Rep. Dick Fascia

Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.

Requires health insurance commissioner to conduct a review of health insurance benefit mandates, including an analysis of the impact on premium costs, conducted every 5 yrs and report findings and recommendations to governor, senate president and speaker.

Maddy summaryHB 8012, the Rhode Island Pedestrian Safety Act, allows cities and towns to use automated camera systems to detect specific traffic violations that endanger pedestrians. It authorizes fines of $50 for violations like failing to yield to pedestrians, stopping improperly at crosswalks, or ignoring stop signs, primarily in school zones, hospital areas, work zones, or high-pedestrian-risk locations. Registered vehicle owners - not drivers - are liable for fines, with municipalities required to send detailed violation notices including photos/videos and appeal options. For the first 30 days after implementation, cities must issue warnings instead of fines to educate drivers. The law does not create new traffic offenses but enables local enforcement of existing pedestrian safety rules through automated monitoring.

Makes it a felony for any person required to register as a sex offender to live within three hundred feet (300’) of a school as defined in § 11-37.1-2.

Maddy summaryHB 8118 amends the existing Law Enforcement Officers’ Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act by changing the provision for payment of legal fees. This change directly affects law enforcement officers who may seek legal representation in certain cases. The bill modifies the specific mechanism governing how legal fees are covered under the current law. The abstract does not specify the exact nature of the fee payment change.

Expands the Rhode Island rehabilitation and fire code to include existing one, two, and three-bedroom homes, removing their current exclusion and promoting the continued use and reuse of existing residential buildings.

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that commemorates the Feast of Saint Joseph, a religious celebration observed by Italian-Americans and others on March 19th. The resolution acknowledges Saint Joseph's role as a family patriarch and highlights his significance to Italian culture and history, particularly in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves to recognize and honor the cultural and religious traditions associated with this feast day.

Establishes a five (5) year moratorium from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2031, on the RE growth program charge, renewable energy distribution charge and the energy efficiency programs public policy charges on electricity bills.