Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.
Maddy summaryHB 8005 changes how local governments in Rhode Island can set parking requirements for new housing. It amends zoning rules to adjust standards for permitted parking spaces in dwelling units, particularly affecting towns and cities that create zoning ordinances. The key change modifies Section 45-24-33's provisions about parking areas (subsection 4[vi]), clarifying how municipalities may limit or require parking based on development type. This directly impacts developers building new residential projects and local officials drafting zoning rules. The bill does not eliminate parking requirements but refines how they are applied within zoning codes.
Maddy summaryHB 7202 creates a new civil cause of action in Rhode Island, allowing individuals to sue federal officials or entities acting under federal law when they violate constitutional rights. The bill directly affects people whose rights were infringed by federal actions and blocks both state and federal immunities as defenses in these lawsuits. Key provisions include a three-year statute of limitations (with extensions for disabled plaintiffs), mandatory attorney fee awards for winning plaintiffs, and treatment of such cases as "violations of the Constitution" under federal law. The bill does not impose new duties on federal officials but enables Rhode Island courts to address alleged federal constitutional violations through civil lawsuits.
Maddy summaryHB 7198 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in Rhode Island law. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or fines over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to one year imprisonment (or fines up to $1,000), and a petty misdemeanor involves up to six months imprisonment or fines up to $500. The bill also changes how "one year" is interpreted in sentencing to mean 364 days instead of 365 days. This technical adjustment affects all criminal cases classified under these terms in Rhode Island’s legal code, ensuring consistent application of sentencing guidelines. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not create new penalties or policies.
Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.
Establishes the healthcare worker platform and would require platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the department of health by June 1, 2027, while, specifically, exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.
Amends the current law on low-income housing to include moderate-income housing and eliminates the income percentages used to determine qualifications for low or moderate income housing.
Maddy summaryHB 7003 requires Rhode Island's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for student athletics. The policy must define hazing, prohibit "consent" as a defense, and include clear consequences like team suspensions or season cancellations for violations. All student-athletes in RIIL schools must sign an acknowledgment form confirming they understand these penalties before participating in any athletic activities. The policy aims to ensure consistent, transparent discipline and integrate with existing school climate and anti-bullying efforts across all participating schools.
Places limits on the number of self-service checkout stations a grocery store can have and on the workload of employees assigned to monitor those checkout stations.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Representative Robert E. Craven Sr. for his public service as he decides not to seek reelection in 2026. The bill recognizes his decade-long tenure representing District 32 in North Kingstown and his leadership roles on various committees, including chairing the Judiciary Committee. It specifically highlights several laws he sponsored, such as protections for workplace political and religious rights, measures to increase housing production, and penalties for wage theft. The resolution formally thanks him for his contributions and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Representative Craven.
