Rep. Lauren Carson

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates supporting the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. Vehicle owners who purchase these plates will pay a standard registration fee plus a $40 issuance surcharge and a $10 renewal fee. The collected funds are split between the state's general fund and the foundation, which must use the money to support Rhode Island-based charitable organizations and submit annual financial reports. The special plates must feature designs referencing both the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz festivals and are subject to minimum order requirements.

Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.

Requires school districts to provide the parent/guardian of a student with an individualized education program (IEP) with information concerning the achieving a better life experience (ABLE) account program benefits and the program application process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law governing special license plates for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation in Rhode Island. It authorizes a new ten-dollar annual surcharge on the renewal fees for these specific plates, which are currently available to vehicle owners who wish to support the foundation's mission. The additional funds generated from these renewals will be distributed directly to the foundation to help finance breast cancer awareness, health education, and critical programs. The legislation also includes requirements for annual financial audits and mandates that any Rhode Island-sourced funds received by the foundation be used for the benefit of the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to track energy and water use in large commercial buildings in Rhode Island, aiming to help the state reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. It requires buildings with at least 25,000 square feet of floor area to report their performance using tools like the EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and sets future standards for how efficiently these buildings must operate. Owners of covered properties who do not meet these standards or reporting requirements may have to pay a compliance fee instead. The Office of Energy Resources will manage the program, develop rules for implementation, and ensure enough staff and funding are available to carry it out.

Requires hosting platforms offering short-term rental of residential property for tourist or transient use to disclose on listings the current, valid registration number and its expiration date.

Creates a 17 member commission to study the issues confronting the State due to climate change, and who would report back to the House by May 14, 2025, and expire on June 18, 2025.

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Requires DEM, when practicable, to coordinate with local fire departments to assess fire prevention at certain state properties managed by the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new beverage container deposit recycling program in Rhode Island to reduce litter and increase recycling rates. It would establish a system where consumers pay a small refundable fee when buying eligible drinks in containers like plastic, glass, or metal, which they can get back by returning empty bottles to designated drop-off facilities. The Department of Environmental Management would oversee the program, while manufacturers and importers would be responsible for funding and managing the collection efforts through designated nonprofit organizations. The law specifically defines which products are covered, such as single-use drinks between 50 milliliters and three liters, while excluding items like milk and infant formula.