Maddy summaryHB 7317, the Rhode Island Early Educator Workforce Act, directs the Department of Human Services and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to collaborate on managing existing programs supporting early childhood educators. It specifically requires maintaining the Child Care WAGE$ program with at least $1 million annually to provide salary supplements for educators in licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes, while also overseeing workforce development scholarships (T.E.A.C.H.) and registered apprenticeships. The bill directly affects early educators in Rhode Island’s licensed childcare and early learning programs, who currently earn an average of $16.74 per hour - among the lowest wages in the state. These provisions aim to improve retention and compensation by aligning early educator wages with K-12 standards through existing, research-backed programs.
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Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" within the state. It directly affects the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) by formally recognizing its role in higher education and workforce development. The bill does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic proclamation to honor the institution's contributions to the state's economy and residents. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the CCRI president to acknowledge the designation.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates the Community College of Rhode Island Women's Basketball Team for their success during the 2025-2026 season. It recognizes the team's achievements, including a 22-3 record and five consecutive national tournament appearances, while honoring the specific student-athletes and Head Coach Doug Haynes for their contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send an official copy of the document to the team and the coach as a gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially celebrates Administrative Professionals' Day on April 22, 2026, within the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It acknowledges the essential work of specific staff members who support the state legislators and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the International Association of Administrative Professionals. The document does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a formal expression of gratitude for the administrative staff's contributions.
Maddy summaryHB 7372 allows the town of Tiverton to establish its own density bonuses for development projects based on the town's existing zoning regulations. This bill directly affects Tiverton's local land use planning by giving the town authority to determine how much additional building space developers can receive as incentives. The key provision removes a state-level restriction, enabling Tiverton to tailor density bonus rules to its specific zoning framework. This change supports local control over housing and development policies within the town's designated zones.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that honors Leanne Barrett for her twenty-one years of work advancing early childhood policies in Rhode Island. It recognizes her specific contributions to programs like prekindergarten education, child care assistance, and infant mental health initiatives. The resolution formally congratulates her on her new role as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health and directs the Secretary of State to send her a certified copy of the document.
Allows foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists to obtain limited licenses if they graduate from reputable dental colleges or universities, work under a supervising dentist, and pass a board-approved exam.
Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, would be punishable as a felony.
Creates a publicly funded program for uninsured individuals requiring on an appropriation of $53,200,000 for fiscal year 2027 and an appropriation of 109,600,000 for fiscal year 2028 and every fiscal year thereafter.