Rep. Rebecca Kislak

Establishes the fair chance in housing credit reports act to provide standards for which a credit report can be used in considering a rental application.

Maddy summaryHB 7769 sets the minimum wage for 2027 at $20.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers and hourly workers in the state who must pay at least this rate. The key provision amends existing law to establish this specific hourly rate for 2027, building on previously scheduled annual increases listed in the bill. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7765 increases notice periods for landlords terminating month-to-month tenancies or raising rent in Rhode Island. It requires landlords to provide tenants with 60 days' written notice (up from 30 days) before termination or rent increases, and 120 days' notice for tenants aged 62 or older. This directly affects renters in month-to-month leases, giving them more time to adjust or find new housing. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to standardize notice requirements and forms, ensuring clearer communication about lease changes.

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.

Limits rent increases to 4% annually, but allows an additional increase for taxes, insurance, or health and safety costs if the landlord gets an exemption from the secretary of housing, and provides tenants civil remedies for violations.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Maddy summaryHB 7729 prohibits the unlawful use of designated seclusion rooms in Rhode Island public pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools, meaning students cannot be left alone in isolated rooms without freedom to leave. The bill specifically excludes physical prompts, restraints, and time-outs from this prohibition. School staff must follow positive behavioral interventions instead, and the education commissioner must handle complaints about violations through investigations and published procedures. This law directly affects all public school students, staff, and administrators in Rhode Island’s K-12 system.

Maddy summaryHB 7781 changes the name of the second Monday in August from "Victory Day" to "Peace and Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island's state holiday schedule. This directly affects state employees and official state communications, as the holiday is listed in the General Laws governing state holiday observances. The bill amends the statutory holiday list to replace the existing name and repeals a prior provision prohibiting the use of any other name for this day. The change takes effect upon passage without altering the holiday's date or observance requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 7904 would extend the maximum term of employment for school superintendents from three to five years. This change directly affects school superintendents and school boards, as it alters the standard term length for superintendent appointments. The key provision increases the maximum service period without reappointment, potentially allowing for longer leadership continuity. The bill is currently in the House Education committee after being introduced on February 27, 2026.