Rep. Leo Felix

Maddy summaryHR 5809 is a ceremonial resolution commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence (February 27, 2025). It recognizes the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence from Spain in 1844 and highlights the contributions of Rhode Island's Dominican community, which numbers approximately 54,000 residents. The resolution formally honors Dominicans' economic, civic, and military contributions to Rhode Island and the United States. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Dominican Republic officials and the Dominican-American Association. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing formal gratitude. It thanks Victor M. Mendoza for over 40 years of service to Rhode Island's Hispanic community through founding or co-founding key organizations like the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and the Hispanic Cultural Arts Committee. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Mendoza. It does not impact any laws, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Dr. Juana Parillon for her nearly 40 years of service as a Marine Corps veteran and Equal Opportunity Advisor. It recognizes her work founding the Mentors in Action program and her leadership in diversity initiatives across military and civilian sectors. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send Dr. Parillon a certified copy of the honor. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

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 division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.

Establishes a commission to promulgate rules, regulations and make recommendations to the governor as to petitions for pardons under Article IX, Section 13 of the Constitution of Rhode Island.

Requires a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant within sixty (60) days after the close of their fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 5107 prohibits health care providers, facilities, and others from offering or accepting payments (like commissions or kickbacks) to refer patients to health care services. It directly affects entities such as hospitals, clinics, insurers, and referral services that might engage in such financial arrangements. The law bans these practices through specific prohibitions and imposes fines ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 per violation, based on the number of patients involved. Enforcement will be handled by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, with limited exceptions for existing arrangements like group practices or insurance agent commissions.

Maddy summaryHB 5360, the "Electronic Information and Data Privacy Act," requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before accessing most electronic data, including phone location information, stored messages, or transmitted data from devices. It specifically prohibits the use of stingray cell-site simulators (devices that mimic cell towers to track phones) without a warrant. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and digital device users by strengthening privacy protections for electronic communications and location data. Exceptions include emergencies involving imminent harm, stolen device reports, or voluntary user consent, but generally mandates judicial oversight for digital data access. This law changes how police investigate crimes by requiring court approval for most digital information requests.

Maddy summaryHB 5363 prohibits civil forfeiture (seizing property without a criminal conviction) for violations of controlled substances laws until after a criminal conviction is secured. This means law enforcement cannot seize assets like vehicles or cash related to drug offenses without first obtaining a criminal conviction. The bill adds specific protections for innocent property owners, requiring proof of their involvement before forfeiture can occur. It directly affects individuals whose property is seized under drug laws but have not yet faced a criminal trial.