Rep. Leo Felix

Maddy summaryHB 7769 sets the minimum wage for 2027 at $20.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers and hourly workers in the state who must pay at least this rate. The key provision amends existing law to establish this specific hourly rate for 2027, building on previously scheduled annual increases listed in the bill. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.

Maddy summaryHB 7771 sets the state's minimum wage at $24.00 per hour starting January 1, 2027, for all covered employees under existing labor law. This bill amends the state's minimum wage schedule by adding a new effective date and rate, continuing a pattern of annual increases that began in 1999. The change directly affects all private-sector workers in the state who are currently covered by minimum wage protections. The bill takes effect upon passage, with no exemptions or phase-in periods specified.

Maddy summaryHB 7034 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration or discriminating against them based on that status. It amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly ban such inquiries and discrimination, protecting individuals who have been released from prison. The bill also maintains existing protections against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. This directly affects landlords, rental applications, and formerly incarcerated residents seeking housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Rhode Island to increase public understanding and support for the disease. It directly affects residents with Multiple Sclerosis, their families, and healthcare providers by promoting awareness during a specific month. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, highlighting Rhode Island's high rate of Multiple Sclerosis cases in the state. The bill focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

Amends the residential landlord and tenant act to prohibit the use of algorithmic renting-setting software that relies on nonpublic competitor data to determine rental prices or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 10, 2026, as "Homeless Service Provider Day" in Rhode Island to honor the work of organizations and individuals who support people experiencing homelessness. The resolution recognizes the efforts of nonprofits, shelter staff, outreach teams, and volunteers who provide essential services like emergency housing, meals, and case management. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Housing Network of Rhode Island/Community Housing Land Trust. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as "Arts in the Schools Month" in Rhode Island to recognize and celebrate the importance of arts education in schools. It directly affects students, arts educators, artists, and school administrators by encouraging the state to acknowledge their contributions to student engagement and learning. The resolution highlights how arts education supports skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and cultural competency while referencing existing state frameworks and grant programs that promote arts instruction. The House of Representatives passed this symbolic measure to urge citizens to observe the month and appreciate the efforts of those working to provide arts access to young people.

Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.