Rep. Jennifer Boylan

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 summaryHB 7675 establishes a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (paid by waste haulers and landfill operators) to fund composting initiatives. The revenue flows into a dedicated "Compost Fund," which supports three grant programs: competitive grants for composting projects, municipal waste diversion grants (available only to towns that opt-in), and infrastructure development. The bill directly affects waste disposal entities and municipalities, aiming to reduce landfill use by incentivizing organic waste diversion. Key provisions include quarterly surcharge collection starting in 2027, annual adjustments tied to inflation or a 20% increase, and requiring funds to stay within the Compost Fund rather than returning to the general state budget.

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.

Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

Maddy summaryHB 7999 modifies state procurement rules for food and food supplies, allowing agencies to purchase items under $25,000 in total without following full competitive bidding procedures. This directly affects state departments and agencies that regularly buy food for operations, such as schools, hospitals, or correctional facilities. The bill streamlines small food purchases by exempting them from standard competitive bidding requirements, reducing administrative steps for transactions below the $25,000 threshold.

Creates an emergency action plan related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather and establishes a statewide notification system with the National Weather Service initiating warming/cooling center alerts.

Requires the public utilities commission to provide for a classification of service for retail electricity consumers that are large energy use facilities.

Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2031, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 8396, is a symbolic resolution that officially designates April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island. It aims to increase public understanding of autism by recognizing the achievements of individuals and agencies supporting those with autism spectrum disorders. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter to facilitate this awareness effort.

Creates an 12-member commission to study the impact on family and school performance in relation to current disciplinary policies in public schools, and would report back by November 17, 2027, and would expire on February 17, 2028.