Rep. Edith Ajello

Maddy summaryHB 5158 removes the requirement for applicants to pass a standardized written exam to become a licensed clinical social worker in Rhode Island, effective until August 15, 2030. This change directly affects social workers seeking clinical licensure in the state, eliminating a key barrier to entry. The bill also directs the licensing board to consider accommodations for non-English speakers and explore alternative qualification paths to better serve Rhode Island's diverse communities. The law aims to increase access to licensure while maintaining other qualification standards like education and experience.

Prohibits credit reporting, executions, attachments against a principal residence for judgments based on medical debt. Defines medical debt as an amount for the receipt of health care services, products, or devices.

Maddy summaryHB 6162 grants the City of Providence a one-year exemption from standard property tax levy limits for fiscal year 2026, allowing a maximum 8% tax increase instead of the usual 4% cap. This exemption applies specifically to Providence's property tax levies during FY2026, directly affecting residents and property owners in the city through their local tax bills. The bill modifies existing tax levy rules (which generally cap annual increases at 4% for most cities) to provide this temporary, targeted exception. No other cities or towns are affected by this provision, and the exemption applies only to the 2026 fiscal year.

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.

Maddy summaryHB 5357 repeals a provision that required women in the community corrections program for women offenders to pay additional fees for prostitution-related offenses. Specifically, it removes mandatory assessments of $500 for felony convictions or $350 for misdemeanor convictions, which were previously added to court fines. This change directly affects women sentenced to community correctional programs under the program’s eligibility criteria (those sentenced to two years or less or awaiting trial in women’s correctional facilities). The bill eliminates these financial penalties, ensuring women in the program are no longer subject to these extra costs. The bill became law after being signed by the governor on June 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6157 creates a new commercial fishing license for Rhode Island residents to harvest invasive green crabs (Carcinus maenas) at a $10 annual fee. The bill authorizes residents to legally remove this invasive species, which threatens local ecosystems, and allows the director to establish regulations for the license. This policy directly affects Rhode Island residents seeking to commercially target green crabs as a management tool, with the license taking effect January 1, 2026.

Increases from 7 days to 9 days the period of time in which a request for a recount of the votes cast can be made to the board of elections and no certificates of election may be issued until the recount, if any, is completed.

Maddy summaryHB 5369 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Providence Preservation Society from property taxes. This bill adds the society to the existing list of entities eligible for tax exemptions under Rhode Island law. The change directly affects the Providence Preservation Society by removing property tax obligations for its owned buildings and assets used in preservation work. The exemption applies to all real estate and tangible personal property held by the society, consistent with similar exemptions for nonprofit and historical organizations.

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

Maddy summaryHB 5432 prohibits health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects patients seeking these treatments and insurers who must comply with the new rule. The key provision removes a common administrative barrier, allowing patients to access covered in-network care without prior insurer approval. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and aligns with existing parity requirements for mental health coverage.