Rep. Brandon Voas

Maddy summaryHB 6092 creates an online portal for voters to electronically sign nomination papers for candidates running for state and local offices. This replaces the traditional paper-based signature process, allowing voters to submit electronic signatures that count toward the required number of signatures for each office (e.g., 500 signatures for governor, 50 for state representative). The bill directly affects candidates seeking party or independent nominations and voters who must sign their nomination papers. The online portal will be available starting January 1, 2025, and electronic signatures will be treated identically to handwritten ones under current signature requirements.

Allows the collection of solid waste and recycling between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) am and three o’clock (3:00) am seven days a week. It would also ban the use of mobile waste compaction technology for recycling.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 22, 2025, as "Rhode Island Community Health Center Day" to honor the state's eight community health centers. It recognizes these centers for providing affordable, comprehensive care to over 200,000 residents regardless of income, employing over 2,100 staff, and supporting local economies. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding; it simply formally acknowledges the centers' contributions. The eight centers listed - such as Providence Community Health Centers and Blackstone Valley Community Health Care - will receive certified copies of the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, media outlets, and community organizations to replace stigmatizing terms like "addict" or "clean" with person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder" or "in recovery"). It calls for adopting respectful communication to reduce barriers to treatment and recovery, emphasizing evidence-based approaches endorsed by health organizations. The resolution also supports statewide educational campaigns on stigma and invites the public to attend a Recovery Day Event at the Rhode Island State House on May 29, 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but promotes cultural change in how substance use disorders are discussed.

Maddy summaryHB 5974 expands eligibility for the state's crime victim compensation program to include victims of hit-and-run incidents that cause serious bodily injury or death. The bill amends existing law to explicitly add "failure to stop by a driver in circumstances which result in serious bodily injury or death" as a qualifying offense under the program. This means victims of such hit-and-run accidents, who previously might not have been covered, can now apply for financial assistance through the compensation program. The change directly affects individuals injured or killed in hit-and-run crashes where the driver fled the scene.

Authorizes office of health and human services (EOHHS) to establish coverage for obesity treatments, including medication. Office of health and human services would seek a 1115(a) waiver.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6344 proposes to replace Rhode Island's current Limited Liability Company (LLC) Act with a new, updated model act. This legislation directly affects all LLCs operating in the state by establishing new definitions, rules, and organizational structures for these business entities. Additionally, it mandates that Registered Limited Liability Partnerships (RLLPs) performing professional services must carry liability insurance, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the number of professional employees, or maintain $500,000 in segregated funds. The bill aims to modernize the legal framework governing LLCs and introduce specific financial responsibility requirements for professional RLLPs.

Establishes the Housing Flexible Spending Account Act of 2025 allowing Rhode Island employers to contribute pre-tax income into a housing flexible spending account (H-FSA), for employees to be used for qualified housing expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 6205, titled the "Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging and Paper Act," creates a new program to manage the recycling of packaging and paper products. This bill makes product producers responsible for funding and improving municipal recycling programs. These programs would cover the collection, transportation, sorting, and processing of defined packaging and paper products from single-family and multi-family residences. The aim is to enhance the coordination, funding, and overall effectiveness of the state's recycling systems for these materials.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6314 designates May 4th through May 10th, 2025, as "National Correctional Officers and Employees Week" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution acknowledges the work and service of correctional officers and employees, particularly those in the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.