Maddy summaryHB 5907 would require litigation lending agreements (LLAs) to comply with Rhode Island's usury laws, making high-interest loans to litigants subject to state interest rate limits. It directly affects individuals involved in civil lawsuits who take such loans and the companies providing them, as repayment terms exceeding the loan amount would be treated as interest under existing usury rules. The bill explicitly states that no matter how lenders label these agreements (e.g., "investment" or "advance"), any repayment above the initial amount counts as interest and must adhere to state limits. This policy change would prevent lenders from circumventing usury laws through creative contract terms, ensuring all litigation financing aligns with standard loan regulations.
Sponsored bills
Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.
Maddy summaryHB 5507 gradually increases the minimum cash wage for employees in tipped occupations (like restaurants and hotels) who rely on gratuities. Starting from $3.89 per hour in 2017, it raises this rate by $0.50 annually until 2026, then increases by $2.00 each year through 2030 to reach $14.95 per hour. By January 1, 2031, these workers will receive the same minimum wage as non-tipped employees, eliminating the tip credit. The bill directly affects tipped workers in qualifying industries and requires employers to pay at least the stated cash wage without deducting gratuities below the specified thresholds.
Permits, effective 7/1/25, the family court to make appropriate orders of support and education of any child who has attained 18 years of age, but not 21, who is domiciled in the home of a parent, and is principally dependent upon said parent for support.
Bans preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.
Maddy summaryHR 5809 is a ceremonial resolution commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence (February 27, 2025). It recognizes the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence from Spain in 1844 and highlights the contributions of Rhode Island's Dominican community, which numbers approximately 54,000 residents. The resolution formally honors Dominicans' economic, civic, and military contributions to Rhode Island and the United States. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Dominican Republic officials and the Dominican-American Association. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy or financial impact.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing formal gratitude. It thanks Victor M. Mendoza for over 40 years of service to Rhode Island's Hispanic community through founding or co-founding key organizations like the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and the Hispanic Cultural Arts Committee. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Mendoza. It does not impact any laws, funding, or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Dr. Juana Parillon for her nearly 40 years of service as a Marine Corps veteran and Equal Opportunity Advisor. It recognizes her work founding the Mentors in Action program and her leadership in diversity initiatives across military and civilian sectors. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send Dr. Parillon a certified copy of the honor. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.
Requires a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant within sixty (60) days after the close of their fiscal year.
Establishes a single-payer health care insurance system, consolidating public and private payments into a more efficient Medicare-for-all style program, funded by progressive taxes, to reduce health care costs.