Rep. Grace Diaz

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies; and provided further, the account would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai Lao, which is celebrated annually in April by the Laotian community in Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the holiday's cultural significance, including traditions like water splashing and family ceremonies that symbolize renewal and hope, while honoring the resilience of Laotian refugees who resettled in the United States after fleeing their homeland in the 1970s. It formally acknowledges the contributions of the Laotian American community to the state and extends best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of Temple Wat Lao in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Thrive Behavioral Health, Inc. on its 50th anniversary and recognizes its contributions to mental health care in Rhode Island. The resolution acknowledges the organization's history, its merger in 2018, and its role in providing comprehensive behavioral health services. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's president and CEO.

Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.

Authorizes the Superior Court to place a hospital into receivership upon action by the attorney general or department of health when a hospital is mismanaged, financially distressed, acting illegally, or endangering patient health and safety.

Maddy summaryHB 7696 establishes a tax credit for Rhode Island businesses transitioning to employee ownership structures. It provides up to 50% of eligible conversion costs (capped at $100,000 for worker-owned co-ops or employee ownership trusts, $25,000 for alternate structures) and up to 50% of expansion costs (capped at $25,000) for qualified businesses expanding existing employee ownership models. The credit applies to income tax years 2026-2028 for businesses converting to or expanding employee ownership trusts, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), worker-owned cooperatives, or defined "alternate equity structures" that meet specific participation and allocation requirements. This directly affects qualifying businesses seeking to shift ownership to employees while retaining community investment.

Maddy summaryHB 8068 prohibits individuals under 18 years old from possessing firearms, making it a criminal offense. This bill directly affects minors in the state by restricting their access to firearms. The key provision states that any person under 18 found possessing a firearm would violate this law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ and duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.

Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.

Requires that certain data centers requiring large amounts of electricity be required to fund the cost of necessary infrastructure improvements to supply such electricity.