Rep. Bill O'Brien

Maddy summaryHB 8011 removes a rule that previously blocked new retail liquor licenses (Class B, C, N, or I) within 200 feet of schools or religious institutions. This affects businesses applying for new licenses statewide, eliminating a barrier for locations near schools or places of worship. Existing license holders and specific exempt areas in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol (as described in the bill) remain unaffected. The bill changes no current licenses but allows new applications in areas previously restricted by the 200-foot rule.

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."

Maddy summaryHB 7444 updates retirement calculations for police officers and firefighters in the state. It changes the formula used to determine retirement allowances, effective July 1, 2026, by adding a 2.5% multiplier on final salary for service years after June 30, 2026. Members retiring after this date will receive their accrued benefit as of June 2026 plus the new 2.5% calculation for future service. A special provision preserves the previous benefit formula for those retiring at age 57 with 30+ years of service.

Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and firefighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1 following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Michael J. Murphy, a resident of Warwick, Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a formal tribute to honor his life and contributions to his community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to Murphy's family, acknowledging his legacy as a basketball coach, insurance agent, and community leader.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 19, 2026, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the institution's contributions to the community. The resolution recognizes Rhode Island College as the state's oldest public college and highlights its academic programs, athletic teams, and recent investments in modernizing science and cybersecurity facilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college's president as a formal acknowledgment of the institution's achievements.

Maddy summaryHB 7611 amends Rhode Island's renewable energy standard, requiring electric utilities (obligated entities) selling electricity to retail customers to gradually increase their renewable energy supply. Starting at 3% in 2007, the required renewable percentage escalates annually, reaching 9.5% by 2044 with a target of 100% renewable electricity for all Rhode Island demand by that year. The bill includes a 2% cap on using existing renewable resources toward the goal and allows compliance through NE-GIS certificates or alternative payments to a development fund. It also exempts pre-2022 power contracts from later-year requirements until their contract end dates.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of Irish American contributions to the American Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States. It specifically honors General John Sullivan, eight Irish American signatories of the Declaration of Independence, and other Irish Americans who played significant roles in the conflict. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Chair of the Senate of Ireland, fostering diplomatic recognition of this shared historical heritage.

Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.

Maddy summaryHB 7529 expands the definition of "teacher" to include school nurses, counselors, psychologists, principals, and superintendents, covering all public school staff. It establishes 19 specific rights for these educators, such as a safe workplace free from harassment, protection against being forced to pay for classroom supplies, access to necessary resources like technology, academic freedom, and fair evaluation processes (no more than every 3 years for "highly effective" teachers). The bill directly affects all public school staff covered under the expanded definition, ensuring they have clear, codified workplace protections. It clarifies existing expectations rather than creating new funding or mandates, focusing on defining and safeguarding professional rights within school environments.