Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.
Maddy summaryHB 7356 requires all school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to conduct comprehensive background checks for employees with regular student contact. The bill mandates applicants provide detailed employment history (last 20 years at schools or child-contact roles), written authorization for disclosure, and written statements about any past child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions. Employers must verify this information by contacting former employers and documenting findings, with penalties including up to $500 for false statements. This directly affects school employees and aims to enhance student safety through thorough employment history checks beyond standard criminal records.
Require that the classification guide to desk audit analysis and class specification development be amended so that the lack of supervision of other employees not prevent an employee from receiving a classification upgrade
Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2026 as "American Heart Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but encourages public awareness through activities like wearing red, sharing heart health tips on social media, and participating in fitness challenges. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Heart Association - Rhode Island. It serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight heart disease prevention, referencing Rhode Island's 2022 data showing 22% of deaths were heart disease-related.
Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.
Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their town councils.
Maddy summaryHB 7337 establishes Rhode Island's Biotechnology Regulatory Sandbox Program under the Department of Business Regulation. The program allows biotech companies, research institutions, or entities to test new products or services with limited exemptions from state licensing and regulatory requirements during a controlled trial period. Applicants must submit detailed applications demonstrating safety, consumer benefits, financial stability, and a plan for handling test failures, while coordinating with state and federal agencies like the FDA. The sandbox directly affects biotech innovators seeking market access and consumers who may use the tested products under temporary regulatory flexibility. It requires participants to maintain liability coverage and ensures consumer protection throughout the testing phase.
Maddy summaryHB 7150 prevents cities and towns from banning or restricting landscape equipment like leaf blowers, lawn mowers, or trimmers solely based on whether they use gasoline, electricity, batteries, or other power sources. It directly affects municipalities (which cannot enforce such bans) and property owners or businesses using this equipment. The bill allows local governments to still set general noise limits, operating hours for all equipment, or safety rules - but not rules targeting specific fuel types. Existing fuel-based bans in place before the law's effective date remain valid until amended.
Permits a member or members of a limited-liability company to avoid dissolution by buying the membership interest owned by the other member or members seeking dissolution.
