Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 7993 establishes a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office, directly affecting businesses or government entities engaging in repeated illegal conduct. The bureau will handle consumer protection, healthcare regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights through dedicated units. It authorizes the Attorney General to seek court orders for injunctions, restitution, and penalties against "persistent illegality" (repeated illegal acts affecting multiple people), while excluding criminal law enforcement. The law requires annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 8043 is a non-binding resolution urging the City of Providence to enforce its existing First Source Hiring Ordinance. This ordinance requires businesses receiving public funds (like city contracts or grants) to prioritize hiring from a local job list (First Source) and notify the program before advertising job openings publicly. The resolution states that businesses are not complying with these requirements and the city is not applying penalties - such as contract termination or funding suspension - despite the ordinance's 1986 mandate to connect local residents with jobs. The resolution directs officials to the mayor, city council president, and First Source director to address the enforcement gap.

Changes the assessment for residential property where forty percent (40%) of the dwellings are below eighty percent (80%) of statewide median income and thirty percent (30%) are below sixty percent (60%).

Creates an emergency action plan related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather and establishes a statewide notification system with the National Weather Service initiating warming/cooling center alerts.

Amends the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) board composition by adding the Rhode Island Climate Community to the groups given due consideration for appointment to the board.

Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as 'Second Chance Month' in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with past arrest or conviction records. The resolution highlights how background checks and legal barriers often limit opportunities for employment, housing, and education for these individuals. It formally recognizes the importance of second chances and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to specific community organizations focused on formerly incarcerated people.

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Provides that individual counts of a district court criminal complaint dismissed pursuant to Rule 48(a) would be sealed administratively by the court clerk upon the defendant’s request.

Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.