Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Health to use up to $850,000 from specific immunization accounts in fiscal year 2025 to support phone hotlines and referral services for healthcare providers and residents. The funds come from existing childhood and adult immunization accounts and are intended to maintain current information lines like PediPRN and MomsPRN. The Department of Health must submit a report to state legislators by March 1, 2025, detailing how these funds were used and offering recommendations for future support. While the bill also establishes separate accounts for pandemic medications and equipment, its primary immediate impact is the allocation of money for immunization-related communication services.

Creates a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal. This act would not apply to assistance/service animals.

Allows for the licensing of certified surgical first assistants to assist in surgeries through the department of health and a seven (7) member board of licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Rhode Island-Ireland trade commission to promote economic ties and mutual interests between the two regions. The seven-member advisory group will be appointed by the governor, the Senate president, and the House speaker, with members serving unpaid terms of two to four years. The commission will research trade opportunities, facilitate business and academic exchanges, and submit annual written reports with recommendations to state leaders. It is authorized to raise its own funds through donations and grants to cover administrative expenses and will operate under state open meetings laws.

Amends the conditions upon which a nurse would be exempt from certain licensing requirements to include eligibility to practice, before taking and receiving results of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for taxicabs by setting specific limits on how long and how far these vehicles can operate before they must be retired. Under the new rules, a taxicab cannot be used once it reaches 300,000 miles or ten model years, whichever happens first, and it cannot be placed into service if it is already more than eight model years old. The legislation allows for exceptions in rare cases where a vehicle is in extraordinary condition, provided the operator proves the car looks and functions like a newer model to the satisfaction of the public utilities administrator. These changes directly affect taxi companies and drivers by establishing clearer standards for vehicle age and mileage to ensure safety and reliability.

Requires employers in the state with more than 50 employees to display a poster containing basic information on veterans' benefits and services be created and distributed by the DLT in consultation with the office of veterans services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative Brian Rea for his dedicated service to the people of Rhode Island as he concludes his term in the House of Representatives. It recognizes his work on various committees and his efforts to introduce legislation aimed at affordable housing, tax relief for first-time homebuyers, and estate tax adjustments. The bill also acknowledges his community involvement, including his role as chair of the Smithfield Republican Town Committee and his local business ownership. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Representative Rea as a formal expression of gratitude.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Representative Patricia Morgan for her twelve years of dedicated service to the people of Rhode Island. It recognizes her legislative work, including sponsoring bills on homebuyer assistance, tax credits for manufacturing, and supply chain relocation, as well as her roles as House Minority Leader and member of various committees. The document formally thanks her for her contributions to the state and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Rhode Island DMV to create a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" designed to improve communication between police officers and drivers with autism spectrum disorder. The program will be developed in consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association and the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, using best practices from similar initiatives in other states. Participation in the program is optional for all drivers, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2025.