Rep. Matthew Dawson

Primary HB 8145

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- STATE FUNDS

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies; and provided further, the account would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds public transit via sales tax revenue from ride-share companies, directing tax funds to an essential public service per fiscal responsibility indicators.95% confidence TransportationSupports TransportationFunds Rhode Island public transit authority via ride-share sales tax revenue, directly supporting transportation infrastructure and services.95% confidence

died Apr 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8151

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO THE BLUE WAVE BOND FOR COASTAL PREPAREDNESS -- 2026 BOND REFERENDUM

Proposes a bond measure authorizing the State of Rhode Island to issue up to $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to fund coastal preparedness and resilience projects.

EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds coastal resilience projects addressing climate impacts, aligning with environmental protection and conservation goals through dedicated bond financing.95% confidence

died Apr 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7056

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

Adds to those persons exempt from payment of parking fees at any recreational facility owned and operated by the state those individuals determined by the executive office of HHS, or its designee, to be disabled for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.

died Apr 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HR 8419

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOSEPH A. ABBATE

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Honorable Joseph A. Abbate, a former Rhode Island judge and public servant. The resolution acknowledges his distinguished career in law and public service, including his roles as a municipal judge and Director of the Law Revision Office. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Abbate's family as a formal gesture of sympathy.

Passed Apr 9, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7641

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION

Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 3 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.

died Apr 9, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7553

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

died Apr 8, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7636

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- SUICIDE PREVENTION--VOLUNTARY FIREARM RESTRICTIONS ACT

Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates voluntary firearm restrictions to prevent suicide, directly supporting mental health services as a public health measure per its title and summary.85% confidence

died Apr 8, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7755

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS -- RESPONSIBLE FIREARM PURCHASING ACT

Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.

died Apr 8, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8068

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Maddy summaryHB 8068 prohibits individuals under 18 years old from possessing firearms, making it a criminal offense. This bill directly affects minors in the state by restricting their access to firearms. The key provision states that any person under 18 found possessing a firearm would violate this law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits minors from firearm possession, a direct criminal justice measure enhancing public safety through preventive regulation.95% confidence

died Apr 8, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8072

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.

died Apr 8, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track