Rep. Edith Ajello

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to clarify housing-status enforcement, ban discriminatory housing notices, aligns state law with federal standards and removes a ban on public discussion of fair housing cases.

Maddy summaryHB 7769 sets the minimum wage for 2027 at $20.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers and hourly workers in the state who must pay at least this rate. The key provision amends existing law to establish this specific hourly rate for 2027, building on previously scheduled annual increases listed in the bill. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7772 requires healthcare facilities to pay healthcare workers and medical direct support professionals time-and-a-half pay for work performed on Sundays or holidays. This applies to all employees covered under the bill’s definition of healthcare facilities, directly affecting those working weekend or holiday shifts in hospitals, clinics, and similar settings. The law amends minimum wage provisions to mandate this higher pay rate for qualifying shifts, effective upon passage. It does not change overtime rules for other days or expand coverage beyond Sunday/holiday work in healthcare settings.

Maddy summaryHB 8113 (2026) requires residential landlords to pay interest on security deposits held for tenants. This directly affects landlords who collect security deposits and tenants who provide them. The key provision mandates that landlords pay interest on these deposits, likely calculated at a specified rate, though the exact rate isn't detailed in the abstract. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (referred to House Judiciary on 02/27/2026) and has not yet been voted on or enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 8109 would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants from residential housing without a valid legal reason, directly affecting both landlords and renters in rental properties. The bill prevents landlords from removing tenants or attempting to exclude them from their homes, requiring just cause for any eviction. Key provisions include banning no-cause evictions and establishing that landlords must have a legally recognized justification, such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations, to seek removal. This bill aims to strengthen tenant protections by limiting arbitrary displacement in residential housing.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 7034 prohibits landlords and housing agents in Rhode Island from asking applicants about prior incarceration or discriminating against them based on that status. It amends the Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly ban such inquiries and discrimination, protecting individuals who have been released from prison. The bill also maintains existing protections against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. This directly affects landlords, rental applications, and formerly incarcerated residents seeking housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Anna Casale, a 98-year-old Rhode Island resident. It directly affects the Casale family by formally acknowledging their loss and honoring her life as a devoted mother, grandmother, and community member. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to the family as a gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her legacy and contributions to her family and faith community.

Maddy summaryHB 7729 prohibits the unlawful use of designated seclusion rooms in Rhode Island public pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools, meaning students cannot be left alone in isolated rooms without freedom to leave. The bill specifically excludes physical prompts, restraints, and time-outs from this prohibition. School staff must follow positive behavioral interventions instead, and the education commissioner must handle complaints about violations through investigations and published procedures. This law directly affects all public school students, staff, and administrators in Rhode Island’s K-12 system.