Rep. David Morales

Maddy summaryHB 7950 regulates prescription drug price increases in Rhode Island by imposing a penalty on manufacturers who raise prices without new clinical evidence. It targets "identified drugs" with "unsupported price increases" as determined by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Manufacturers face an 80% penalty on the revenue difference between actual sales and what they would have earned at the prior year's wholesale cost (adjusted for inflation), but only if their annual sales exceed $250,000 in the state. The penalty applies for two years after a drug appears on ICER's annual report of unsupported increases. This directly affects drug manufacturers selling in Rhode Island who implement such price hikes.

Requires the corrections director to adopt body camera policies by January 1, 2027, after stakeholder consultation, setting standards for activation, recording, access, retention, notice, and training,

Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.

Amends current law on interpreter services to mandate hospitals provide a certified, interpreter for every non-English speaker, unless there is no national or state certification for a specific language so that a qualified interpreter may be used.

Maddy summaryHB 7983 would establish a 12-year term limit for all members serving in the state's General Assembly (both House and Senate). This policy change would directly affect current and future legislators by restricting their total service to a maximum of 12 years in the Assembly. The bill's key provision requires members to leave office after reaching this 12-year cumulative service limit, regardless of re-election attempts. It does not apply to members already serving beyond the limit or to other government roles. The bill is currently in the introduction stage, referred to the House State Government & Elections committee.

Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to clarify housing-status enforcement, ban discriminatory housing notices, aligns state law with federal standards and removes a ban on public discussion of fair housing cases.

Maddy summaryHB 7758 establishes clear responsibilities for landlords and tenants regarding bed bug infestations in rental properties. Tenants must promptly notify landlords (via written or electronic notice) if they suspect bed bugs, and landlords must arrange a professional inspection within 96 hours. Landlords are responsible for all inspection and treatment costs, while tenants must allow access for inspections and prepare their unit for treatment. The bill also prohibits landlords from renting units known to have bed bugs and requires landlords to inspect adjacent units if an infestation is confirmed.

Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.

Maddy summaryHB 7765 increases notice periods for landlords terminating month-to-month tenancies or raising rent in Rhode Island. It requires landlords to provide tenants with 60 days' written notice (up from 30 days) before termination or rent increases, and 120 days' notice for tenants aged 62 or older. This directly affects renters in month-to-month leases, giving them more time to adjust or find new housing. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to standardize notice requirements and forms, ensuring clearer communication about lease changes.

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.