Rep. Dick Fascia

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 7018), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of former Governor Edward D. DiPrete, who served from 1985 to 1991. The resolution formally honors his life, career, and service to Rhode Island, including his work on education, infrastructure, and environmental protections. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. As a ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in Rhode Island. It formally honors law enforcement officers for their service and urges citizens to show appreciation through actions like wearing blue clothing, writing thank-you notes, or participating in the annual Blue Blood Drive (January 1-14). The resolution has no binding policy changes and is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Fraternal Order of Police.

Reinstates the life and extends reporting date of the Commission to Review and Provide Recommendations for Policies That Deal With Numerous Economic and Social Short-Term Rentals Issues from 9/30/25 to 9/30/26 and said commission would expire on 1/10/27.

Allows the school building administration or teachers in all grades to provide the opportunity for students to observe a brief moment of silence on every September 11.

Amends the definition of “hobby breeder” to limit the sale or offering for sale to no more than two (2) litters of dogs or cats, or a combination thereof, in a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period.

Requires payments by the corporation increase from a $3.00 tipping fee per vehicle to a $6.00 tipping fee per vehicle, unless exempt. This act would also require fees be paid to Johnston on an annual rather than a biannual basis.

Adds a provision in the statute relating to one way highways, providing an increased penalty when a motorist travels the wrong way on an interstate highway or an entrance or exit ramp connected to an interstate highway.

Maddy summaryHB 6315 removes a 10% cap on certain investments for domestic insurance companies in the state. It eliminates the restriction that previously limited these companies from allocating more than 10% of their admitted assets to specific investment types, such as oil and gas production loans, timber deeds, mineral rights, and transportation equipment. This change directly affects domestic insurers operating within the state by allowing greater flexibility in their investment portfolios. The bill does not introduce new requirements but removes an existing limitation on how insurers can allocate capital. The repeal takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' gratitude to the state's 25 community newspapers for their role in local journalism. It formally thanks these publications - such as the Warren Times-Gazette (est. 1826) and Newport Daily News (est. 1846) - for serving as "local watchdogs" covering government and community issues. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to each newspaper publisher. No new laws, funding, or policy changes are enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 5514 exempts emergency mail ballots from needing the "Mail voters" wording on the ballot, while regular mail ballots still require this label. This change specifically applies to ballots cast during emergencies under §17-20-2.2(g), streamlining the ballot design for those situations. The bill amends the existing requirement in Section 17-20-18 of the General Laws to remove the wording mandate only for emergency mail ballots. It directly affects voters receiving emergency mail ballots during declared emergencies, without altering voting rights or procedures. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.