Rep. Chris Paplauskas

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for the passing of Bernard W. George, a respected citizen of Coventry. The resolution honors his life achievements, including his long service with the Boy Scouts, his career in the U.S. Navy, and his work as a microbiologist for the State of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Dawn George, and her family.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates April 19-25, 2026, as "National Library Week" throughout Rhode Island. It aims to recognize the role of libraries in providing community resources, internet access, and inclusive services to residents. The resolution thanks library staff for their work and encourages the public to visit libraries during the designated week. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the state's Office of Library and Information Services and all local libraries.

Establishes a procedure for a health insurer to reimburse a healthcare provider no less than sixty-five percent (65%) of each unpaid co-payment, co-insurance or deductible amount due, after reasonable collection efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $150,000 in state funding for the second year of the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local downtown revitalization efforts across the state. The money will be managed by Grow Smart Rhode Island and distributed through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help existing and new district cohorts implement community improvement projects. The funding is specifically designated for fiscal year 2027 and must be disbursed by December 31, 2026, to support the program's administration and execution. This appropriation continues the initiative that launched in 2025 with 11 district cohorts representing 10 cities and towns.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 9, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the 1.5 million Armenians killed between 1915 and 1923. The bill also requests that the U.S. President and Congress urge the Turkish government to acknowledge the historical events as genocide and provide restitution for the victims. Additionally, the resolution expresses sympathy to the Armenian-American community in Rhode Island and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant state and national officials.

Repeals the certificate of need process statutes which are used by the department of health to determine the need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.

Maddy summaryHR 7401 is a procedural joint resolution that appropriates $75,000 to Jewish Collaborative Services. This funding directs a specific sum to the organization for its operational needs but does not establish new policies or affect broader populations. The resolution was introduced on January 28, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 7257 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit annual state budget growth in Rhode Island. The bill would require that total state spending increases each year not exceed the higher of either the previous year's inflation rate (using the Consumer Price Index) or the growth rate of Rhode Island personal income. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergencies approved by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. If approved by voters, this amendment would directly affect how the state government sets annual budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 7251 limits annual state spending growth to the higher of Rhode Island's inflation rate or personal income growth rate, whichever is greater. This directly affects the state budget process by capping how much total state spending can increase each year from the previous year's level. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergency expenditures approved by a two-thirds vote. The bill requires annual reporting on spending growth versus the limit and mandates the governor to create a reduction plan if the legislature exceeds the cap. It takes effect upon passage.

Limits the authority of the Rhode Island commerce corporation to finance any transaction to five million dollars ($5,000,000) for any one individual, business entity or project.