Rep. Grace Diaz

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, thereby extending anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. The legislation updates various legal definitions within the state's employment chapter to clarify terms related to gender identity, race, disability, and religious accommodation. By making these changes, the bill ensures that domestic workers are covered by the same safeguards against discrimination as other employees in the state.

Amends law to include all licensed physician assistants with licensed physicians and nurses required, each license renewal period, to complete a minimum of 1 hour of instruction on the diagnosis treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments.

Amends the current law on Alzheimer’s care by enacting a specific list of protocols to be followed and those healthcare facilities subject to the law.

Maddy summaryHB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 7218 creates the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent entity separate from Providence city government and the state, to maintain the Crook Point Bascule Bridge and related property. The authority will be governed by a 3-member board appointed by the mayor (with city council approval), with members serving five-year terms and no compensation. Key provisions include the authority’s power to manage finances, enter contracts, borrow funds, and handle maintenance without burdening city or state budgets or taxes. The bill ensures the bridge’s upkeep is managed through a dedicated body, with annual financial reports submitted to city officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026, and honors the work of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. It acknowledges the organization's long history of providing services such as legal aid, English classes, and employment support to refugees and immigrants in the state. The resolution also highlights the economic contributions of refugees to Rhode Island's communities and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the organization's CEO.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Family Caregivers Support Act of 2013, aims to protect employees who care for family members from discrimination in the workplace. It makes it illegal for employers to refuse to hire someone, fire them, or penalize them in any way because of their caregiving duties. The law also requires employers to consider requests for flexible schedules or remote work to handle medical appointments and therapy, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the business. Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees have some flexibility if they can prove that meeting these requests would be too burdensome. If a caregiver believes their rights were violated, the Human Rights Commission is authorized to investigate and order remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates May 10, 2026, as "Lupus Day" in Rhode Island to raise public awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The bill highlights the need for better understanding of the disease's symptoms and the importance of specialized medical care for patients, particularly women between the ages of 15 and 45. Additionally, the resolution encourages charitable donations to the Lupus Foundation of America and related organizations to support research and patient services. The House of Representatives has passed this measure to formally recognize the day and transmit the proclamation to the foundation.

Maddy summaryHB 7910 creates a program requiring companies that produce packaging and paper products (like food containers, boxes, and paper goods) to manage their recycling. It directly affects manufacturers and brands by shifting the financial and operational responsibility for recycling these materials from taxpayers and local governments to the producers themselves. Key provisions mandate that producers fund, organize, and oversee the recycling system for their packaging and paper waste, rather than relying on public recycling programs. This policy change aims to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill waste by making producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially designates May 2026 as 'Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month' in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public understanding of these chronic conditions by encouraging awareness and education activities throughout the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to acknowledge the partnership.