Rep. Bob Phillips

Maddy summaryHB 5820 amends Rhode Island's renewable energy standard, requiring electricity providers to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in their retail sales to end-use customers. Starting in 2007, providers must meet rising annual targets (e.g., 4% in 2023, 5% in 2024, and 9.5% by 2043), with a cap of 2% from existing renewable sources. The bill allows compliance through renewable energy certificates or alternative payments to a development fund, while exempting pre-2022 power contracts from later targets. It aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity for Rhode Island by 2043.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6142) formally commemorates a March 27, 2025, flag-raising ceremony celebrating "La Francophonie" (the global French-speaking community) at the Rhode Island State House. It recognizes Rhode Island's French-speaking population (over 124,000 residents, including 9,500 fluent speakers) and the cultural contributions of French language and heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Alliance Française de Providence, which promotes French culture in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly acknowledges cultural ties.

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

Maddy summaryHB 5934 would allow any person aged 18 or older who holds a valid license or permit to carry a stun gun. The bill amends licensing requirements in the weapons chapter to explicitly include stun guns under the same provisions as other weapons. This change directly affects licensed individuals aged 18 and older who wish to carry stun guns in vehicles or on their person, removing prior restrictions. The bill does not alter age limits for other weapons or change general stun gun regulations. The measure is currently pending in committee review.

Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.

Maddy summaryHB 5277 proposes replacing traditional political party primaries with a unified "primary general election" for all state and municipal offices. This new system would require voters to select two candidates per office (or four for two vacancies) in a single primary, with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election ballot. Candidates would retain their party designation on ballots but could not change it after the primary, and the general election ballot order would mirror the primary results. The bill directly affects all candidates running for elected office and aims to streamline the nomination process by eliminating separate party primaries.

Provides that health clubs must discontinue automatic deductions from the consumer's account or credit card within 30 calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.

Limits the mandatory rental registry to properties constructed prior to 1978, and further push out the effective date of registration to September 1, 2025, with the penalty clause becoming effective as of October 1, 2025.

Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would be private and only accessible by specific entities.

Substitutes "housing resources commission" with "department of health" for lead hazard mitigation purposes. It also makes it easier for a property owner to release funds put into an escrow account, if needed to make required repairs or improvements.