Rep. Enrique Sanchez

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 15, 2026, honoring his legacy in the civil rights movement and advocacy for equality. It does not create new laws or affect specific policies; instead, it formally recognizes Dr. King's life and work through a ceremonial expression of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to distribute certified copies to state officials, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday Commission. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 7101 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 28th anniversary of Funda Fest, organized by the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS). It recognizes RIBS' mission since 1998 to promote Black storytelling through performances and educational events, and acknowledges Funda Fest's 28-year history of engaging thousands statewide. The resolution urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in Funda Fest 2026 (January 13-25) to learn about Black history and traditions through storytelling. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIBS, with no new policies or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 6394 modifies property tax levy limits for cities and towns in Rhode Island, with specific provisions for Providence. It gradually reduces the maximum annual tax increase cap from 5.5% (through 2007) down to 4% (starting 2013), requiring local governments to stay within these limits unless exceptions apply. The bill includes a special provision allowing Providence to exceed its cap in fiscal year 2026 for revenue from Class 2B property tax rates above $28.80 per $1,000 valuation. Exceptions permitting higher taxes include certified revenue shortfalls, emergencies (like health insurance spikes), debt service increases, or major new construction requiring infrastructure spending.

Adds a provision in the statute relating to one way highways, providing an increased penalty when a motorist travels the wrong way on an interstate highway or an entrance or exit ramp connected to an interstate highway.

Maddy summaryHB 5293 creates a public education program to teach Rhode Island residents and businesses how to properly recycle textiles like clothing and linens. It requires private recyclers to submit annual reports on collected textiles starting in 2028, and the environmental department will use this data to set future recycling targets by 2029. The bill also mandates an online directory to help households and businesses find textile recycling options. This law directly affects residents, businesses, and textile recyclers by changing how recycling education is delivered and how collection data is tracked. It takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Maddy summaryHB 5441 reduces the waiting period for expunging criminal records in Rhode Island. It shortens the timeframe to three years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and five years for felonies or multiple misdemeanors (two to five offenses). The bill applies to eligible first-time offenders who have paid all court fees and fines, excluding those convicted of violent crimes or specific offenses under Chapter 29 of Title 12. Expungement remains unavailable for violent offenses, and records related to decriminalized offenses can still be expunged after conviction.

Exempts certain urban and small farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible and personal property taxes and income taxes. This act would also define urban and small farmers and urban farmland.

Increases the maximum penalty for certain violations related to the cutting, removal, damage by injurious liquids or gases to trees, plants and shrubs on any public highway or public land under the jurisdiction of state agencies from $500 to $1,000.

Maddy summaryHB 5838 ensures schools provide appropriate support for English language learners (ELLs) and English as a second language (ESL) students during individualized education plan (IEP) processes. It requires evaluations to be conducted in a student’s primary language, mandates IEP teams to include experts in second-language acquisition, and prohibits school districts from pressuring families to decline language services. The bill also requires schools to use trained bilingual interpreters for parent communication and ensures IEPs address both language learning and disability needs. These changes directly affect ELL/ESL students, their families, and school districts in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 5250 adds Juneteenth National Freedom Day to the list of holidays requiring retail businesses to close in this state. The bill amends the definition of "holiday" in retail business law to include Juneteenth, meaning retail establishments (but not food service businesses) must close on this day starting January 1, 2026. This change directly affects businesses operating under the state's retail holiday regulations. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, aligning Juneteenth with other established legal holidays like New Year's Day and Independence Day.