Maddy summaryHB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Amends the law so that child daycare providers would be required to renew their licenses every two (2) years, instead of the current yearly renewal requirement.
Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.
Requires specific notice of the tax sale to the taxpayer with a copy of this § 44-9-10 attached thereto. Failure to do so would render the tax sale null and void.
Extends certain protocols applicable to vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, updates definitions relative to common entities and sales.
Allows early voting ballot application to be completed in person on an electronic poll pad. Voter then issued a ballot to be placed in a state-approved voting device.
Maddy summaryHB 7267 establishes insurance requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs, where individuals rent their personal vehicles through apps. It mandates that during the entire sharing period (from pickup to return), vehicles must have insurance meeting state minimums, and the car sharing platform must cover third-party injuries or property damage unless fraud or failure to return the vehicle occurred. If the owner or driver’s insurance lapses, the platform must provide coverage starting from the first dollar of a claim. This directly affects car sharing platforms, vehicle owners, and drivers using these services.
Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale stores in Rhode Island, expanding their sourcing options beyond previous restrictions. It requires caterers to follow specific service rules, including ID checks for under-30 guests, limiting drinks to two at a time, prohibiting shots, and serving only during five-hour event windows. Caterers may also leave alcohol at an event host's residence if under their continuous control during the event. Violations carry $500 fines and risk license revocation.
Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.