Rep. Jose Batista

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Rhode Island to increase public understanding and support for the disease. It directly affects residents with Multiple Sclerosis, their families, and healthcare providers by promoting awareness during a specific month. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, highlighting Rhode Island's high rate of Multiple Sclerosis cases in the state. The bill focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

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 60 days after the close of the fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that recognizes and commends Providence Promise, a nonprofit organization in Rhode Island, for its work helping families save for college. The resolution highlights the organization's key activities, which include opening 529 college savings accounts for students, providing $100 seed deposits, and offering incentives for educational achievements. It also notes the group's efforts in financial literacy education, college readiness programs, and family engagement services aimed at supporting underserved communities. The resolution expresses appreciation for the organization's leadership and staff, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Providence Promise.

Maddy summaryHB 7943 prohibits health insurers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services, directly affecting insured patients seeking these treatments within their plan's network. The bill mandates that coverage for mental health and substance use disorders must meet the same terms as medical care, eliminating annual/lifetime dollar limits and ensuring cost-sharing parity with primary care visits. Key provisions include banning non-quantitative treatment restrictions that are stricter than those for medical conditions and requiring insurers to use American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria for substance use disorder coverage. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies specifically to in-network services as defined in the bill.

Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 would need to consider.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Francisco J. "El Grande" Batista, a realtor from Rhode Island. It formally acknowledges his life, family connections, and contributions to his community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Batista family as an official gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a commemorative tribute.

Provides that evidence of life or work expectancy be based on statistical data using blended statistics and provides a chart with "completed age" and "expectation" which shall be used by courts as evidence and not be based on race, ethnicity or sex.

Maddy summaryHB 7604 modifies insurance claim rules by raising the damage threshold requiring a professional appraisal from $2,500 to $5,000 for vehicle repairs. It also extends the timeframe for insurers to complete appraisals from three to four days. This directly affects auto insurance claimants and insurers when vehicle damage exceeds $5,000, requiring insurers to use licensed, unaffiliated appraisers who conduct physical inspections (not photo-based appraisals). The bill aims to standardize appraisal processes for higher-value claims under the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act.

Prohibit denial of an opportunity to apply for employment as a law enforcement officer or firefighter solely on the basis of a person's country of citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 7077) is a non-binding statement by the Rhode Island House of Representatives condemning specific immigration enforcement tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It specifically criticizes ICE's use of unmarked vehicles, plain clothes, and concealment of agents' identities during operations in Rhode Island and nationwide, which the resolution claims create community fear and undermine trust. The resolution opposes future "mass immigration raids" and "fear tactics," affirming the state's commitment to protecting all residents' rights regardless of immigration status. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Attorney General, Senate, and all municipal councils. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws or directly affect individuals.