Rep. Bob Quattrocchi

Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.

Maddy summaryHB 5360, the "Electronic Information and Data Privacy Act," requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before accessing most electronic data, including phone location information, stored messages, or transmitted data from devices. It specifically prohibits the use of stingray cell-site simulators (devices that mimic cell towers to track phones) without a warrant. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and digital device users by strengthening privacy protections for electronic communications and location data. Exceptions include emergencies involving imminent harm, stolen device reports, or voluntary user consent, but generally mandates judicial oversight for digital data access. This law changes how police investigate crimes by requiring court approval for most digital information requests.

Maddy summaryHB 5359 requires law enforcement to get a person's consent or a search warrant before placing audio or video recorders on their private property to capture activities there. If violated, any evidence recorded without consent or a warrant cannot be used in court against the property owner, tenant, or guest. The bill also prevents prosecution in this state for the same criminal acts if the person was previously acquitted in federal court or another state, unless new evidence emerges that strongly supports prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's Milk Sanitation Code to explicitly permit the sale of raw milk within the state, removing prior restrictions requiring pasteurization for all sales. It updates Section 21-2-2 to state: "That all raw milk may be sold within the state of Rhode Island" (replacing the prior requirement for pasteurization). The change directly affects dairy producers who may now sell unpasteurized milk and consumers seeking raw milk products. Other elements mentioned in the abstract (pickles, relish, mushrooms) do not appear in the bill text and are not part of this legislative change.

Maddy summaryHB 5183 allows motorcycle riders to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles (traveling 10 mph or slower) in the same lane - under specific safety conditions. It requires motorcycles to move at 20 mph or less while filtering, only on roads with lanes wide enough for safe passing, and only when conditions permit continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders in the state by modifying traffic rules for lane filtering. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change rules for cars or other vehicles. The legislation is limited to this specific lane-filtering provision for motorcycles.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution (HR 5240) formally commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the "Four Chaplains" - Methodist Minister George Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Dutch Reformed Minister Clark Poling, and Catholic Priest John Washington - who sacrificed their lives during World War II. The bill honors their actions on the SS Dorchester in 1943, where they gave up their life jackets to save others, leading to their deaths. It has no policy impact or affected parties; it is purely ceremonial, directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to two veterans' organizations. The resolution passed the Rhode Island House on January 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It formally congratulates President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance on their election victory and recognizes the 2024 election as historic. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses support and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the President and Vice President. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or specific groups of people.

Maddy summaryHR 5060 designates January 2025 as "Rhode Island Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month" in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or provide funding - it is a symbolic observance to raise awareness about human trafficking, referencing global statistics and past national observances. The bill directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send certified copies to the U.S. President, Rhode Island Governor, and UN Secretary-General. This is a commemorative measure with no direct impact on individuals or new policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 7753 amends state property tax laws to exempt the tangible personal property of Northwest Community Health Care, also known as WellOne Primary Medical and Dental Care, from taxation. This change directly affects the specific healthcare facility by removing its liability for property taxes on its movable assets. The bill achieves this by adding the organization's name to a list of entities and property types that are already exempt under existing statutes. Once enacted, the facility will not have to pay property taxes on its equipment and other tangible items as of January 1, 2024.

Allows the Halona Woodson to join the Honorable Brianna E. Henries and Jarod Radigan in marriage on August 8, 2024, within the Town of Jamestown, Rhode Island.