Rep. Katie Kazarian

Maddy summaryHB 5662 creates a new criminal offense for real estate title fraud, defined as actions like forging signatures on deeds, filing false documents claiming property ownership, or falsely encumbering property. It requires sellers of unsolicited real estate offers to include clear warnings that the offer may not reflect fair market value or may be below the property’s assessed tax value. The bill also mandates that municipalities accepting electronic real estate filings require sufficient identification (like a driver’s license) to verify the filer’s identity, and makes such filings void without it. Victims of title fraud can sue for actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater) plus legal fees. The law takes effect upon passage, directly affecting homeowners, real estate professionals, and local government offices handling property records.

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares March 2025 as "Brain Injury Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the impact of brain injuries on residents, citing statistics like over 12,000 expected traumatic brain injuries in the state this year. The resolution encourages public participation in awareness activities and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. It directly affects Rhode Islanders by highlighting brain injury issues, though it has no binding policy changes. The measure is purely symbolic, aiming to raise public attention on a public health concern.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 15-member commission to study whether Rhode Island should publicly own its electricity and natural gas utilities. The commission includes legislators, utility representatives, consumer advocates, and labor leaders, and will examine models like Nebraska’s "Neighbor’s First" approach, compare public versus private utility performance, and assess costs, renewable energy transition, and governance structures. It will specifically evaluate potential benefits such as lower consumer costs, access to low-cost debt, and cross-subsidization for public services. The commission must report its findings to the legislature by April 16, 2026, before dissolving on May 27, 2026.

Provides that effective July 1, 2025, the profit margin of any electric distribution company gas distribution company, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.

Maddy summaryHB 5813 prevents utility companies (like electricity and gas providers) from raising transmission and distribution fees on consumer bills for two years, starting July 1, 2025. This freeze applies to all utilities with 7,500 or more accounts, requiring legislative approval for any fee increase during this period. Smaller utilities (under 7,500 accounts) are exempt from this cap. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and directly affects residential and business consumers paying utility bills.

Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.

Maddy summaryHB 5430 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It applies to all group and individual health insurance plans covering these services, directly affecting insured individuals who need these exams. The bill defines "diagnostic" exams as those evaluating abnormalities found during screening, and "supplemental" exams as risk-based screenings for high-risk individuals without abnormalities. Insurance companies must cover these services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Permits a tenant, at the tenant’s expense, to implement energy conservation measures to any dwelling or dwelling unit such as removable weather-stripping around doors and windows.