Establishes a compact agreement among at least two (2) states to prohibit the use of subsidies to selectively retain industry or company entice relocation from one state to another state or to open a new facility.
This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.
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 city or town councils.
Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning, permits local communities to adopt all-charter school public school model for public education.
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 5363 prohibits civil forfeiture (seizing property without a criminal conviction) for violations of controlled substances laws until after a criminal conviction is secured. This means law enforcement cannot seize assets like vehicles or cash related to drug offenses without first obtaining a criminal conviction. The bill adds specific protections for innocent property owners, requiring proof of their involvement before forfeiture can occur. It directly affects individuals whose property is seized under drug laws but have not yet faced a criminal trial.
Directs the office of law revision to identify, on a yearly basis, any decisions or holdings of the United States Supreme Court that would require amendments to any state statutes.
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.
