Rep. Scott Slater

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7827) commemorates the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2026, recognizing the contributions of Rhode Island's Dominican community (approximately 54,000 residents) and Dominican-Americans to the state's economy, civic life, and military service. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the President of the Dominican Republic and the Dominican-American Association. It does not create new laws or alter policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of historical ties and community impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating March 1-5, 2026, as "Peace Corps Week" in Rhode Island. It symbolically honors the Peace Corps' history and contributions, recognizing over 240,000 volunteers who have served in 140+ countries since 1960. The resolution has no policy impact or financial requirements; it merely proclaims the week of recognition and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Peace Corps CEO. It directly affects the Peace Corps organization and its volunteers by formally acknowledging their work at the state level. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impact specific individuals or groups beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of MAP Behavioral Health Services, Inc. and MAP Development Corporation, located in the city of Providence.

Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 7408 authorizes Rhode Island to set aside up to $18 million in a debt service reserve fund to support financing for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island, Inc. The bill creates a financial backup fund to enhance the creditworthiness of bonds used to purchase the hospitals, ensuring the sale process can proceed without state debt obligations. This funding mechanism directly supports the transfer of ownership to CharterCARE while preserving hospital services and approximately 2,700 jobs. The state’s contribution is limited to the reserve fund, with no obligation to replenish it, and any remaining funds would revert to the state budget. The bill focuses on enabling the hospital sale through bond financing, not altering hospital operations or patient care.

Car rental company not subject to registration penalties resulting from out-of-state toll violations from operators using their rental vehicles but are responsible for any outstanding toll amounts due.

Allows any city, town, state and/or agency of a municipality or the state to report unpaid fines of two hundred dollars ($200) or more to the division of motor vehicles as grounds for refusal of registration.

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 7336 expands existing uninsured motorist coverage to include property damage (like vehicle damage) alongside bodily injury, which was previously only covered for bodily harm. It requires insurers to offer property damage coverage unless a driver with collision coverage specifically rejects it in writing. The bill mandates insurers to inform policyholders about this coverage option during renewals and sets a $200 deductible for property damage claims. This change directly affects drivers in Rhode Island who need to file claims for property damage caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 7354 permits motorcycles to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or very slow-moving vehicles (under 10 mph) in the same lane - under specific conditions. It requires motorcycle riders to filter at speeds no faster than 20 mph, only when lanes are wide enough for safe passing, and when road conditions allow continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders and drivers on roads where this practice is permitted, modifying existing traffic rules to explicitly allow this maneuver. It takes effect upon passage and does not change general speed limits or traffic laws beyond this specific provision.