Rep. Matthew Dawson

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates April 28, 2026, as 'Pay It Forward With Love From Tori Day' in Rhode Island. It honors the memory of Tori Lynn Andreozzi and encourages residents to perform acts of kindness on that date. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Cathy Andreozzi.

Requires persons convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in vehicle as part of sentence and to pay an assessment to pay for the interlock systems.

Maddy summaryHB 7558 repeals a law that allowed driver's licenses to be suspended for failure to pay traffic fines or court costs. Currently, drivers who didn't pay fines within court deadlines could face license suspension, though they could request a hearing to show financial hardship. This bill removes that suspension mechanism entirely, meaning unpaid traffic fines will no longer result in license loss. The change directly affects drivers with outstanding traffic violations by eliminating a specific penalty for non-payment.

Requires an insurance company to directly pay the insured's chosen appraiser and the umpire appraiser, if applicable, upon receipt of a "direction to pay" executed by an insured or claimant.

Maddy summaryHB 8076 would raise the minimum claim amount required for mandatory arbitration in motor vehicle liability cases (such as car accident claims). Currently, smaller claims might be automatically sent to arbitration; this bill increases that threshold so only larger claims trigger mandatory arbitration. As a result, individuals filing smaller claims would no longer be forced into arbitration and could pursue resolution through regular court processes instead. This change directly affects accident victims seeking compensation and insurance companies handling these claims.

Raises the minimum threshold contract price before public works contractors are required to pay prevailing wages to their employees, from $1,000 to $100,000.

Maddy summaryHB 7685 adds probation and parole officers to Rhode Island's list of state law enforcement professionals eligible for retirement benefits under the state retirement system. The bill amends Chapter 36-10 to include these officers in the specific retirement provisions (sections 45-21.2-5 through 45-21.2-13), effective January 1, 2027. This change directly affects Rhode Island probation and parole officers by granting them the same retirement benefits previously available to other law enforcement roles like deputy sheriffs and firefighters. Service credits earned before 2025 will be calculated under prior laws. The bill does not alter contribution rates or other retirement system mechanics.

Includes the deputy chief of inspection and inspector within the provision of law related to retirement on service allowance relating to correctional officers.

Enlarges definitions of prohibited acts that constitute hazing, make principals, coaches, athletic directors and others responsible for knowingly failing to take reasonable measures to prevent hazing and punishes serious injury.

Restore the rights of school administrators and staff members, who have retired to exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment and work up to one hundred eighty (180) days during a school year.