Rep. Scott Slater

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Amos House, provided it remains a qualified tax-exempt corporation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

Maddy summaryHB 7866 raises the threshold for declaring a vehicle a total loss from 80% to 85% of its value, directly affecting insurance companies and vehicle owners during claims processing. The bill amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to update this percentage standard, requiring insurers to consider a vehicle a total loss only when repair costs exceed 85% of its value. This change aims to provide clearer criteria for total loss determinations without altering other claim settlement practices. The bill was introduced to the House Corporations committee on February 27, 2026, and remains pending.

Maddy summaryHB 7437 extends the expiration date for "Don't Block the Box" automated traffic violation detection systems from January 15, 2027, to January 15, 2030. This bill does not change how the systems operate or who can use them, only delays the deadline for discontinuing the technology. The systems monitor vehicles running red lights at intersections to prevent blocking crosswalks and are used by state and local governments. Municipalities and the state Department of Transportation directly benefit from this extension, allowing continued use for three more years.

Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.

Amends the compositions of the Rhode Island life science hub board of directors and amends the I-195 redevelopment district commission and provides additional amendments to the powers and duties of the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Providence, Rhode Island, as the "George Nee Bridge." It directly affects the state's transportation infrastructure by officially naming the structure where U.S. Route 44 crosses over Interstate 95. The key provision requires that signs displaying the new name be installed using private funds, with their design and placement approved by the state Department of Transportation. Once passed, the act will take effect immediately to formalize this permanent name change.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court as recovery court and establish a new position for a drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court. The magistrate would be appointed by the presiding justice with senate approval, serve ten-year terms, and preside over adult offenders charged with non-violent drug-related offenses who are deemed drug-addicted. Key provisions include the magistrate's authority to enforce program conditions, impose incarceration for violations, and make final decisions on program admission and participant eligibility based on specific criteria. The bill also grants the magistrate powers to handle matters related to sexual offender registration and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.

Empowers the division of motor vehicles to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the not-for-profit entity, Dominican independence and heritage award committee of RI.

Requires any person in the business of selling, assigning or buying an equitable interest in real estate without taking legal title to such property, to be licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson and to comply with the disclosure requirements.

Authorizes the city of Providence to issue not more than $25,000,000 in general obligation bonds and notes to fund the providence housing trust fund to finance affordable multi-family housing projects in the city.