Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Maddy summaryHB 5802 allows Rhode Island state agencies to develop housing on state-owned vacant, abandoned, or underutilized land without needing local zoning approval. It requires state agencies to hold a public hearing and demonstrate that housing projects align with state planning goals, address housing needs (including low- and moderate-income options), and minimize negative impacts on traffic, environment, or historic sites. The bill streamlines this process by exempting such state-led housing projects from standard municipal planning requirements, provided they follow the new hearing and justification rules. This directly affects state agencies planning housing developments on state-owned properties, aiming to accelerate housing construction where land is available.
Establishes a reimbursement system for a municipalities cost of training public safety personnel when they are hired by a different municipality or public safety agency within Rhode Island within 3 years of receiving the public safety training.
Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.
Prohibits the sale of beverages and drink mix powders containing hemp-derived delta-9 THC in RI, unless such products are authorized and regulated under the state’s cannabis laws, and maintains regulatory consistency within the state’s cannabis framework.
Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.
Increases the maximum penalty for certain violations related to the cutting, removal, damage by injurious liquids or gases to trees, plants and shrubs on any public highway or public land under the jurisdiction of state agencies from $500 to $1,000.
Maddy summaryHB 5838 ensures schools provide appropriate support for English language learners (ELLs) and English as a second language (ESL) students during individualized education plan (IEP) processes. It requires evaluations to be conducted in a student’s primary language, mandates IEP teams to include experts in second-language acquisition, and prohibits school districts from pressuring families to decline language services. The bill also requires schools to use trained bilingual interpreters for parent communication and ensures IEPs address both language learning and disability needs. These changes directly affect ELL/ESL students, their families, and school districts in Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6404) is a ceremonial tribute recognizing Andrew Schiff’s 18+ years as CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. It honors his leadership in doubling food distribution (to 18.3 million pounds monthly), guiding the food bank through the pandemic, and advocating for policies like minimum wage increases and expanded food assistance programs. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely thanks Schiff for his service and directs the Secretary of State to send him a certified copy. It directly affects Schiff (a retiring executive) and the food bank’s mission, but does not create new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding House resolution commemorating World Refugee Day on June 20, 2025, and recognizing Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for its 100+ years of service to refugees and immigrants. It formally acknowledges Dorcas' work through programs like resettlement, legal services, and job training, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dorcas' CEO. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative recognition. It directly affects Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island as the recipient of this formal acknowledgment.
