Rep. Grace Diaz

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as 'Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Month' in Rhode Island to honor the state's diverse linguistic heritage and support students who speak languages other than English. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the educational needs of multilingual learners and encourages schools to adopt inclusive practices that value students' native languages. By directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Department of Education, the bill seeks to promote educational equity and celebrate the cultural assets brought by multilingual communities.

Creates a special legislative commission of 17 members whose purpose would be to study evaluate and make recommendations regarding educator preparation, licensure, certification and early-career support systems in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7204 would allow individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to petition for the removal of their criminal records after completing their sentences for 10 years. This applies to people with more than one felony conviction (excluding crimes of violence) who have paid all court fees and fines, maintained a clean record for 10 years, and demonstrated good moral character. The bill amends existing expungement laws to expand eligibility beyond single offenses, specifically targeting those with multiple non-violent felony convictions. It does not apply to violent felony convictions or cases involving certain offenses under Chapter 29 of Title 12.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 172nd anniversary of the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan. It formally declares March 31 as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island to honor the historical diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The resolution recognizes various cultural, economic, and educational partnerships between Rhode Island and Japan, including business investments, academic exchanges, and community events. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to various state and federal officials, as well as the Japanese Consul General.

ROOM) ACT (Expands access to inherently affordable housing by re-legalizing co-living/single-room occupancy (SRO) and shared dwelling models of many types.

Creates a state program and fund to finance adaptive reuse and mixed-use housing projects, requires affordable units and labor standards, and provides oversight to expand housing until 2035.

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Requires the department of health to implement a tobacco control program that incorporates evidence-based best practices for tobacco prevention and cessation to prevent tobacco-related diseases and diminish tobacco use in the state.

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in the condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units.

Maddy summaryHB 7570 establishes the Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership (RICEO) to help small businesses transition to employee-owned models. The center, housed under the state’s business development office, provides referrals to legal/financial resources, partners with organizations to promote employee ownership benefits, and creates an inventory of existing employee-owned businesses (like worker cooperatives and ESOPs). It directly affects small business owners nearing retirement (56% are 55+ in RI) and their employees by offering support for succession planning. Key mechanisms include technical assistance, outreach programming, and measuring business stability outcomes. The bill does not create new taxes or regulations but coordinates state resources to address small business succession challenges.