Rep. Stephen Casey

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which has included providing emergency shelter, housing solutions, and trauma-informed support to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Vanessa Volz. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the organization's legacy and ongoing work in the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally welcomes the Narragansett Council of Scouting America to the Rhode Island State House on March 24, 2026, and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill recognizes the organization's youth development programs, community service efforts, and educational opportunities provided to thousands of Rhode Island youth and families. It acknowledges specific achievements such as food collection during a government shutdown, camp attendance, and leadership training programs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Scout Executive as official recognition of the council's contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 24, 2026, as "National Diabetes Alert Day 2026" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about diabetes risks and prevention. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging them to learn about their diabetes risk and pursue preventive care. The resolution formally recognizes the importance of early awareness and supports the state Department of Health's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle choices. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight public health priorities.

Maddy summaryHB 7556 requires all campus police officers at Rhode Island state colleges and universities to wear ballistic body armor meeting the same standard as state police. This mandate directly affects campus law enforcement officers who patrol college properties and enforce campus rules. The bill amends existing law to specify that officers must be equipped with this protective gear while performing their duties, without changing their arrest powers or other responsibilities. The requirement would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.

Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.

Provides for municipal and state police authorities to acquire and to utilize automated license plate readers and identify what data may be collected and in what ways the data can be used.

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.

Allows nonprofit organizations to participate in permitted games of chance upon registering with the state police on an annual basis. The nonprofit would be exempt from any required background checks by local law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 8011 removes a rule that previously blocked new retail liquor licenses (Class B, C, N, or I) within 200 feet of schools or religious institutions. This affects businesses applying for new licenses statewide, eliminating a barrier for locations near schools or places of worship. Existing license holders and specific exempt areas in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol (as described in the bill) remain unaffected. The bill changes no current licenses but allows new applications in areas previously restricted by the 200-foot rule.