Rep. June Speakman

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits ICE employees, agents, or officials from being within 200 feet of any polling place during voting hours. It directly affects ICE personnel by restricting their presence near voting locations during elections. The key provision adds a new section to election law creating a 200-foot buffer zone around polling places to prevent potential interference. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter voting procedures or eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 7734 is an amendment to the existing Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, clarifying how enforcement of the ban will be carried out. It does not expand the ban to new products or change the list of covered items (like carpets, cookware, cosmetics, or menstrual products). The bill specifically refines definitions related to "intentionally added PFAS" and enforcement procedures to ensure consistent application by the Department of Environmental Management. This amendment directly affects manufacturers and importers of the covered products listed in the original law.

Amends the state building code and would require that the state adopt the 2024 International Residential Code and prohibit the state building committee from adopting amendments for one to four residential dwelling units until 2030.

Prohibits any city or town from enacting any zoning ordinance that would place restrictions on residential NARR-certified recovery residences that are not applicable to other residential homes.

Creates a 16-member commission to study current condominium law and provide recommendations for improvements, and who would report back to the General Assembly by December 31, 2027, and would expire on March 15, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 7071 would prohibit importing, transporting, selling, distributing, or possessing non-native invasive plant species in Rhode Island. It directly affects businesses and individuals handling these plants, including nurseries, landscapers, and residents. Violations could result in fines up to $500, with the state director defining which plants are prohibited. The law would take effect on January 1, 2027, pending final rulemaking.

Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer and would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.

Maddy summaryHB 7210 adopts the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act to streamline the division of family-owned real estate held in tenancy in common without clear ownership agreements. It directly affects property owners (cotenants) where 20% or more of interests are held by relatives or acquired through family inheritance. Key provisions require courts to determine if property qualifies as "heirs' property," order appraisals for fair market value, and allow cotenants to buy out others seeking a sale. The act replaces standard partition rules for qualifying properties and mandates specific notice procedures, applying to cases filed after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 7416 would grant automatic admission to Rhode Island's public colleges and universities (URI, RIC, CCRI) for state residents who earned the Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), starting in Fall 2026. Applicants must meet basic application requirements but won't need to satisfy competitive academic thresholds. The law explicitly excludes specialized programs like nursing or engineering from automatic admission (requiring program-specific qualifications) and clarifies it doesn't guarantee financial aid or change residency rules.

Requires every school district to render assistance and cooperation within its jurisdictional power to further the objects of this chapter, to wit, providing the courts with any information concerning a child as the court may require.