Prohibits the courts from setting cash or surety bail on any misdemeanor offense but permits the court to set reasonable non-monetary conditions of bail to assure the defendant's presence in court as required and to protect the community.
Maddy summaryHB 5502 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's laws. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or a fine over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to 1 year imprisonment or a fine up to $1,000, a petty misdemeanor involves up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine up to $500, and a violation is punishable only by a fine under $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in sentencing laws means 364 days, not 365. This definition change directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defendants when classifying criminal charges and determining penalties. The bill is currently pending further study after a committee hearing.
Prohibits a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile.
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.
Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provide criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good moral character.
Amends the current law in order that a health insurer would not require a physician, to participate in "capitation," or any other "alternative payment model" that creates a financial incentive for a physician to limit medically necessary care.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6142) formally commemorates a March 27, 2025, flag-raising ceremony celebrating "La Francophonie" (the global French-speaking community) at the Rhode Island State House. It recognizes Rhode Island's French-speaking population (over 124,000 residents, including 9,500 fluent speakers) and the cultural contributions of French language and heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Alliance Française de Providence, which promotes French culture in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly acknowledges cultural ties.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 6144) celebrating Leona P. Marchand's 100th birthday on March 30, 2025. It formally recognizes her life and contributions, noting her birth in 1925, marriage, 25+ years of work at Ann & Hope and Central Falls Public Schools, and retirement hobbies. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send Leona a certified copy of the resolution. As a commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, it does not impact laws, funding, or specific groups beyond honoring an individual.
Mandates that EOHHS assemble a network of equity zones where local multisector groups of nonprofits, service providers, advocates, community members, state agencies, and municipalities can address social factors of health at a local level.
Establishes a new chapter for privacy protections for location information derived from electronic devices. DBR would be responsible for promulgating rules and regulations to implement administer and enforce this chapter.
