Rep. David Place

Maddy summaryHB 7179, the "Charlotte A. Vacca Act," requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers meeting Rhode Island building code standards at retail establishments (stores selling food or goods) as part of new construction. It also encourages owners to add barriers at existing locations for pedestrian safety, while mandating compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility. The bill includes a provision requiring insurers to offer premium discounts for properties with installed barriers, subject to approval by the insurance commissioner. This law directly affects retail property owners and aims to reduce vehicle-impact risks to pedestrians and occupants. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7281 reduces the waiting period for expunging criminal records. It shortens the time to 3 years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and 5 years for felonies or multiple misdemeanors (down from 5 and 10 years, respectively). The bill applies to people with eligible non-violent convictions who have paid all court fees and fines. Violent crime convictions and certain offenses under specific statutes remain ineligible for expungement. The changes take effect upon passage.

Creates a 10 member bail task force to study the need of monetary conditions of bail and to consider other methods for ensuring an accused’s appearance in court, enhance public safety and honor the presumption of innocence and to file report by 1/1/2028.

Prohibits prosecutions for crimes in Rhode Island if the prosecution arises from the same facts or acts for which the defendant was acquitted in another jurisdiction, unless newly discovered evidence substantially warrants prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes March 31, 2026, as "401Gives Day" in Rhode Island to promote charitable giving to nonprofit organizations. It does not create new laws or change government operations but serves to acknowledge and encourage public support for the state's nonprofit sector through the 401Gives campaign. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to United Way of Rhode Island and other partners involved in the giving initiative. Its primary purpose is to highlight the role of nonprofits in community support and to inspire residents to contribute to these organizations on the designated day.

Maddy summaryHB 7916 permits individuals to collect wild mushrooms growing in state parks, recreational areas, and forests managed by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for personal use only. The bill requires the DEM director to create rules governing this activity, including restrictions to ensure it remains non-commercial. It explicitly states the state will not be liable for any incidents related to mushroom collection under these rules. This change applies to all public lands under DEM control, with rules to be established by the department.

Maddy summaryHB 7924 would permit the sale of raw (unpasteurized) milk in the state by amending the Milk Sanitation Code. This bill directly affects dairy producers, retailers, and consumers who currently cannot legally sell or purchase raw milk under existing regulations. The key provision changes the sanitation code to allow raw milk sales in food establishments, replacing current prohibitions. The bill is currently in committee following its introduction on February 27, 2026.

Redefines "political party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.

Exempts homes under two thousand (2,000) square feet from automatic statewide IECC energy mandates, allowing municipalities to decide whether to adopt climate-focused building code requirements for small and modest homes.

Maddy summaryHB 7531 repeals Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate in its entirety, removing the state's legally established greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and associated requirements. This bill directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council (created under the repealed law), and all entities subject to the prior climate regulations. The repeal eliminates mandatory targets like 45% below 1990 emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2040, along with the Council's duties to develop plans, coordinate climate efforts, and address environmental justice. The law was introduced in the 2026 legislative session and would remove all provisions of the original 2021 climate law.