Rep. Anthony DeSimone

Authorizes the city of Providence to issue not more than $25,000,000 in general obligation bonds and notes to fund the providence housing trust fund to finance affordable multi-family housing projects in the city.

Maddy summaryHB 7520 expands underinsured motorist coverage to include property damage (such as vehicle damage) alongside bodily injury, which currently only covers bodily injury for underinsured drivers. This change would directly affect car owners who suffer property damage in accidents with drivers carrying insurance but with limits below the damages owed. The bill establishes a $200 deductible for property damage claims under this expanded coverage and allows insureds to opt out of property damage coverage if they have collision insurance. It also clarifies that "underinsured" includes drivers with insufficient coverage limits and ensures subrogation rights for insurers.

Maddy summaryHB 7416 would grant automatic admission to Rhode Island's public colleges and universities (URI, RIC, CCRI) for state residents who earned the Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), starting in Fall 2026. Applicants must meet basic application requirements but won't need to satisfy competitive academic thresholds. The law explicitly excludes specialized programs like nursing or engineering from automatic admission (requiring program-specific qualifications) and clarifies it doesn't guarantee financial aid or change residency rules.

Maddy summaryHB 7507 requires judgment creditors to send written notice to property owners within 10 business days of recording a lien on real property. The notice must include the creditor's contact details, judgment amount, property description, and instructions for resolving or disputing the lien, sent by certified mail to the owner's last known address. Failure to provide this notice does not invalidate the lien but may delay enforcement deadlines until the notice is sent. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and directly affects property owners who may face liens on their real estate.

Maddy summaryHB 7513 requires radon testing for most residential real estate transactions starting on June 1, 2027, to ensure buyers are informed about radioactive gas levels in homes. The law mandates that a certified professional conduct the test no earlier than one year before closing and share the results with both the buyer and seller. If the test shows unsafe radon levels, the seller must install a mitigation system before the sale is finalized, or the cost must be held in escrow until the work is done. Certain situations, such as foreclosures, sales of non-residential property, or homes with a recent mitigation system, are exempt from these testing requirements.

Permits the implementation of a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles, by the DMV and would require that rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter, would be promulgated by the administrator of the DMV.

Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.

Maddy summaryHB 7726, the Solar Cost Reduction Act, streamlines permitting for residential solar installations by creating a statewide automated platform. It requires municipalities to adopt a "smart solar permitting platform" that instantly issues permits for compliant applications (like rooftop solar systems under 25 kW) without manual review, while banning additional engineering documentation for eligible projects. Homeowners and installers benefit from faster permits, electronic submissions, and remote inspection options by 2027, while municipalities retain authority over local fees and retain all permit revenue. The bill also establishes a public repository of all local solar ordinances to standardize requirements across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 7218 creates the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent entity separate from Providence city government and the state, to maintain the Crook Point Bascule Bridge and related property. The authority will be governed by a 3-member board appointed by the mayor (with city council approval), with members serving five-year terms and no compensation. Key provisions include the authority’s power to manage finances, enter contracts, borrow funds, and handle maintenance without burdening city or state budgets or taxes. The bill ensures the bridge’s upkeep is managed through a dedicated body, with annual financial reports submitted to city officials.