increases reimbursement rates for ambulance services under both individual and group health insurance plans. It creates a Mobile Integrated Healthcare Community Paramedicine Program administered by the Department of Health, allowing approved ambulance services to provide community-based healthcare. The bill requires all out-of-network ambulance services participating in the program to follow state and federal rules prohibiting surprise medical billing. This directly affects ambulance service agencies, health insurers, and patients receiving emergency transportation services in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7518, the Rhode Island Kratom Act, regulates the sale of kratom products by requiring retailers to store all such products behind the sales counter in a locked case until purchased. It prohibits sales to anyone under 21 years old and mandates that buyers show valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) to verify age. The law applies directly to businesses selling kratom products in Rhode Island and takes effect on April 1, 2026. These provisions aim to restrict access to kratom products while ensuring age verification at point-of-sale.