Provides that any law or regulation which prohibits or protects a person from exposure to second-hand smoke would include second-hand marijuana smoke or vapor.
Maddy summaryHB 5321 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning within the state government by June 2027 to manage the state's child care system. It directly affects families with young children (capping child care costs at 7% of income), child care providers, and early educators by providing direct funding to cover costs not met by family fees. Key provisions include requiring providers to improve educator wages to match K-12 standards, expanding access in underserved areas, and ensuring care for children with disabilities. The bill aims to make high-quality child care affordable and accessible statewide while consolidating oversight from multiple departments.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5288) is a symbolic resolution designating February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It honors school counselors' roles in supporting students' academic, career, and personal development. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president. It has no legal effect but formally recognizes the contributions of school counselors within the state.
Maddy summaryHB 5102 creates a committee to develop regulations for homeless shelters in Rhode Island, directly affecting shelters operating across the state. The committee - comprising shelter providers, advocates, residents, and housing officials - will draft standards covering admission policies, resident rights (including no fees or discrimination), health/safety protocols, and emergency shelter requirements. Key provisions mandate shelters provide dignified services, protect resident privacy, ensure access to food and medical care, and involve residents in program planning. The bill establishes a process for setting these standards but does not change current shelter operations until regulations are finalized and adopted.
Establishes rules and procedures for licensing emergency shelters for homeless persons, including setting minimum standards and prohibiting the charging of fees to the residents.
Requires mandatory training standards for police officers and trainees, in identifying, responding, and handling all incidents involving any person with a developmental disability.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5239) is a symbolic resolution declaring January 30, 2025, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day." It directly recognizes the state's ongoing food insecurity crisis, citing that 38% of Rhode Island households struggled to meet basic food needs in 2024, with higher rates among communities of color. The resolution has no new funding or policy changes; it solely serves to raise public awareness and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The House passed it on January 30, 2025, as a non-binding gesture.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5242) expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to Friedrich St. Florian’s family following his death. It specifically directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Livia St. Florian, and their children and grandchildren. The resolution commemorates St. Florian’s life as a renowned architect, educator at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and designer of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. It has no policy impact beyond formal expression of sympathy.
Maddy summaryHR 5241 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives expressing condolences for the death of Richmond Police Sergeant Michael W. Lawing, a U.S. Marine veteran and dedicated officer who led the department's K-9 program and body camera implementation. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Lawing's family, including his wife Caitlyn and three children. This procedural bill does not create policy changes but formally honors his service and legacy.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5237), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Kathleen A. Brown on her retirement after 40 years of service as an Office Systems Coordinator in the Rhode Island General Assembly's Legislative Data department. The resolution expresses the House's appreciation for her work managing schedules, budgets, and data systems, and acknowledges her contributions to the legislative environment. It has no policy impact and solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.
