Rep. Mary Messier

Maddy summaryHB 5946 requires construction sites to keep at least one access point open during work hours, allowing workers to freely enter and exit without obstruction. It applies to all construction site owners, operators, or managers on public or private property. Violating this rule results in written warnings for first offenses, followed by $1,000 daily fines and immediate work stoppages for repeat violations. The bill prohibits locking gates, fences, or other barriers that restrict access while construction is ongoing.

Maddy summaryHB 5309 increases the property tax exemption for qualifying veterans from $1,000 to $6,000 on municipal property taxes. It directly affects veterans who served in designated conflicts (including the Civil War, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War) and were honorably discharged. The bill amends existing law to raise the base exemption amount, though some towns like Burrillville, Cranston, and Smithfield already maintain different local exemption levels. This change provides greater tax relief for veterans owning property in Rhode Island municipalities.

Increases the role of the DMV in the voter registration and address verification process, by establishing very specific obligations and responsibilities that must be followed before offering an individual an application to register to vote.

References both the declaration and bylaws of a condominium association as possible sources of association insurance regulation for the condominiums and require additional insurance to protect unit owners, when necessary.

Maddy summaryHB 5263 requires firearm owners to store guns securely in locked containers or with safety devices to prevent unauthorized access, primarily affecting individuals storing firearms on their premises. It imposes tiered penalties: civil fines up to $250 for first offenses, increasing to potential jail time for repeat violations, with stricter criminal charges if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes harm. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce gun rights or infringe on privacy without a warrant. The legislation amends the bill's title to reference "Dillon's Law" (a term related to municipal authority), but does not alter the underlying storage requirements. It applies to all firearm owners in the jurisdiction, with specific provisions for cases involving children or prohibited persons.

Maddy summaryHB 5514 exempts emergency mail ballots from needing the "Mail voters" wording on the ballot, while regular mail ballots still require this label. This change specifically applies to ballots cast during emergencies under §17-20-2.2(g), streamlining the ballot design for those situations. The bill amends the existing requirement in Section 17-20-18 of the General Laws to remove the wording mandate only for emergency mail ballots. It directly affects voters receiving emergency mail ballots during declared emergencies, without altering voting rights or procedures. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 5083, the "David Casey Act," requires all public and private golf courses to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. This law directly affects golf course operators, mandating they maintain an AED for emergency cardiac care. The key provision specifies that AEDs must be readily accessible at every golf course facility, aligning with broader requirements for "public places" defined in state law. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, without additional implementation timelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Pawtucket's property tax system by creating new classifications for residential properties. It expands Class 1 to include buildings with up to six dwelling units if at least one is owner-occupied (previously five units), and establishes Class 5 for buildings with five or fewer units where no units are owner-occupied. The bill also limits Class 5 tax rates to no more than 175% of Class 1 rates. These changes directly affect Pawtucket property owners, particularly landlords of multi-unit residential buildings, by altering how their properties are taxed based on occupancy and unit count.

Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.

Maddy summaryHB 6348 exempts the real and tangible personal property (like buildings and physical assets) of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Pawtucket from local property taxes. This targeted exemption directly affects only this specific nonprofit organization, adding it to Rhode Island’s existing list of tax-exempt entities. The bill amends the property taxation law by inserting the center as a new category under the "property exempt" section. It does not change general tax rules but creates a specific exception for this organization’s property.