Rep. Bill O'Brien

Maddy summaryHB 5662 creates a new criminal offense for real estate title fraud, defined as actions like forging signatures on deeds, filing false documents claiming property ownership, or falsely encumbering property. It requires sellers of unsolicited real estate offers to include clear warnings that the offer may not reflect fair market value or may be below the property’s assessed tax value. The bill also mandates that municipalities accepting electronic real estate filings require sufficient identification (like a driver’s license) to verify the filer’s identity, and makes such filings void without it. Victims of title fraud can sue for actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater) plus legal fees. The law takes effect upon passage, directly affecting homeowners, real estate professionals, and local government offices handling property records.

Maddy summaryHB 5419, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act), regulates businesses that charge fees for helping veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Rhode Island Veterans Services. It prohibits referral fees, requires written agreements for contingent fees (capped at five times the monthly benefit increase), and mandates clear disclosures that services are not affiliated with the VA or state veterans offices. The law also bans using veterans' login credentials, restricts international data centers for personal information, and requires background checks for staff handling sensitive data. It directly affects non-VA-accredited businesses offering paid assistance with veterans' benefits claims, while exempting VA-accredited agents. Violations may result in civil penalties deposited into Rhode Island’s military family relief fund.

Repeals the legislative findings in this section and requires elementary, middle and high schools to provide and maintain on-site functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Maddy summaryHB 5865 bans the sale of cosmetics in Rhode Island that were developed or manufactured using animal testing conducted on or after January 1, 2026. It directly affects cosmetic manufacturers and sellers within the state, imposing a $1,000 fine per violation for noncompliance. The law includes limited exemptions, such as when animal testing is required by federal or state regulators with no non-animal alternatives, or for ingredients in widespread use with no suitable substitutes. The bill amends existing cruelty-to-animals statutes to add this specific prohibition, focusing on the sale of cosmetics rather than testing itself.

Requires nonprofit, as a condition for requesting state funds from the general assembly, to submit & post on their website, a list of10 of their highest paid director, officer & employee salaries & any forms of compensation provided to those individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 5636 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in the state to provide customers with a choice of paper or electronic receipts for every transaction, starting January 1, 2026. The receipts must include specific details like the customer's wallet address, account owner's full name, unique transaction ID, and the company's fraud refund policy statement. Operators must also send an electronic copy of each transaction to the customer's email or record on file. This law directly affects businesses operating virtual currency kiosks within the state, mandating clear transaction documentation to enhance transparency and consumer protection.

Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2026.

Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees would be required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.

Maddy summaryHB 5926 creates a legal cause of action allowing pet owners to sue for intentional or negligent injury or death of their domestic dog or cat (defined as a pet kept in or near the household). It sets minimum compensation of $500 for serious injury and $750 for death, with a maximum cap of $7,500 for noneconomic damages like loss of companionship. The law applies only when the incident occurs on the owner's property or under their direct supervision. It excludes government entities acting in public health or animal welfare roles and does not cover veterinary costs or other claims.

Makes any offense under this statute that could result in the death of an animal punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each offense.