Maddy summaryHB 7763 changes how owners of properties with shared driveways or access paths split the cost of keeping them in good condition. Under the new rules, if there is no written agreement, all owners sharing the easement must pay for maintenance based on how much each property benefits, rather than using the property's market value or tax assessment to decide the share. The law also clarifies that any owner who damages the path is solely responsible for fixing that specific damage, and it allows other owners to take legal action if someone refuses to pay their share or perform repairs. This update applies to residential properties and ensures that maintenance responsibilities are calculated by usage benefit instead of property worth.
Sponsored bills
Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.
Provides the tax administration may prescribe regulations requiring returns of information to be made and filed on or before Feb 28 of each year consistent with applicable thresholds for information filings under the federal Internal Revenue Code.
Maddy summaryHB 7088 creates special vehicle registration plates for the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub, a nonprofit organization that honors veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C. for WWII and Korean War veterans. Owners of vehicles registered with these special plates pay a $40 initial fee (with $20 going to the state general fund and $20 to the nonprofit) plus a $10 annual renewal fee that fully supports the nonprofit’s mission. The plates replace standard registration, must display the organization’s name, and require the nonprofit to use funds for Rhode Island charities while submitting annual financial reports. This procedural bill does not affect general vehicle registration but provides a dedicated funding mechanism for the nonprofit’s veterans' program.
Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recalls obligation policies.
Changes the direct client contact hour requirements for applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist associate and applicants for licensure of marriage and family therapist.
Defines "military-connected student" and permits military-connected students to enroll by remote registration upon presentation of military orders confirming the parent or guardian be stationed in this state during the current or following school year.
Establishes the Rhode Island orange heart medal to formally recognize Rhode Island veterans whose service exposed them to toxic herbicides, burn pits, or other hazardous agents.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special license plate for Real Access Motivates Progress, a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Vehicle owners who choose this plate pay a $40 initial fee (with $20 allocated to the charity annually) plus a $10 annual renewal fee, while standard registration rules apply. The charity must use all Rhode Island-sourced funds for local accessibility programs and submit annual financial reports. The special plate replaces standard registration plates and follows standard size requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 7371 sets a statewide maximum limit of 12 children for family child care homes, overriding local zoning rules that might allow larger groups. This bill directly affects family child care providers operating out of residential homes across the state. The key provision establishes a uniform statewide standard, ensuring all such homes comply with this size limit regardless of local regulations. The bill aims to standardize child care capacity rules to enhance safety and consistency for families. It is currently pending a committee hearing as of February 2026.