Rep. Dick Fascia

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 7714) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026. It expresses the House's deepest condolences to the family of Richard Serra, a former Charlestown Town Council member and local businessman, following his passing. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Camelia Serra, and their family. As a procedural memorial, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents beyond honoring an individual.

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Maddy summaryHR 7511 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to honor Delores (Ravo) Melillo, a Cranston resident who died on January 22, 2026, at age 87. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to her family, highlighting her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime Quill Pen assembler known for her work ethic and love of family gatherings. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her surviving family members, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy impact or direct effect on any community or law.

Increases the membership of the state crime laboratory commission from five (5) to nine (9). The overseer and co-executive secretaries of the commission have been changed to the deans of URI's colleges of pharmacy and engineering.

Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes school counselors' roles in supporting student development, career exploration, and collaboration with parents and educators. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It solely serves to honor the profession through symbolic recognition during the specified week.

Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their town councils.

Maddy summaryHB 7337 establishes Rhode Island's Biotechnology Regulatory Sandbox Program under the Department of Business Regulation. The program allows biotech companies, research institutions, or entities to test new products or services with limited exemptions from state licensing and regulatory requirements during a controlled trial period. Applicants must submit detailed applications demonstrating safety, consumer benefits, financial stability, and a plan for handling test failures, while coordinating with state and federal agencies like the FDA. The sandbox directly affects biotech innovators seeking market access and consumers who may use the tested products under temporary regulatory flexibility. It requires participants to maintain liability coverage and ensures consumer protection throughout the testing phase.

Maddy summaryHB 7150 prevents cities and towns from banning or restricting landscape equipment like leaf blowers, lawn mowers, or trimmers solely based on whether they use gasoline, electricity, batteries, or other power sources. It directly affects municipalities (which cannot enforce such bans) and property owners or businesses using this equipment. The bill allows local governments to still set general noise limits, operating hours for all equipment, or safety rules - but not rules targeting specific fuel types. Existing fuel-based bans in place before the law's effective date remain valid until amended.