Rep. Anthony DeSimone

Maddy summaryHB 7835 amends Rhode Island's architecture registration laws, affecting individual architects and architecture firms. It changes certificate expiration dates to December 31 of odd-numbered years for individuals and even-numbered years for firms. The bill requires firms to obtain a separate "certificate of authorization" from the board, mandating that two-thirds of leadership (partners/directors/managers) be registered architects, with one-third specifically registered in architecture (not engineering), and the person in charge must be a registered architect within the firm. Firms must submit detailed organizational information to the board and renew their authorization every two years.

Amends the law so that child daycare providers would be required to renew their licenses every two (2) years, instead of the current yearly renewal requirement.

Extends certain protocols applicable to vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, updates definitions relative to common entities and sales.

Allows a brewery to sell, deliver, and distribute its own malt beverages directly to retailers without using a wholesaler. The holder of a license for a brewery may also have 1 additional location for the retail sale of alcohol.

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.

Ensures any public school with available seats, after completion of the initial enrollment period for students, shall make all open seats available to other students residing within the same school district.

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.

Prohibits insurance companies from paying a rate that is less than the approved Medicaid rate set by the executive office of health and human services.

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.

Provides educators and administrators employed in a charter public school or mayoral academy with prevailing wage and benefits oversight and recourse if found in violation of the same.