Rep. Doc Corvese

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the $20 service charge and $5 transfer fee for Rhode Island National Guard vehicle registration plates. It directly affects active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard who use these special plates. The policy change removes these fees while maintaining the existing plate design, eligibility rules, and emergency travel provisions for National Guard members. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7097 removes a $5 transfer fee for special "Distinguished Service Cross" vehicle registration plates. It directly affects veterans who received the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Cross medal and their surviving spouses (who inherit the plate after the veteran's death). The bill eliminates the requirement for applicants to pay a registration fee or transfer charge for these plates, though the plate design and eligibility rules remain unchanged. This change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Expands the definition of “book or other writing” to sales up to one thousand five hundred (1,500) copies and deny the sales tax exemption for third-party sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to keep money from gift certificate sales in a separate account until customers use or redeem the certificates. The rule applies to businesses selling gift certificates for their own products but exempts certificates given out for free through loyalty or promotional programs. Once a certificate is fully redeemed, the retailer can move the corresponding funds back to their regular business account. The measure aims to protect consumer funds by ensuring they are set aside before being spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes and honors the individuals who showed courage and compassion during a shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on February 16, 2026. It specifically names eleven people who helped victims, protected others, or provided comfort during the incident, including those who tackled the shooter and offered medical aid. The resolution expresses gratitude for their actions and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to each person honored. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the bravery of these individuals in the wake of a tragic event.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that congratulates the Blackstone Valley Schools Boys Co-Op ice hockey team for winning the 2026 Rhode Island Division II State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's remarkable achievement after overcoming tragedy from a recent shooting at Lynch Arena, highlighting their resilience and success throughout the tournament. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the team's head coach and all players and assistant coaches. The document serves as an official commendation rather than a law with binding policy changes.

Exempts certain cookware that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact for consumer goods from the provision of the consumer PFAS ban act of 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 7985 would require individuals making public records requests to provide their identifying information. This bill directly affects anyone seeking public records from government agencies by adding a new step to the request process. The key provision mandates that requesters share personal details like name or contact information when submitting a request. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House State Government & Elections committee.

Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable and mixed-use housing on land they own as a by-right use, set statewide development standards, limit local barriers, and streamline approvals to expand housing supply.