Establishes the Ranked Choice Voting for Rhode Island Presidential Primaries and provides for new sections on ranked choice voting tabulation and results reporting.
Redefines "political party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.
Precludes a legal entity from owning property whose value is over $25,000,000. If the property value exceeds $25,000,000, then the entity must divest a graduated yearly amount over the next 10 years, until value is less than $25,000,000.
Maddy summaryHB 7981 establishes ranked choice voting (RCV) for municipal elections in jurisdictions where voters approve a charter amendment. It directly affects municipalities that adopt charter changes through voter approval, requiring RCV to be used in subsequent municipal elections. The bill's key mechanism is automatic implementation: once a municipality's charter amendment passes with voter support, RCV becomes the default voting method for local elections. This applies to all municipal elections held under the new charter, without requiring additional legislative action. The bill is currently in the early stage of the legislative process, having been introduced on February 27, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 7232 establishes fusion voting in Rhode Island, allowing candidates to run as nominees of multiple political parties for the same office. Candidates must formally accept each party's nomination in writing, and ballots will display their name under each participating party line. Voters can select the candidate using any party line they appear on, with all votes combined into a single total for the candidate. This directly affects candidates seeking multi-party nominations and voters casting ballots in elections for state and local offices. The bill requires ballot designs and voting equipment to clearly display fusion voting options while preventing duplicate votes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal pathway for distillery manufacturers to obtain a special permit that allows them to sell and serve their own distilled spirits at off-site events like weddings, corporate functions, and festivals. Under the new provisions, distilleries would need to use mobile bar units or temporary service structures and follow strict rules including responsible service training, ID verification for younger patrons, and limits on the number of drinks served per person. The legislation also requires distilleries to purchase alcohol from licensed retailers unless they hold a wholesale license, and it prohibits serving any spirits other than those manufactured by the licensed distillery.
Maddy summaryHB 7069 amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act to remove "clean coal technology" from the list of energy sources that receive priority consideration for new projects. This change directly affects energy developers and state regulators evaluating facility siting applications, as it eliminates a specific criterion favoring clean coal projects. The bill does not ban clean coal but removes it from the priority list that previously gave it favor over other energy sources like renewables or natural gas. Key provisions now require the siting board to prioritize projects based on criteria including renewable fuels, efficiency, and low emissions, without the clean coal designation. The policy change takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame on its inaugural ceremony held on March 8, 2026, and honors the individuals inducted for their contributions to hip hop culture. The resolution recognizes the event's significance in formally acknowledging pioneers across DJing, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti art, as well as supporters who helped sustain the culture. It specifically names four inductees - Vincent "Bad Lad" Lopes, Mason "DJ Finesse" Santos, Paris Fisher, and Donald "DJ Donnie Battle/BBoy Keebla" Senna - for their outstanding achievements and community impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Hall of Fame and its founders, serving as an official state acknowledgment of this cultural milestone.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 24, 2026, as "National Diabetes Alert Day 2026" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about diabetes risks and prevention. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging them to learn about their diabetes risk and pursue preventive care. The resolution formally recognizes the importance of early awareness and supports the state Department of Health's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle choices. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight public health priorities.
Provides for municipal and state police authorities to acquire and to utilize automated license plate readers and identify what data may be collected and in what ways the data can be used.
