Rep. Katie Kazarian

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative Brianna Henries for her service to the people of East Providence, Pawtucket, and the State of Rhode Island. It recognizes her legislative work on issues such as housing, minimum wage, and affordable healthcare, as well as her personal commitment to helping those facing homelessness. The House of Representatives formally acknowledges her achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her.

Requires safe storage of firearms/provides civil and criminal penalties for violations/adds rifles and shotguns to the types of firearms requiring a trigger lock to be included with purchase/requires firearms dealers post signs regarding safe storage

Prohibits the charging of any fees to a senior citizen who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. The violation of this provision would be a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the death of William L. Drapeau, a former state representative from East Providence. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Drapeau's widow, Elaine, and his family. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of his service to the state and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 7981 updates state laws to give Rhode Island towns and cities more flexibility in writing their local zoning rules. The bill allows municipalities to create special districts that offer development incentives, such as higher density or increased building heights, in exchange for providing public benefits like new housing, open spaces, or traffic improvements. It also permits communities to establish mixed-use zones and regulate specific features like drive-through windows and development near scenic areas. By standardizing these options, the legislation aims to help local governments better manage land use while addressing housing needs and infrastructure challenges.

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, per ear, for all people regardless of age.

Maddy summaryHB 7331 expands Rhode Island's existing arts tax exemption program from specific districts to the entire state, allowing writers, composers, and artists to sell original, limited-production works without paying sales tax. To qualify, creators must reside in Rhode Island and apply for a certificate of exemption from the tax administrator, who will verify their eligibility based on the nature of their work. The bill mandates that these exemption certificates expire after four years and requires artists to submit annual reports detailing their sales to maintain eligibility. Additionally, the Rhode Island Council on the Arts is tasked with overseeing the statewide transition and producing annual reports to assess the program's economic impact.

Prohibits contractors and subcontractors from paying employees the cash equivalent of any applicable healthcare benefit in lieu of actually purchasing the healthcare benefit. Violations would be subject to civil fines.