Rep. Matthew Dawson

Maddy summaryHB 7446 updates the state's list of controlled substances by replacing the existing statutory schedules with the current version of Title 21 of the federal Code of Federal Regulations. This change ensures that any drug or substance added, rescheduled, or removed by the federal government is automatically reflected in state law within 60 days, unless the state health director objects. The bill requires the state health director to align state regulations with federal standards while retaining the authority to independently add, reschedule, or delete substances based on specific criteria such as abuse potential and public health risks. Additionally, the legislation maintains existing registration requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and practitioners while clarifying exemptions for employees and ultimate users acting in the course of their business or lawful medical practice.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Rhode Island-Ireland trade commission to promote economic ties and mutual interests between the two regions. The seven-member advisory group will be appointed by the governor, the Senate president, and the House speaker, with members serving unpaid terms of two to four years. The commission will research trade opportunities, facilitate business and academic exchanges, and submit annual written reports with recommendations to state leaders. It is authorized to raise its own funds through donations and grants to cover administrative expenses and will operate under state open meetings laws.

Amends the conditions upon which a nurse would be exempt from certain licensing requirements to include eligibility to practice, before taking and receiving results of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Expands the law on school lunch service contracts requirements that provides for payment to workers/aides for 180 days or the contract for the school year, exclusive of paid time off, including vacation days or other forms of compensatory time off.

Eliminates requirements of signing with an "X" for voters who cannot sign name due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write. Establishes a timeframe for local boards to accept mail ballot applications, if delivered via the postal service.

Adds the month of August to the dates a Class A retail alcoholic beverage establishment can offer unlimited free samples of wine, beer and distilled spirits products.

Allows manufacturer-wineries to sell up to three (3) drinks of wine for on-site consumption or three (3) bottles of wine for off-site consumption or three (3) bottles of wine for off-site consumption.

Maddy summaryThis law allows residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to install electronic monitoring devices, such as cameras or audio recorders, in their private rooms or living units. To use these devices, a resident must provide written consent, or their legal representative can do so on their behalf if the resident lacks decision-making capacity, though the representative must first ask the resident for permission. The bill requires facilities to respect the privacy of all roommates by ensuring they also sign a consent form before monitoring begins, and it mandates that anyone monitoring must remove the device immediately if a new roommate moves in without consent. If a resident wants to monitor their space but a roommate refuses to agree, the facility must try to move the resident to a private room, though they are not required to provide one if the resident cannot pay the extra cost.

Maddy summaryHB 7053 expands the ability of individuals with felony convictions to have certain misdemeanor offenses removed from their criminal records. Under this bill, a person convicted of one felony and one or more misdemeanors can apply to expunge the misdemeanor charges, provided they have not committed a crime of violence and have paid all related court fees. Additionally, the legislation allows for the expungement of up to six misdemeanor convictions for those who have not been convicted of a felony. Eligibility requires applicants to wait a specific number of years after completing their sentences, demonstrate good moral character, and show no new arrests or convictions during that waiting period. The court retains discretion to grant or deny the request based on whether the individual has been rehabilitated and if expungement serves the public interest.