Rep. Matthew Dawson

Maddy summaryHB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 7035 prohibits individuals from purchasing or taking possession of more than one firearm (defined as pistol, rifle, or shotgun) within any 30-day period. This directly affects most private firearm buyers, excluding specific exemptions like law enforcement officers, licensed dealers, government transfers, inheritance through probate, temporary gun range rentals, firearm safety courses, and curio collector transfers. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties for first offenses (up to 1 year in jail or $500 fine) and felony penalties for repeat offenses (up to 3 years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Towing Advisory Board to advise the state's public utilities commission on regulating tow truck operators. The advisory board will include representatives from the towing industry, transportation and public safety departments, and the public, who will meet annually to provide recommendations on licensing, safety training, and rate changes. It also establishes mandatory licensing standards requiring operators to complete at least eight hours of annual continuing education and mandates that the commission consult with the board before approving any tariff modifications or enforcement policies. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all tow truck operators working within the state.

Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.

Maddy summaryHB 8018 requires that all new residential buildings must include at least two standard exterior doors serving as exit routes for emergencies. This applies directly to builders and developers constructing new homes, apartments, or other residential properties. The bill amends the state building code to mandate this safety feature, ensuring multiple exit options during fire or evacuation scenarios. It does not affect existing buildings or renovations, and the requirement would take effect upon passage.

Provides that individual counts of a district court criminal complaint dismissed pursuant to Rule 48(a) would be sealed administratively by the court clerk upon the defendant’s request.

Maddy summaryHB 7605 requires vehicle sellers to provide written notice to buyers before sale if a vehicle was used in a violent crime or exposed to biohazardous contamination (such as blood, bodily fluids, or infectious materials requiring professional cleanup). This applies to all sellers, including dealerships and private parties, and directly affects buyers who might otherwise unknowingly purchase such vehicles. The bill amends deceptive trade practices law to declare failure to disclose these conditions an unfair or deceptive act. It takes effect immediately upon passage, with no specified effective date beyond that.

Exempts certain cookware that contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact for consumer goods from the provision of the consumer PFAS ban act of 2024.

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Maddy summaryHB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.