Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 7202 creates a new civil cause of action in Rhode Island, allowing individuals to sue federal officials or entities acting under federal law when they violate constitutional rights. The bill directly affects people whose rights were infringed by federal actions and blocks both state and federal immunities as defenses in these lawsuits. Key provisions include a three-year statute of limitations (with extensions for disabled plaintiffs), mandatory attorney fee awards for winning plaintiffs, and treatment of such cases as "violations of the Constitution" under federal law. The bill does not impose new duties on federal officials but enables Rhode Island courts to address alleged federal constitutional violations through civil lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 7198 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in Rhode Island law. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or fines over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to one year imprisonment (or fines up to $1,000), and a petty misdemeanor involves up to six months imprisonment or fines up to $500. The bill also changes how "one year" is interpreted in sentencing to mean 364 days instead of 365 days. This technical adjustment affects all criminal cases classified under these terms in Rhode Island’s legal code, ensuring consistent application of sentencing guidelines. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not create new penalties or policies.

Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits ICE employees, agents, or officials from being within 200 feet of any polling place during voting hours. It directly affects ICE personnel by restricting their presence near voting locations during elections. The key provision adds a new section to election law creating a 200-foot buffer zone around polling places to prevent potential interference. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter voting procedures or eligibility.

Requires a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, as defined, to provide a consumer with certain information regarding the company’s policies and procedures regarding use of genetic data.

Amends the membership of the permanent legislative commission on child care with twenty-seven (27) members to ensure that the state has high quality and affordable childcare and early learning services network.

Prohibits any city or town from enacting any zoning ordinance that would place restrictions on residential NARR-certified recovery residences that are not applicable to other residential homes.

Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer and would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.

Requires shooting ranges to post signs in any area in which shooting occurs that contain the following language: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “HOME” to 741741”.

Maddy summaryHB 7972 amends the process for creating and governing project labor agreements (PLAs) used on state construction projects. It directly affects state agencies, contractors, and labor unions involved in public works projects requiring PLAs. The bill changes how these agreements are established, managed, and enforced for state-funded construction. This is a procedural change to the existing rules for PLA implementation, not a new policy outcome.