Sen. John Burke

Maddy summaryThis bill allows voters who do not belong to a political party to vote in party primaries without automatically becoming affiliated with that party. Under the new rules, unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in either a Republican or Democratic primary, and their status will remain unaffiliated regardless of which primary they choose. The legislation also clarifies that signing nomination papers or helping candidates does not count as party affiliation for voting purposes. Election officials are required to inform voters at polling places that no additional steps are needed to keep their unaffiliated status after voting in a primary.

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.

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.

Requires towns and cities to publish a list of abandoned properties and makes various other amendments relative to the sale of abandoned property by a receiver.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local municipalities to let taxpayers choose to receive tax notices via email or other digital methods instead of traditional mail. It creates a program where residents can waive their right to physical mail notifications and opt for electronic delivery of tax information. The law clarifies that receiving notice by any method, including digital, is sufficient and that failing to receive a notice does not excuse the payment of taxes. This change applies to cities and towns that currently send tax bills through the postal service.

Prohibits hospitals and other medical providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. A violation of this chapter may be pursued on behalf of the consumer by the attorney general.

Maddy summarySB 2120 clarifies which electrical services require a state contractor's license, directly affecting businesses and individuals who install, maintain, or test electrical systems. The bill updates existing laws to explicitly include work on support systems for electrical equipment, fire alarm systems, and lightning protection, while excluding low-voltage wiring for heating and cooling. It maintains an exemption for owner-occupied single-family homes but requires licensed contractors to display their license number on advertisements and contracts. Additionally, the legislation defines specific license categories for different specialties, such as fire alarm, electrical sign, and renewable energy professionals.

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.

Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.

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.