Rep. Bob Phillips

Maddy summaryHB 7580 requires public agencies to provide electronic public records stored in computer systems at no cost when requested. This applies to all public records maintained in digital formats, eliminating fees for copies or delivery (whether as printouts or electronic files) upon request. The bill directly affects government agencies that manage electronic records and members of the public seeking access to them. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change existing requirements for physical records or the 10-business-day response timeframe.

Maddy summaryHB 7918 modifies backflow prevention testing requirements for public water systems. It changes the current yearly inspection mandate to a requirement that backflow prevention devices be tested only once every ten years, unless an emergency or public health situation necessitates more frequent checks. This directly affects all community and non-community public water systems serving residential and commercial properties. The bill focuses on reducing regulatory burden on water providers while maintaining safety standards through periodic testing. It does not alter other provisions about device installation or certification.

Reduces the newspaper advertising notice requirements for amendments to zoning ordinances and planning board meetings from three (3) weeks to two (2) weeks.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that celebrates La Francophonie, the French-speaking world, by authorizing a flag-raising ceremony at the Rhode Island State House on March 26, 2026. It directly affects the Alliance Française de Providence, the French consulate, and Rhode Island residents with French heritage or language skills. The resolution formally welcomes these groups to commemorate French culture and language, recognizing the state's 124,000 residents of French descent and the organization's 250-member community. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alliance Française de Providence to acknowledge the partnership. This measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a substantive policy change.

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 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.

Requires insurers to pay electronic claims for healthcare coverage within 14 calendar days of receipt. Permits healthcare providers to dispute claim denials within 60 days and empowers the secretary of EOHHS to establish penalties for violations.

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.

Creates a taskforce to provide recommendations, advice and guidance to help expedite and provide technical assistance with regard to the development of solar energy systems on property owned by the state.