Rep. John Lombardi

Maddy summaryHB 5502 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's laws. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or a fine over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to 1 year imprisonment or a fine up to $1,000, a petty misdemeanor involves up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine up to $500, and a violation is punishable only by a fine under $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in sentencing laws means 364 days, not 365. This definition change directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defendants when classifying criminal charges and determining penalties. The bill is currently pending further study after a committee hearing.

Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provide criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good moral character.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates "Medal of Honor Day" on March 25, 2025, in Rhode Island, honoring the state's 35 Medal of Honor recipients. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the governor, the state Veterans Affairs director, and the Adjutant General. The resolution has no binding legal effect and does not create new laws or impact any individuals or programs. It is a symbolic gesture recognizing military heroes from Rhode Island's history.

Extends the time for which a student may enroll in the community college of Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program to one year after the student's high school graduation.

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

Provides that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 5940 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses to notify all employees in writing within seven days if they plan to sell the business (or at least 51% of it), giving employees a 30-day exclusive window to form a group and purchase it as an employee-owned business. It applies to private Rhode Island businesses with at least three workers that meet small business size standards and operate locally for over a year. Key provisions include mandating owner transparency (sharing financial records), ensuring existing labor agreements continue post-sale, and offering owners a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The bill aims to facilitate worker ownership transitions while protecting democratic governance within the new employee-owned entity.

Maddy summaryHB 5103 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration history or discriminating against them based on that history. The bill amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly include "prior incarceration" as a protected characteristic, alongside existing categories like race and gender. This means landlords cannot deny housing, refuse to rent, or ask about past jail time during the application process. The law directly affects renters with criminal records and aims to reduce barriers to housing for people who have been released from prison.

Maddy summaryHB 5127 allows tenants to pay increased security deposits in monthly installments over 12 months if their landlord raises rent and the security deposit amount simultaneously. This directly affects tenants in rental properties where landlords increase both rent and security deposits. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to permit this payment schedule, while maintaining the existing limit of one month's rent for security deposits. It does not change the maximum deposit amount or other existing tenant protections.