Sen. Lou Raptakis

Maddy summarySB 2628 establishes statewide limits on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing and commercial developments. It prohibits municipalities from requiring more than one parking space per single-family home, half a space per multi-family unit, or two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill exempts certain projects from parking mandates, including small homes under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet, affordable housing, historic district buildings, and child daycare centers. Municipalities must update their zoning codes by December 31, 2026, to comply, while retaining authority over bicycle parking, loading zones, and traffic studies.

Maddy summarySB 2155 would allow Rhode Island residents aged 21 or older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state-issued permit. Currently, Rhode Island law requires a permit for concealed carry, so this bill would eliminate that requirement. The key provision removes the permit mandate for eligible adults, directly affecting residents who wish to carry concealed handguns in public. This is a substantive policy change to the state's weapons regulations.

Allows attorney general to enter into agreements with other states to recognize a concealed handgun permit as valid and authorizes RI to recognize and honor a concealed weapon permit from out of state with certain requirements.

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

Permits possession or use of device that muffles sound on any firearm longer than 17” in length and permits the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license.

Maddy summarySB 2314 prohibits most people from possessing large-capacity firearm magazines (holding more than 10 rounds), making first-time violations a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail or a $1,000 fine, and subsequent violations felonies with up to five years in jail or a $5,000 fine. It allows existing owners who legally possessed such magazines before June 20, 2022, to modify, surrender, or transfer them within 180 days. Exemptions include law enforcement officers (active and retired with permits), military members, and those who lawfully owned the devices prior to the effective date. The bill directly affects firearm owners, with penalties applying to unauthorized possession or failure to comply with the transition period.

Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.

Defines suitable person for purposes of concealed carry pistol permit establishes reasons and information needed for applying for the permit, an appeal process and provides that records are not public records.

Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution designates April 24, 2026, as "Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day" to honor the victims of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide and the Armenian-American community in the state. The measure formally recognizes the historical events described in the bill text and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the U.S. President, Congress, and various Armenian organizations. Additionally, the bill respectfully requests that the federal government urge Turkey to acknowledge the 1915 events as genocide and to provide restitution for the losses suffered by Armenians.