Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.
Maddy summaryHB 7547 expands the state's crime victim compensation program to allow victims of stalking to recover costs for relocation or home modifications (like security upgrades) as emergency expenses. It directly affects stalking victims who need immediate safety measures after an incident. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these expenses under Section 12-25-21(7), while removing larceny and certain other offenses from compensable categories. This change takes effect upon passage, making these specific costs eligible for reimbursement through the existing program.
Maddy summaryHB 7683 increases the minimum monthly death benefits for spouses, domestic partners, and former spouses of deceased teachers. The bill raises the lowest benefit tier from $825 to $1,025 per month for those with a deceased member's salary of $17,000 or less, with proportional increases across all salary brackets. It applies to individuals who were living with the deceased teacher at death or receiving support, and who meet age and remarriage requirements. Benefits will adjust annually based on Social Security cost-of-living changes. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for using artificial intelligence in mental health care. It requires licensed mental health professionals (like therapists and counselors) to get specific written consent from clients before using AI tools in therapy sessions, and prohibits AI from simulating emotional bonds or making therapeutic decisions. The law allows AI only for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) or supplementary support (e.g., analyzing anonymized data for progress tracking), while ensuring therapists maintain full responsibility for care. It directly affects all mental health providers and organizations offering therapy services in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows disabled veterans who meet specific injury or disability criteria to receive special "Disabled Veteran" license plates for their vehicles. It also permits these plates to be transferred to a veteran's spouse if the veteran can no longer drive, or if the veteran passes away, allowing the spouse to keep them for life or until remarriage. Additionally, the law enables the issuance of these plates directly to a veteran's spouse under certain conditions, provided official certification of eligibility is submitted. The changes apply to eligible individuals and their spouses regarding vehicle registration and the use of designated license plates.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special license plate for Real Access Motivates Progress, a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Vehicle owners who choose this plate pay a $40 initial fee (with $20 allocated to the charity annually) plus a $10 annual renewal fee, while standard registration rules apply. The charity must use all Rhode Island-sourced funds for local accessibility programs and submit annual financial reports. The special plate replaces standard registration plates and follows standard size requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 7371 sets a statewide maximum limit of 12 children for family child care homes, overriding local zoning rules that might allow larger groups. This bill directly affects family child care providers operating out of residential homes across the state. The key provision establishes a uniform statewide standard, ensuring all such homes comply with this size limit regardless of local regulations. The bill aims to standardize child care capacity rules to enhance safety and consistency for families. It is currently pending a committee hearing as of February 2026.
Authorizes the use of campaign funds for security related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, in response to threats arising from their public service or candidacy.
Amends the current law on low-income housing to include moderate-income housing and eliminates the income percentages used to determine qualifications for low or moderate income housing.
