Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.
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.
Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.
Allows for building inspectors to conduct “virtual inspections” or utilize photographic evidence, at the building official’s discretion, from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which the building official has issued a permit.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island to recognize and celebrate the contributions of social workers in the state. It directly affects the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter by directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to their executive director. The resolution highlights the profession's role in addressing mental health, addiction, housing crises, and social justice issues across schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It calls on citizens to join in celebrating the social work profession but does not create new laws or funding. The measure is a commemorative resolution rather than a policy change that alters existing regulations or programs.
Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Francisco J. "El Grande" Batista, a realtor from Rhode Island. It formally acknowledges his life, family connections, and contributions to his community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Batista family as an official gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a commemorative tribute.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 8158, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to review how funding formulas calculate aid for high-need students. This review focuses on the specific components used to determine support levels, aiming to ensure equitable resource allocation. The bill directly affects the state education department and the students designated as high-need under current funding formulas. As referenced in its title, the bill connects to broader education equity efforts, though its core mechanism is the mandated formula review process. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating February 23-27, 2026, as "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or allocate funding; instead, it formally recognizes the importance of public education through a ceremonial proclamation. The resolution expresses support for public schools, educators, and student needs through non-binding statements (e.g., advocating for equitable funding and mental health resources). It affects the entire state by directing the Secretary of State to notify the state education commissioner, but has no legal or financial impact on schools or students.
