Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 8109 would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants from residential housing without a valid legal reason, directly affecting both landlords and renters in rental properties. The bill prevents landlords from removing tenants or attempting to exclude them from their homes, requiring just cause for any eviction. Key provisions include banning no-cause evictions and establishing that landlords must have a legally recognized justification, such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations, to seek removal. This bill aims to strengthen tenant protections by limiting arbitrary displacement in residential housing.

Maddy summaryHB 8111 would allow tenants to have certain eviction records sealed, making them inaccessible to future landlords or background checks. This directly affects tenants who faced evictions under specific qualifying circumstances, such as disputes over repairs or non-payment due to financial hardship. The key mechanism requires tenants to petition a court to seal records after meeting eligibility criteria, removing them from public access. The bill aims to provide a fresh start for tenants by limiting the long-term impact of past eviction cases.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 7034 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration or discriminating against them based on that status. It amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly ban such inquiries and discrimination, protecting individuals who have been released from prison. The bill also maintains existing protections against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. This directly affects landlords, rental applications, and formerly incarcerated residents seeking housing.

Maddy summaryHB 7130 modifies the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by allowing tenants to pay an increased security deposit in monthly installments over 12 months instead of paying the full amount upfront. This provision directly affects residential tenants in rental properties where landlords seek to raise security deposits. The key mechanism is the structured payment plan, replacing a single lump-sum requirement with smaller, manageable monthly payments. The bill focuses on easing financial burdens for tenants facing higher deposit demands without altering the deposit amount itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 18, 2026, as Transit Employee Appreciation Day in Rhode Island to recognize the work of public transportation workers. It directly affects employees of the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA), who operate bus routes and paratransit services across the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIPTA's CEO, Christopher Durand, as a formal acknowledgment of the workforce. The legislation serves as a commemorative measure rather than establishing new operational requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island" to raise awareness about individuals with profound autism spectrum disorder. The resolution formally recognizes the unique challenges faced by people with profound autism, who have significant intellectual disabilities and require 24-hour supervision, along with their families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Profound Autism Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for support and inclusion for these individuals. This is a commemorative measure intended to highlight the importance of including people with profound autism in services and research rather than implementing new policy changes.

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Maddy summaryHB 7729 prohibits the unlawful use of designated seclusion rooms in Rhode Island public pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools, meaning students cannot be left alone in isolated rooms without freedom to leave. The bill specifically excludes physical prompts, restraints, and time-outs from this prohibition. School staff must follow positive behavioral interventions instead, and the education commissioner must handle complaints about violations through investigations and published procedures. This law directly affects all public school students, staff, and administrators in Rhode Island’s K-12 system.

Maddy summaryHB 7781 changes the name of the second Monday in August from "Victory Day" to "Peace and Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island's state holiday schedule. This directly affects state employees and official state communications, as the holiday is listed in the General Laws governing state holiday observances. The bill amends the statutory holiday list to replace the existing name and repeals a prior provision prohibiting the use of any other name for this day. The change takes effect upon passage without altering the holiday's date or observance requirements.