Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7373 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Pawtucket from local property taxation. The bill directly affects this specific nonprofit organization by removing its property tax obligation for its physical assets. The key provision is a targeted tax exemption for the center's buildings and equipment, not a broad policy change. The bill is currently under review by the House Municipal Government & Housing committee, having been referred for further study after a scheduled hearing.

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 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.

Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.

Maddy summaryHB 7865 creates the "Strengthen Rhody Homes" program to help Rhode Island homeowners retrofit or build primary residences to better withstand hurricanes and catastrophic weather using federal or other grant funds (not state funds). The program targets owner-occupied single-family homes (excluding condos or mobile homes) that meet specific criteria, including having wind insurance, being in good repair, and following Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) standards for storm resilience. Homeowners must secure pre-qualification from an IBHS-certified evaluator, hire three approved contractors, and complete work to IBHS standards before grants are paid directly to contractors. Administered by the state’s insurance division, the program does not obligate the state to fund projects and requires random inspections to prevent fraud.

Clarifies when mobile equipment can travel on a public highway as an incidentally permitted practice limited to the active participation in an active work zone.

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.

Establishes a statewide mobile response and stabilization services program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their natural environments.

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.