Rep. Chris Paplauskas

Maddy summaryHB 7531 repeals Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate in its entirety, removing the state's legally established greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and associated requirements. This bill directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council (created under the repealed law), and all entities subject to the prior climate regulations. The repeal eliminates mandatory targets like 45% below 1990 emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2040, along with the Council's duties to develop plans, coordinate climate efforts, and address environmental justice. The law was introduced in the 2026 legislative session and would remove all provisions of the original 2021 climate law.

Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which has included providing emergency shelter, housing solutions, and trauma-informed support to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Vanessa Volz. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the organization's legacy and ongoing work in the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally welcomes the Narragansett Council of Scouting America to the Rhode Island State House on March 24, 2026, and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill recognizes the organization's youth development programs, community service efforts, and educational opportunities provided to thousands of Rhode Island youth and families. It acknowledges specific achievements such as food collection during a government shutdown, camp attendance, and leadership training programs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Scout Executive as official recognition of the council's contributions.

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Brianna Vega, Miss Rhode Island USA, for her achievements and service to her community. It recognizes her accomplishments as a registered nurse, personal trainer, and volunteer mentor, as well as her success representing Rhode Island at the Miss USA competition. The House of Representatives formally congratulates her and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that commemorates the Feast of Saint Joseph, a religious celebration observed by Italian-Americans and others on March 19th. The resolution acknowledges Saint Joseph's role as a family patriarch and highlights his significance to Italian culture and history, particularly in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves to recognize and honor the cultural and religious traditions associated with this feast day.

Requires that any costs, tariffs or other mandates related to the state’s renewable energy growth program be reviewed and approved by the general assembly.

Creates the certified community behavioral health clinic accountability and oversight act to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and service quality by certified community behavioral health clinics.

Maddy summaryHB 7174 repeals a 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour charge on electricity that funded renewable energy programs in Rhode Island, ending this specific funding mechanism effective December 31, 2028. The bill directly affects electric distribution companies, which previously collected this fee to support renewable energy initiatives like solar installations and energy efficiency projects. This change removes a dedicated funding source for renewable energy programs without altering separate demand-side management charges for energy efficiency or gas utility programs. The repeal simplifies utility billing by eliminating this specific renewable energy funding stream.