Rep. Jose Batista

Maddy summaryHB 7595 would impose a 1% tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals and businesses (defined as "artificial persons") with significant assets like stocks, business ownership, and intellectual property. The tax is calculated annually based on the fair market value of these assets as of December 31 each year. This directly affects high-net-worth residents and entities domiciled in Rhode Island, excluding certain exempt intangible assets.

Expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain their employees' personnel records, it requires that records be retained for at least 3 years after employee's termination. It also increases the financial penalties for each violation.

Mandates the workweek be reduced to 32 hrs. Rate of pay for a 32 hr workweek remains the same as the rate of pay for 40 hrs. Work in excess of 32 hrs in any one workweek qualify for overtime pay. Does not apply to employers with less than 500 employees.

Maddy summaryHR 7472 is a symbolic House resolution that proclaims February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to Rhode Island's development and the nation, citing specific figures and milestones. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3, 2026, as "National Women Physicians Day" within Rhode Island. It commemorates the legacy of pioneering female physicians, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (first woman to earn a U.S. medical degree) and Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White (first Black woman transplant surgeon), while highlighting women's contributions to medicine. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the president of the Rhode Island Medical Women’s Association (RIMWA). It is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or funding impacts.

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

Maddy summaryHB 6394 modifies property tax levy limits for cities and towns in Rhode Island, with specific provisions for Providence. It gradually reduces the maximum annual tax increase cap from 5.5% (through 2007) down to 4% (starting 2013), requiring local governments to stay within these limits unless exceptions apply. The bill includes a special provision allowing Providence to exceed its cap in fiscal year 2026 for revenue from Class 2B property tax rates above $28.80 per $1,000 valuation. Exceptions permitting higher taxes include certified revenue shortfalls, emergencies (like health insurance spikes), debt service increases, or major new construction requiring infrastructure spending.

Grants the family court jurisdiction to make findings for special immigrant juvenile status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors/petitioners under 21 years of age.

Maddy summaryHB 6406 extends existing immunity protections under the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act to cover violations of bail conditions. It ensures individuals who seek medical help for an overdose or drug/alcohol emergency cannot face charges for violating bail, probation, or parole related to drug possession or alcohol offenses. The bill specifically adds Section 21-28.9-4(d) to the law, clarifying that seeking emergency care for an overdose prevents prosecution for bail violations tied to the same incident. This applies to people experiencing overdoses, those providing first aid, and others involved in emergency medical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 5042 repeals the state law that permitted "payday lenders" to operate by removing authorization for "deferred-deposit transactions" (commonly known as payday loans). This directly affects payday lenders, who will no longer be legally allowed to offer short-term loans secured by a customer's check or bank account debit, as the definition of such transactions is deleted from the law. The bill eliminates the specific legal framework enabling these loans, meaning payday lenders can no longer conduct this business under current state law. It does not create new licensing requirements but effectively bans the practice by removing the enabling statute.