Maddy summaryHB 5907 would require litigation lending agreements (LLAs) to comply with Rhode Island's usury laws, making high-interest loans to litigants subject to state interest rate limits. It directly affects individuals involved in civil lawsuits who take such loans and the companies providing them, as repayment terms exceeding the loan amount would be treated as interest under existing usury rules. The bill explicitly states that no matter how lenders label these agreements (e.g., "investment" or "advance"), any repayment above the initial amount counts as interest and must adhere to state limits. This policy change would prevent lenders from circumventing usury laws through creative contract terms, ensuring all litigation financing aligns with standard loan regulations.
Rep. Matthew Dawson
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5646 adds individuals aged 70 or older to the list of people eligible to request exemption from jury service in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents of Rhode Island who are 70 years or older and receive a jury summons. The bill amends existing law to allow these individuals to formally decline jury duty by claiming the exemption, rather than being automatically exempt. This change applies to all Rhode Island courts and civil procedures involving jury selection.
Maddy summaryHB 5952 creates a Home Ownership Assistance Account within Rhode Island's Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation to expand homeownership opportunities for low-income residents. The account, funded by 25% of monies from a specific state revenue source, directly assists households at or below the area median income, with priority for seniors, veterans, people of color, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and agricultural workers. Funds will provide down payment grants, support homeownership programs, and offer technical assistance to organizations focused on increasing homeownership - especially for people of color - while requiring long-term affordability measures like shared equity. The Corporation must distribute funds statewide but prioritize areas with the greatest need, aiming to reverse declining homeownership rates among marginalized groups.
Maddy summaryHR 6029 is a House resolution expressing condolences to the Restivo family following the passing of Jeanette Restivo, a North Providence resident known for her Italian-American community involvement and five published cookbooks. It directly affects her surviving family members, including five children, thirteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to five specific family members named in the text. This is a purely ceremonial gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. Rhode Island's House of Representatives has formally designated February 23-29, 2025 (not March 1st as noted in the title) as "Peace Corps Week" within the state. The resolution commends the Peace Corps and its volunteers for their global service and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Peace Corps Director. It has no legal effect or direct impact on residents, policy, or funding - it solely serves as a symbolic recognition.
Prohibits the suspension of any person’s operators’ or chauffeurs’ license or their vehicle registration unless upon conviction of driving offenses.
Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.
Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryHB 5191 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state's official music. This is a symbolic, procedural bill with no direct policy impact on residents, government operations, or regulations. It amends the state's "State Emblems" section to include this musical genre, following standard ceremonial designations like state flowers or songs. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage but is currently under review by the committee.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5058) expressing condolences for the late Senator James S. D'Ambra, a former Rhode Island State Senate member and educator. It formally honors his 16-year legislative service, career in education, and community contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his widow, children, and grandchildren. It has no policy provisions or impact on laws or constituents.