Rep. Matthew Dawson

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution celebrating the 20th anniversary of PACE-RI, a Rhode Island nonprofit providing healthcare services to frail seniors. It acknowledges PACE-RI's role in helping low-income seniors remain in their homes instead of nursing facilities, highlighting their holistic care model and positive outcomes like reduced hospital visits. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to PACE-RI's Chief of External Affairs. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal expression of appreciation.

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.

Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Maddy summaryHB 5554 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of electronic credit or debit card transactions. Merchants must report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction processing to avoid these fees; if they fail to do so, they can submit proof within 180 days for refunds. The law directly affects businesses that collect sales tax or tips (e.g., restaurants, retailers) and payment networks handling card transactions. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with violations subject to $1,000 penalties per transaction. The bill does not change tax or tip amounts but removes fees charged on those specific portions.

Requires municipalities to report to the RI department of housing regarding single-family low- or moderate-income housing available to rent/own. Information to be made available to the public on the department's website and emailed to interested parties.

Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.

Mandates that the clerk of the district court, upon request of the defendant, automatically seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.