Prohibits a healthcare provider from requiring patients to provide electronic payment information to be kept on file as a condition to receiving treatment and makes it a violation a deceptive trade practice.
Maddy summaryHB 7022 requires businesses to clearly inform customers when they charge a credit card surcharge or fee. Starting January 1, 2027, businesses must post conspicuous notices at the point of sale (or on restaurant menus) stating the surcharge amount or percentage. Failure to provide this notice would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice under existing law. The bill directly affects businesses that impose credit card payment fees, ensuring customers are aware of these costs before completing transactions.
Maddy summaryHB 7237 establishes a permanent 11-member joint committee (6 from the House, 5 from the Senate) to oversee Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). This committee will monitor DCYF's operations, consult with relevant agencies, and submit annual reports and recommendations to the legislature. All future bills or resolutions related to DCYF must be referred to this committee for review. The bill does not change DCYF's policies or funding but creates a new procedural mechanism for legislative oversight. It takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7264) formally recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Deborah J. Piasecki's promotion to Chief Master Sergeant - the highest enlisted rank in the Rhode Island Air National Guard - by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It highlights her service with the 143d Force Support Squadron and leadership in personnel management, including a cross-unit training initiative. The resolution has no policy impact; it solely expresses the House's appreciation for her service to Rhode Island and the nation. It was passed by the House on January 22, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Piasecki.
Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution expressing condolences for Ashbel Tingley Wall II (A.T. Wall), former Director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, who passed away. The resolution formally honors his 30+ year public service career, including his work on rehabilitation programs and safety record in corrections facilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family, including his wife Maria DeCarvalho. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not affect laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryHB 7087 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 of the service fee covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would replace standard registration plates and display "Governor Roger Williams" along with the state seal, available to any registered vehicle owner who chooses to purchase it. This is a commemorative plate with no substantive policy changes beyond the fee structure.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for the late David R. Carlin, Jr., a former Rhode Island State Senate Majority Leader and longtime public servant. It formally honors his life, career in education, and public service, including his roles in the Senate, Newport School Committee, and as a Democratic Party leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.
Maddy summaryHB 5768 requires the DMV to provide pro-rata refunds for unused portions of vehicle registrations when owners voluntarily cancel their registration early. This directly affects vehicle owners who cancel registrations before expiration, such as those selling or retiring vehicles mid-cycle. The bill amends registration fee rules to allow refunds for unused time, calculated based on the remaining registration period. It does not change standard registration fees but adds a mechanism for credit when registrations are canceled voluntarily. The bill was passed by the legislature but vetoed by the governor on July 2, 2025.
Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person receives a credit for the time remaining on the original registration to be applied to a future registration.
Maddy summaryHB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.
