Requires the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways
Amends the definition of farm and agricultural land to include land on which agricultural operations are being conducted or is suitable for agriculture operations, and further expand the definition of a farmer.
Maddy summaryHB 7087 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 of the service fee covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would replace standard registration plates and display "Governor Roger Williams" along with the state seal, available to any registered vehicle owner who chooses to purchase it. This is a commemorative plate with no substantive policy changes beyond the fee structure.
Maddy summaryHB 7086 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state music. This ceremonial bill does not impose any new regulations, taxes, or obligations on residents or businesses - it solely establishes a symbolic recognition of the genre. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, adding this designation to the state's official emblems. It affects no individuals or entities directly, as it is purely a cultural and symbolic measure.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution honoring Carrigan McCorrie-Raine Nelson following her passing. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences for her death, recognizing her seven-year battle with osteosarcoma, her achievements as a musician and Taekwondo champion, and her advocacy for childhood cancer awareness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her parents, Tammy and Paul Nelson. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a program managed by the nonprofit Grow Smart RI for three years to coordinate revitalization efforts in the state's commercial districts (downtowns, village squares, and retail corridors). It authorizes $500,000 in funding to implement a proven national strategy, including training for local communities, monthly educational sessions, and a centralized resource hub. The program aims to boost economic activity, job creation, and neighborhood development by connecting existing local efforts through standardized best practices. It formalizes a partnership between Grow Smart RI and Main Street America, with the Commerce Corporation handling fund disbursement.
Maddy summaryHB 5871 prevents the amendment of historical vital records (births, marriages, and deaths) once they are transferred to the Rhode Island State Archives. Records become "historical" after 100 years for births/marriages or 50 years for deaths, at which point they are permanently moved to the state archives under the secretary of state's control. The bill ensures these archived records cannot be changed, preserving their historical integrity, while requiring electronic copies to be kept with local registrars for issuing certified copies to the public. This affects only records transferred to the archives, not current vital records managed by local registrars.
Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and services that receive state funding or operate under federal programs. It requires that if federal disability protections (like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) are repealed or invalidated, Rhode Island will maintain the same level of protection that existed before the federal change. The law applies to all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state financial assistance. This creates a legal safeguard to prevent gaps in disability rights during potential federal policy shifts.
