Rep. Jennifer Boylan

Maddy summaryHB 5890 prohibits anyone under 18 from possessing a firearm in Rhode Island, except in specific supervised situations. It allows minors to use firearms only at approved camps or ranges with a parent, guardian, or "qualified adult" (21+ with legal firearm rights), during supervised hunting, ROTC, competitive shooting, or firearms education programs. The bill also permits minors to carry unloaded firearms in a case to/from these approved locations when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or qualified adult. These provisions take effect upon passage and directly affect minors under 18 seeking to possess or transport firearms.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6131, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on March 25, 2025, is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Carol Gibson on her retirement after 38 years of service with the Rhode Island state government. It specifically recognizes her 34 years of dedicated work at the Department of Labor and Training, including her final role as Administrator of the Board of Review, and highlights her career progression from Claims Interviewer to leadership positions. The resolution formally honors her contributions, leadership, and mentorship to colleagues, without creating any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5275 would implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in primary elections for state representative and state senator when three or more candidates run. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) instead of choosing just one candidate. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in rounds, with their votes transferred to the next-ranked candidate on each ballot until one candidate achieves a majority. This change applies only to general assembly primary elections, not general elections, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5902 prohibits property owners from including restrictions that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on land designated for selling fresh food for off-premises consumption. It allows exceptions only if a closed store relocates within one-half mile within one year, maintains similar product offerings, and meets specific timing requirements. Existing agreements made before the law's effective date remain valid. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to new property agreements.

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person’s transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharrassment.

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Provides that no city or town may issue a permit for the construction of new buildings, that are not an all-electric building, if the initial application for a permit was submitted after December 31, 2026, unless certain circumstances apply.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Rhode Island's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to seek immediate rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for residents and businesses facing high utility costs, particularly low-income households, seniors, and small businesses. It asks the DPUC to take action similar to Massachusetts' approach and report progress by April 22, 2025. The resolution does not change rates but formally urges the regulator to address the financial burden.

Maddy summaryHB 5577, the "2025 Utility Company Billing Transparency Act," requires large electric and gas distribution companies (with over 100,000 customers) to provide clear explanations of charges on consumer bills, addressing confusion about costs like fees and taxes. It mandates that these companies file proposals with the Public Utilities Commission detailing how they will implement revenue decoupling - ensuring they aren’t incentivized to increase sales to boost profits - and includes annual reconciliation for revenue over- or under-recovery. The bill also requires companies to submit annual infrastructure and safety spending plans for commission review, aiming to align costs with service reliability. These changes directly affect major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and aim to help residential customers better understand and manage their energy costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5492, the Microplastics Reduction Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic microplastics (like those in some cosmetics, cleaning supplies, or personal care items) starting January 1, 2029. It requires the Department of Environmental Management to develop a public testing plan for microplastics in water and soil by July 2028, and a statewide strategy plan by January 2029 to address microplastic sources and impacts. The law directly affects product manufacturers and importers, excluding items preempted by federal law. It focuses on reducing microplastics intentionally added to consumer products, not all plastic pollution, and mandates regular updates to the testing and strategy plans every 24 months.