Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.
Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.
Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.
Maddy summaryHR 5732 proposes a constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new right to all Rhode Islanders: the inherent right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preservation of natural, scenic, and recreational environmental values. If approved by voters, it would require the state to act as a trustee of natural resources, protecting these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, gender, or income, and for both current and future generations. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and must be voted on by Rhode Island residents at the next statewide general election. This is a procedural proposal - voters must approve it before it becomes part of the state constitution.
Maddy summaryHB 5554 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of electronic credit or debit card transactions. Merchants must report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction processing to avoid these fees; if they fail to do so, they can submit proof within 180 days for refunds. The law directly affects businesses that collect sales tax or tips (e.g., restaurants, retailers) and payment networks handling card transactions. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with violations subject to $1,000 penalties per transaction. The bill does not change tax or tip amounts but removes fees charged on those specific portions.
CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.
Provides for warming center and cooling center alerts to trigger certain procedures municipalities shall follow during extreme heat or cold to help at-risk individuals with resources including, but not limited to, warming and cooling centers.
Maddy summaryHR 6154 is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill. It proclaims April 2025 as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages Rhode Islanders to learn about issues affecting people with limb loss or limb difference, support affected individuals and caregivers, and honor veterans who have experienced limb loss. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Amputee Coalition and the National Limb Loss Resource Center. This resolution has no binding effect but aims to raise public awareness.
Maddy summaryHB 5072 allows individuals with 2-5 misdemeanor convictions (but no felony convictions) to have those offenses expunged from their criminal records after completing their sentences for 10 years. The bill modifies existing expungement rules to create a new pathway specifically for people with multiple misdemeanors who lack felony convictions, requiring payment of all court fees and fines before eligibility. It does not apply to offenses under specific sections of the law or to individuals convicted of violent crimes. This change directly affects people with non-violent misdemeanor histories seeking to clear their records for employment or housing opportunities. The bill takes effect upon passage and is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee.
