Rep. Doc Corvese

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the Raspallo family following the passing of Ann Marie Raspallo, a devoted wife, mother, and long-time parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church. It formally recognizes her 60-year marriage to Deacon Thomas Raspallo, her decades of service as a Eucharistic Minister, and her dedication to her family and community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a certified copy to her husband, Deacon Thomas Raspallo, and the family. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5814 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2026, aimed at identifying ways to lower energy rates for consumers. The study must review all state energy programs to find those increasing costs, compare Rhode Island's rates with other states, and recommend eliminating policies that raise bills. It allocates $100,000 for consultants to conduct this research and mandates that future energy-related legislation include "energy notes" showing cost impacts, similar to fiscal notes. This bill directly affects Rhode Island ratepayers and state energy policy through its focus on transparent cost analysis and program evaluation.

Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.

Authorizes early voting for the ten (10) calendar days except the second weekend prior immediately preceding election day, while requiring, as is practicable, that all the election day protections and procedures be afforded to early voters.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6102) commemorates the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) and the cultural significance of St. Joseph to Italian-Americans in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes St. Joseph as a symbol of family, faith, and hard work, particularly honoring the role of Italian immigrants in shaping Rhode Island's cultural heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summaryHB 5137 requires the state board of elections to verify the U.S. citizenship status of every person on the voter registration list. It mandates comparing registrations against state DMV records and federal Social Security databases to ensure only citizens are registered. Before adding any new registration, the board must confirm citizenship using these databases. Unverified registrations will be removed after notifying the voter and providing an opportunity to submit proof of citizenship. The bill applies to all voter registrations statewide and takes effect upon passage.

Requires verification of an applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license number or state identification number on all applications seeking mail ballots and emergency mail ballots.

Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.

Limits the mandatory rental registry to properties constructed prior to 1978, and further push out the effective date of registration to September 1, 2025, with the penalty clause becoming effective as of October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5504 amends Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly protect tenants with disabilities who request to keep emotional support animals in their housing. The bill adds emotional support animals to the list of accommodations that landlords cannot deny based on disability. This change clarifies that landlords must allow such requests as a reasonable accommodation under the state law, directly affecting tenants with disabilities seeking housing. The amendment updates existing protections to specifically include emotional support animals, reinforcing that discrimination based on disability - such as refusing housing for this accommodation - is prohibited.