Rep. Matthew Dawson

Maddy summaryHB 6093 establishes a review process for any changes to parking near coastal shoreline rights-of-way in Rhode Island. It requires cities, towns, private entities, or organizations to submit detailed plans demonstrating ADA compliance, public access preservation, and a 30-day public comment period before restricting parking. The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) must jointly review proposals to ensure they align with public access goals and accessibility standards. Violations - such as modifying parking without following these steps - may result in cease-and-desist orders or daily fines up to $500. The bill does not apply to temporary, safety-related parking restrictions by state/municipal agencies lasting under 20 days.

Amends the administration requirements a zoning ordinance must provide and/or designate and would require that zoning certificates be issued within 20 days of the written request.

Removes the sunset provision of all statutory law requiring coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Allows for measures to advance the undergrounding of certain utility cables and to have the same funded through utility rate increases to the cities of Providence and East Providence.

Requires the employers of unionized public school teachers, municipal employees and state employees, to provide the union, at least once every 120 days, a list of all their employees in their union, as well as their personal and demographic information.

Establishes concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and the Federal Government for the purposes of adjudicating minors who have allegedly committed a crime while residing on a military installation located in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 5300 amends Rhode Island's criminal code to specifically include election officials and poll workers under the legal definition of "public officials" when addressing threats. This makes threats against these individuals - such as poll workers, election workers, wardens, moderators, and board members - a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. Previously, threats against similar roles might have been treated under broader or less specific provisions. The bill directly affects election workers who perform duties at polling places during elections, providing clearer legal protection for them. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 5322 extends a temporary allowance for retired teachers in Rhode Island to substitute teach up to 180 days per school year (instead of the standard 90-day limit) through July 1, 2026. School districts must first prove they couldn't fill positions with non-retired teachers and report their total certified teaching positions to the state retirement board, while also limiting retired teacher hires to no more than 5% of their total certified positions. This change applies retroactively to June 20, 2025, and directly affects retired teachers seeking substitute roles and school districts facing staffing shortages. The bill does not provide additional retirement credits or require contributions from retired teachers for this work.

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.

Maddy summaryHB 5563 requires all hotel employees and short-term rental property operators (like Airbnb hosts) to complete annual human trafficking awareness training. The training covers identifying trafficking signs, distinguishing labor vs. sex trafficking in hospitality settings, and reporting procedures to the national hotline or local law enforcement. Operators must also create written policies for reporting suspected trafficking and keep training records for one year after employment ends. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly impacting hospitality businesses statewide.