Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that mail ballot drop boxes in Rhode Island remain open for 35 days before regular state, statewide, and federal elections, and for 20 days before special elections. It requires these secure containers to be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week when located outside municipal buildings, while also ensuring they are available during business hours if placed inside city or town facilities. The legislation establishes specific rules for labeling, video surveillance, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the public posting of drop box locations on official websites. Additionally, it sets procedures for when drop boxes must be locked on election day and outlines how local boards will manage the collection and transport of ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ryan's Law, updates regulations for healthcare professionals who prescribe controlled substances by introducing stricter penalties for overprescribing that leads to death. Under the new rules, any provider found guilty of this specific offense must face a mandatory three-year probationary period, during which any further related violations could result in license suspension or revocation. In addition to this probation, the law allows licensing boards to impose fines of up to $1,000 for a second offense and up to $5,000 for each subsequent offense, while also permitting the assessment of administrative costs against the licensee. The legislation applies to all professionals regulated by boards that oversee the prescribing of controlled substances and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Makes several amendments relative to manufactured homes, including adding a definition for manufactured home and a provision allowing for certain manufactured homes to be considered a single-family home if on a lot zone for such use.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of low and moderate income housing in Rhode Island to include rental properties secured by federal government vouchers, such as Section 8. By making this change, the law requires cities and towns to count these voucher-assisted units toward their local requirements for affordable housing inventory. Effective July 1, 2024, municipalities must verify that these vouchers are active and in good standing before counting them as one full housing unit. This adjustment aims to ensure that federally subsidized rental assistance is recognized alongside other forms of government-subsidized housing in local planning and zoning regulations.

Only protective orders issued against adults are to be transmitted to A.G.'s B.C.I. for inclusion in the R.O.N.C.O. system. Protective orders against juveniles will be accessible to law enforcement.

Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from five to ten years.

Requires municipalities managing their own pension system to submit a statutorily required actuarial experience study to the advisory council to locally administered pension plans, rather than to a since-dissolved study commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays the enforcement of laws requiring specific living conditions for egg-laying hens until January 1, 2028. It directly affects commercial egg producers by temporarily exempting them from current confinement standards that would otherwise take effect. The legislation allows these farms to continue using existing housing methods for hens during the extension period without legal penalty. Once the deadline passes, the original regulations will apply to covered animals as previously scheduled.

Authorizes Providence canteen vehicles to be equipped with sirens, whistles or bells and would require operators of any canteen vehicle to receive 5 hours of training in the operation of the vehicle and its emergency equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for drivers who crash into deer and suffer significant vehicle damage. It requires these drivers to report the accident to a conservation officer within 24 hours. If the officer confirms the damage, the driver gets a certificate allowing them to keep and eat the deer, provided it is shared only with their immediate family. The law also gives drivers the first right to claim the animal and directs the Department of Environmental Management to create specific rules for handling these carcasses.