Rep. Chris Paplauskas

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 17-23, 2026, as "Quahog Week 2026" to honor Rhode Island's local quahog fishing industry. It directly affects seafood retailers, restaurants, and the over 500 independent fishermen who harvest clams from Narragansett Bay and coastal waters. The resolution formally recognizes the economic and cultural importance of the fishery, which supports nearly 4,300 jobs and generates approximately $420 million in annual activity. Additionally, the House encourages residents to participate in the event by purchasing and enjoying fresh quahogs throughout the year. The Secretary of State is authorized to send copies of this commemorative resolution to the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative and the Shellfishermen's Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 19, 2026, as Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1913-1923 atrocities against Greek populations in the Ottoman Empire. The resolution formally recognizes the historical events that included forced relocation, death marches, and mass killings, while also acknowledging the contributions of Greek descendants to the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada to facilitate the commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses condolences to the family of Burton Stallwood, a former Rhode Island official who passed away. The bill honors his extensive public service career, which included serving as Town Administrator of Lincoln for 28 years and as a U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his three children, Scott Stallwood, Gregg Stallwood, and Tracey Gardiner.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants. It honors the organization's leadership and contributions to healthcare in Rhode Island over the past five decades. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the academy as an official acknowledgment.

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

Maddy summaryHB 7392 caps the maximum application fee for healthcare facilities seeking approval to build new or expand tertiary or specialty care services under Rhode Island's certificate of need program at $25,000. The fee is calculated as $10,000 plus 0.25% of the project's total capital costs, but the total cannot exceed $25,000 regardless of project size. This change affects facilities planning high-level care expansions, ensuring predictable costs without exceeding the cap. The bill does not alter fee structures for other healthcare facility applications, such as those for general services.

Provides local agencies with a mechanism to opt-out of statewide transportation upon a showing of a cost-effective alternative to the current fee-for-service model.

Maddy summaryHB 7421 requires the Department of Revenue to annually report to the budget office the costs cities, towns, and school districts incurred for state mandates established after 1979. It mandates a public report, published on the state transparency portal, identifying school district costs that are partially funded or unfunded by the state. This report must be provided to the governor, legislature, and the public to inform budget decisions. The bill directly affects school districts bearing uncovered costs and local governments seeking reimbursement for state-mandated expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 7420 updates how state education funding is calculated to address inequities, primarily affecting school districts with high numbers of students in poverty. It introduces a new formula that factors in a district's revenue capacity and poverty levels to determine state aid, with a poverty loss stabilization fund for districts seeing aid drops over 2%. The bill also creates specific state-funded programs for special education costs, career and technical education, pre-K access, and stabilization for districts like Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center. It requires the state to publish a report identifying unfunded district costs and share this with lawmakers and the public. These changes aim to adjust funding based on need while adding targeted support for specific educational programs and struggling districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the penalties for several serious motor vehicle offenses, including driving while endangering others and driving under the influence. Specifically, it would raise the maximum prison sentences and fines for cases resulting in death or serious bodily injury, while also extending license suspension periods. The changes apply to drivers convicted of these crimes and would require them to complete alcohol or drug treatment programs at their own expense. The bill aims to strengthen consequences for dangerous driving behaviors that cause severe harm to others.