Rep. Leo Felix

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 7353 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments to collect detailed data during traffic stops (including officer-perceived race/ethnicity, stop reasons, and outcomes) and submit it monthly to the Department of Transportation's Office of Highway Safety. It mandates an annual external study analyzing this data for racial disparities in traffic stops and searches, to be conducted by a qualified independent agency chosen by the Office of Highway Safety. The study's findings, along with quarterly public summary reports showing racial and demographic breakdowns of stops, must be released annually. This directly affects all Rhode Island municipal police departments and the state police, requiring them to implement new data collection and reporting procedures. The law aims to provide transparent, data-driven insights into policing practices without speculating on outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War (1778-1783). It specifically recognizes their contributions, including their role in the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth where they repelled British forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to historical organizations, the Governor, congressional delegation, and relevant groups to promote awareness of this history. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but aims to increase public recognition of Black soldiers' role in the American Revolution.

Maddy summaryHB 7595 would impose a 1% tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals and businesses (defined as "artificial persons") with significant assets like stocks, business ownership, and intellectual property. The tax is calculated annually based on the fair market value of these assets as of December 31 each year. This directly affects high-net-worth residents and entities domiciled in Rhode Island, excluding certain exempt intangible assets.

Increases the membership of the state crime laboratory commission from five (5) to nine (9). The overseer and co-executive secretaries of the commission have been changed to the deans of URI's colleges of pharmacy and engineering.

Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.

Maddy summaryHB 7289 prohibits law enforcement from seizing property under controlled substances laws without first obtaining a criminal conviction. This directly affects property owners who might otherwise face asset forfeiture before a court finds them guilty of a crime. The bill modifies existing forfeiture procedures by requiring a criminal conviction before civil forfeiture can proceed, with limited exceptions for vehicles used by common carriers. It changes the process so that assets cannot be taken through civil means until after a criminal case concludes.

Mandates the workweek be reduced to 32 hrs. Rate of pay for a 32 hr workweek remains the same as the rate of pay for 40 hrs. Work in excess of 32 hrs in any one workweek qualify for overtime pay. Does not apply to employers with less than 500 employees.

Maddy summaryHR 7472 is a symbolic House resolution that proclaims February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to Rhode Island's development and the nation, citing specific figures and milestones. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2026 as "American Heart Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but encourages public awareness through activities like wearing red, sharing heart health tips on social media, and participating in fitness challenges. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Heart Association - Rhode Island. It serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight heart disease prevention, referencing Rhode Island's 2022 data showing 22% of deaths were heart disease-related.