Rep. John Lombardi

Maddy summaryHB 7130 modifies the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by allowing tenants to pay an increased security deposit in monthly installments over 12 months instead of paying the full amount upfront. This provision directly affects residential tenants in rental properties where landlords seek to raise security deposits. The key mechanism is the structured payment plan, replacing a single lump-sum requirement with smaller, manageable monthly payments. The bill focuses on easing financial burdens for tenants facing higher deposit demands without altering the deposit amount itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Anna Casale, a 98-year-old Rhode Island resident. It directly affects the Casale family by formally acknowledging their loss and honoring her life as a devoted mother, grandmother, and community member. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to the family as a gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her legacy and contributions to her family and faith community.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island" to raise awareness about individuals with profound autism spectrum disorder. The resolution formally recognizes the unique challenges faced by people with profound autism, who have significant intellectual disabilities and require 24-hour supervision, along with their families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Profound Autism Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for support and inclusion for these individuals. This is a commemorative measure intended to highlight the importance of including people with profound autism in services and research rather than implementing new policy changes.

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Maddy summaryHB 7759 gives nursing home patients and their estates the right to sue nursing homes that violate their rights under existing state law. It allows them to seek actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees if they win a lawsuit. Nursing homes that fail to post required information or break the rules face criminal penalties, including fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail. The Department of Health can also enforce the law by taking legal action on behalf of the state. The bill applies to all nursing homes in the state and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for students of this state.

Enables employees to no longer have to utilize sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave or other paid time off as a condition to their maternity leave.

Establishes a statewide broadband community outreach coordinator to assist state residents interested in learning more and/or applying for, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.

Bars police from wearing masks or disguises when interacting with the public, require visible ID, allow limited safety and undercover exceptions, and impose criminal penalties and civil liability for violations.

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights law to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and includes the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.