Rep. June Speakman

Maddy summaryHB 7568 allows cities or towns to waive interest on overdue property tax payments for commercial or residential properties, but only under strict conditions. To qualify, property owners must have owned the property for five years, made all tax payments on time for five years, submit a written request, and have the overdue bill issued within two years. The waiver covers interest only (not the tax amount itself), with a maximum reduction of $500 per request. Local governments must create ordinances to implement this, and decisions must be documented with a notice to the city council. The bill does not change tax rates or obligations but provides limited relief for late payments meeting specific criteria.

Requires shooting ranges to post signs in any area in which shooting occurs that contain the following language: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or text “HOME” to 741741”.

Maddy summaryHB 7975 requires licensed retailers selling alcoholic beverages to provide a lid to a consumer upon request for any drink container that does not already have one. This affects all businesses holding retail licenses for alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and stores. The key provision mandates that retailers must supply lids when customers ask, aiming to reduce spills or accidents during transport. The bill does not change existing licensing rules but adds a specific customer service requirement for beverage containers.

Amends several definitions to the general law chapter relating to abandoned property, adds a definition for "eligible nonprofit corporation", provides criteria for when properties are considered abandoned or a public nuisance.

Prohibits participation in federal school voucher tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations unless both the general assembly and the governor approve such participation.

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent. Effective 7/1/26.

Amends certain provisions relative to school waste recycling and refuse disposal and requires reports of waste audits by educational entities and reports of program participation by vendors.

Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities that choose to participate. Reports to be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and submitted to the department of environmental management.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative Jason Knight for his service to the people of Barrington, Warren, and the State of Rhode Island. It acknowledges his legislative work on public safety, criminal justice reform, and environmental issues, as well as his military and legal career. The House formally thanks him for his dedication and extends best wishes for his candidacy for Attorney General. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Representative Knight.

Maddy summaryHB 7357 creates the "Reproductive Health and Gender-Affirming Healthcare Data Privacy Act" to protect sensitive health information in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents whose data relates to gender-affirming care or reproductive health, and the healthcare providers or businesses handling that data. The law requires explicit, opt-in consent for collecting such data, prohibits deceptive practices for obtaining consent, and defines protected data to include not only direct health information but also derived data (like location patterns or algorithmic inferences) tied to these services. It explicitly excludes publicly available or de-identified research data from coverage.