Rep. Rebecca Kislak

Maddy summaryHB 7877 establishes mandatory energy and water efficiency standards for specific commercial appliances and equipment purchased or installed after January 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses like restaurants, hotels, and offices that buy or install equipment such as commercial dishwashers, fryers, ovens, steam cookers, servers, fans, faucets, and gas fireplaces. The bill requires these products to meet minimum efficiency levels defined in the law, aligning with federal standards for certain items. These standards aim to reduce energy and water consumption in commercial settings without specifying enforcement details or expected environmental outcomes.

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.

Amends the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) board composition by adding the Rhode Island Climate Community to the groups given due consideration for appointment to the board.

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.

Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.

Maddy summaryHB 7895 proposes the Safe School Technology Act of 2026, which would establish new regulations for technology use in schools. The bill directly affects school districts, educational institutions, and technology vendors by setting standards for implementing surveillance and monitoring systems in educational settings. Key provisions would likely include guidelines for data privacy, requirements for parental notification, and standards for how student information is collected and stored through school technology systems. This legislation aims to create a framework for balancing safety concerns with privacy rights in the digital school environment.

Expands council on elementary and secondary education and board of education and makes teacher of year and student advisory chair voting members on each.

Establishes a commission to promulgate rules, regulations and make recommendations to the governor as to petitions for pardons under Article IX, Section 13 of the Constitution of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7204 would allow individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to petition for the removal of their criminal records after completing their sentences for 10 years. This applies to people with more than one felony conviction (excluding crimes of violence) who have paid all court fees and fines, maintained a clean record for 10 years, and demonstrated good moral character. The bill amends existing expungement laws to expand eligibility beyond single offenses, specifically targeting those with multiple non-violent felony convictions. It does not apply to violent felony convictions or cases involving certain offenses under Chapter 29 of Title 12.