Requires superior court clerk to automatically seal cases/individual counts of a criminal complaint/indictment that were dismissed, upon request of the defendant and serve it upon bureau of criminal identification, police department and counsel of record.
Maddy summarySB 598 requires all drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation in Rhode Island - including taxi drivers, bus operators, and ride-sharing (TNC) drivers - to pass a national and state criminal background check before transporting passengers. The check covers serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, DUI causing death, and certain drug or weapon crimes, with disqualifying information reported to the Division of Public Utilities. Drivers must pay for the check, receive a clearance certificate valid for five years, and can appeal denials by demonstrating rehabilitation for past convictions. The bill excludes juvenile records and some minor offenses from consideration, ensuring only relevant criminal history impacts eligibility.
Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.
Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Emily Santerre for being named Miss Ireland in West Warwick’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It recognizes her academic achievements, leadership roles (including as Treasurer for National Honor Society), athletic accomplishments (multi-sport captain, school record in pole vault), and dedication to Irish-American heritage. The resolution formally congratulates her and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her and her family. It has no legal effect or policy changes - only symbolic recognition.
Extends the repayment period for toll violations, and requires the RI transit and bridge authority to notify frequent violators by certified mail that their driver's license may be in jeopardy for failure to pay toll violations.
Maddy summarySB 539 amends filing fees required to appeal certain district court decisions. It mandates a $50 attorney fee for all civil appeals (paid to the opposing party's lawyer) plus a $75 filing fee (including processing and technology fees), with a minimum $25 in other costs. Landlord-tenant cases get a longer 5-day appeal window (including weekends/holidays) versus the standard 2-day window for other civil appeals. The changes apply to all parties appealing district court judgments and take effect January 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 57 requires the state, not local towns, to handle all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways - such as repairs, cleaning, and replacing damaged sections - with the exception of snow and ice removal. This bill amends two sections of the state’s General Laws (24-7-8 and 24-8-6) to explicitly assign this responsibility to the state’s transportation director. It directly affects state highway authorities and eliminates prior ambiguity about who maintains sidewalks adjacent to state roads. The law takes effect upon passage and does not change existing requirements for sidewalk construction approval.
Maddy summarySB 752 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses (private, small businesses with at least three workers) to notify all employees in writing within seven days of deciding to sell the business or transfer 51%+ ownership. Employees then have 30 days to form a group (QEG) to purchase the business, with negotiations and valuation taking up to 180 days. If employees successfully buy the business, the owner receives a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The law ensures existing labor agreements continue and prevents outside control after the sale, directly affecting small business owners and their employees.
Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.
Prohibits a peace officer or a school resource officer from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile.
