Requires a member of the public to pay any outstanding balances due and owing for previous requests before being provided copies of records and documents on a new request from law enforcement agencies.
Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.
Permits the family court to award custody of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the importance of helping people with criminal records reintegrate into society, citing barriers like employment discrimination and housing restrictions. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but publicly supports efforts to provide second chances. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with organizations supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries or core charges when customers return used vehicle parts (like batteries or auto components). It directly affects retailers selling batteries and motor vehicle parts, requiring them to hold these deposits in trust for the state and not include them in taxable sales. The tax department must notify retailers about this exemption and post clear notices at their stores. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage, removing tax from these specific refundable fees.
Provides that businesses awarded tax credits, under the qualified jobs incentive act, within a specified time period are able to submit certain required documentation by December 31, 2025.
Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person would receive a partial refund of the fee that had been paid.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Crime Victims Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It symbolically reaffirms the state's commitment to crime victims and survivors, honoring efforts to improve services and support within the justice system. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of ongoing work to ensure victims receive trauma-informed care and justice. It directly affects all crime victims and survivors in Rhode Island by promoting awareness of available resources.
Maddy summaryHB 5126 prohibits price gouging for "vital drugs" (medications treating serious or life-threatening conditions with no alternative supply) during declared market shortages or emergencies. It makes it a felony to charge unreasonably excessive prices - defined as a gross disparity from pre-shortage average prices - to take unfair advantage of supply shortages. Sellers face up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine for violations, with penalties applying daily for ongoing offenses. The law excludes normal market price fluctuations and requires the attorney general to assess pricing based on pre-shortage rates and cost factors. It applies only during governor- or president-declared emergencies for six months max.
Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.
