Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 5359 requires law enforcement to get a person's consent or a search warrant before placing audio or video recorders on their private property to capture activities there. If violated, any evidence recorded without consent or a warrant cannot be used in court against the property owner, tenant, or guest. The bill also prevents prosecution in this state for the same criminal acts if the person was previously acquitted in federal court or another state, unless new evidence emerges that strongly supports prosecution.

Prohibits the suspension of any person’s operators’ or chauffeurs’ license or their vehicle registration unless upon conviction of driving offenses.

Prohibit the family court from detaining any juvenile or committing any juvenile, under the age of 12 years, to the training school, for any offense other than murder, first degree sexual assault, or an attempt to commit such offenses.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5336 would restructure governance of Rhode Island's Urban Collaborative (serving Providence and other participating school districts) by replacing its previous structure with a board of five trustees. The board would include the Providence superintendent, superintendents from other approved districts, and council-appointed members. The bill also specifies that state education funding would flow directly to the collaborative, with local districts transferring their share, and clarifies the collaborative's eligibility for state and federal education funds. This bill was introduced on February 7, 2025, but withdrawn at the sponsor's request on February 12, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHR 5480 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives expressing condolences to the family of Dr. Joseph J. Box following his death. The bill formally honors Dr. Box's life, highlighting his service as a dentist, U.S. Navy/Marine Corps Dental Technician, community leader, and Pawtucket resident. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his children. As a memorial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.

Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.

Expands responsibilities of agencies, persons or entities that store, own, collect, process, maintain, acquire, use, or licenses data, who experiences a security breach, include providing additional information to persons affected and law enforcement

Amends current law on controlled substances to permit psilocybin to be cultivated within a person's residence for personal use and contingent on the US FDA's program, mandate that RI department of health establish rules regulations.