Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHR 8042 creates a special legislative commission to study Rhode Island's Condominium Act. The commission will examine the current law governing condominium ownership and management. This resolution directly affects condo owners and developers in Rhode Island by initiating a review that could inform future legislative changes, though it does not alter the existing law itself. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Corporations committee.

Maddy summaryHB 7727 establishes a 15-member commission to study policies and procurement structures for Rhode Island's offshore wind energy development, aiming to secure 1,200 megawatts by 2030. The commission will evaluate key areas including procurement authority, cost containment, workforce development, infrastructure needs, and multi-state coordination, with annual reports due starting in 2027. Its recommendations will guide the state's energy office in creating regulations to implement procurement strategies, ensuring alignment with climate goals and economic development priorities. The commission expires December 31, 2030, unless extended by the legislature.

Requires a nursing and assisted living facility to allow its residents to connect their electronic monitoring devices to its internet service without incurring any extra cost or charges.

Permits a tenant, at the tenant’s expense, to implement energy conservation measures to any dwelling or dwelling unit such as removable weather-stripping around doors and windows.

Maddy summaryHB 7904 would extend the maximum term of employment for school superintendents from three to five years. This change directly affects school superintendents and school boards, as it alters the standard term length for superintendent appointments. The key provision increases the maximum service period without reappointment, potentially allowing for longer leadership continuity. The bill is currently in the House Education committee after being introduced on February 27, 2026.

Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 would need to consider.

Maddy summaryHB 7739, the Green Buildings Act, requires all new state or municipal public buildings over 10,000 square feet and major renovations of existing public buildings over 10,000 square feet to meet green building standards. It mandates compliance with LEED certification or equivalent standards (like Green Globes) for projects not in design before July 1, 2023, and ties this requirement to building permits. The law directly affects public schools receiving state funding, state agencies, and municipalities managing public facilities. A new 17-member Green Buildings Act Commission will oversee implementation and approve equivalent standards. This policy aims to reduce energy costs, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in public infrastructure.

Creates the multi-unit residential decarbonization initiative program to provide funding for feasibility studies to convert large, multi-family residential units to non-emitting renewable geothermal energy.

Directs the office of energy resources to develop building performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island that would cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline in line with the act on climate requirements.

Requires every elementary and secondary school within the State of Rhode Island to provide and maintain clearly visible and easily accessible trauma kits within the school. It also provides immunity if assistance is rendered.