Rep. Lauren Carson

Maddy summaryHB 5698 changes how property taxes are calculated for owner-occupied low- and moderate-income housing. It requires assessors to use a property’s most recent sales price - not standard market value - as the tax assessment basis for qualifying housing units. This directly affects homeowners in designated low- and moderate-income housing that serves as owner-occupied residences. The change prevents tax increases tied to rising market values, maintaining affordability for eligible homeowners.

Authorizes the Rhode Island infrastructure bank to establish a fund to provide financial assistance to local government units for resiliency and stormwater abatement projects.

Directs RIHousing to work with stakeholders to investigate and determine ways to assist an incorporated homeowners' association to exercise rights to purchase leased land.

Updates and expands the current law to include menopause and menopause related conditions in the law on fair employment practices pertaining to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 5598 requires all public schools in the state to create and implement a written policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) during school hours and school activities. The policy must aim to reduce distractions, support learning, and protect student privacy and safety, while explicitly allowing exceptions for students needing assistive technology under IEPs/504 plans, medical devices (e.g., glucose monitors), or language support programs. Schools must develop these policies in consultation with staff representatives, notify parents, and file them with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will provide annual guidance. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026.

Creates a process for licensure and oversight by DBR over the practices and procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and the regulating of fees.

Maddy summaryHB 5484 increases penalties for public utilities and water suppliers that violate regulations under Chapter 39 of the General Laws. It raises fines for violations from $200-$1,000 to $200-$5,000 per offense, and for officials who fail to comply, from $100-$500 to $100-$1,000 per offense. Each day of a continuing violation is treated as a separate offense, with daily penalties applying. The bill directly affects all public utilities and water suppliers subject to these chapters, increasing financial consequences for noncompliance without changing existing regulatory duties.

Maddy summaryHB 5686 requires Rhode Island municipalities to maintain and update a current list of rights-of-way to tidal areas designated by the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This affects all cities and towns within Rhode Island that have coastal areas or tidal waterways. The bill mandates that municipalities regularly review and revise these lists to ensure accurate records of public access and infrastructure near tidal zones. This update supports the CRMC’s broader coastal management efforts by providing clear, up-to-date information for planning and resource protection.

Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. It also adds civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.

Allows food service businesses to provide temporary outdoor dining whenever building/other structure used for food service rendered uninhabitable by casualty fire/flood for 18 months or the building fit for occupancy sunsetting on 6/30/27.