Rep. Stephen Casey

Maddy summaryHB 7903 requires schools to create individualized academic plans for students diagnosed with a concussion or other brain injury. This directly affects students recovering from such injuries and their school staff. The key provision mandates that schools develop and implement specific accommodations to support these students' academic needs during recovery. The bill focuses on ensuring students receive necessary educational support following a brain injury diagnosis.

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Creates a 13-member joint commission to study Rhode Island’s method of funding charter schools, and would report back to the Governor and the General Assembly by April 1, 2027, and would expire on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 8030 requires criminal background checks for anyone applying for jobs or volunteering with the South Kingstown fire department or fire district. This bill directly affects fire department applicants and volunteers in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The key provision mandates that these checks be conducted as part of the hiring or acceptance process. The bill is currently pending a committee hearing scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 7957 prohibits government entities from forcing individuals to disclose private keys that control digital assets (like cryptocurrency), digital identities, or other digital rights. It directly affects users of digital assets and online services who rely on private keys for security. The bill’s key provision prevents courts or agencies from compelling the production of these keys, treating them as protected information similar to passwords. As a procedural measure, it does not change existing laws but aims to establish a clear legal barrier against forced disclosure. The bill is currently under review by the House committee.

Creates a 5 member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submit an interim progress report by January 5, 2027, and a final report by January 5, 2028, and would expire on February 5, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes and commends Rhode Island Energy and its workforce for their efforts during recent extreme winter weather events. It highlights the utility company's role in maintaining energy systems and restoring power after Winter Storm Fern and Winter Storm Hernando caused widespread outages and damage. The resolution acknowledges the contributions of over 1,300 union and non-union employees who worked to keep gas flowing and restore electricity to more than 99% of affected customers within 48 hours. The document directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Greg Cornett, President of Rhode Island Energy, as an official acknowledgment of their service.

Requires businesses that conduct business to register and maintain required filings with the secretary of state so that consumers and small businesses may readily identify responsible parties, verify good standing, and effectuate service of process.

Maddy summaryHB 7607 prohibits payment networks from charging swipe fees (interchange and assessment fees) on state or local taxes and separately listed gratuities (tips) in electronic payment transactions. It requires payment networks to either deduct these amounts from swipe fee calculations at settlement or rebate merchants within 180 days if tax/tip details aren't captured at checkout. This directly affects merchants (businesses accepting card payments) and payment networks like Visa or Mastercard. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and includes penalties for violations, such as civil fines up to $1,000 per incident.

Expands various definitions relative to contractors, home inspectors, and claim adjusters to provide clarity regarding licensed and unlicensed vendors, consultants, or third-party representatives.