Rep. Arthur Handy

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Jason Alan Golditch, a long-time employee of Capitol Television. The document honors his thirty-six-year career in the state legislature and his various roles in media and community service. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Golditch's wife and family.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the existing crime of false reporting to include false claims about shootings or other dangerous events, directly affecting individuals who make such reports via telephone or other means. Under the new provisions, anyone who knowingly transmits a false warning about a shooting that causes fear, prompts an evacuation, or triggers a law enforcement response could face up to ten years in prison, a fine of $1,000, or both. The legislation also allows courts to impose specific conditions on bail for those charged, such as extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders, or referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows driver education schools in Rhode Island to teach the required thirty-three-hour curriculum in an instructor-led virtual format alongside traditional classroom settings. It applies specifically to individuals under eighteen years old who need to complete this training before obtaining a driver's license or limited-instruction permit, while adults with out-of-state licenses remain exempt. The legislation mandates that virtual courses maintain the same curriculum standards, including specific hours on Rhode Island traffic laws and the effects of alcohol and drugs, and requires a future report comparing virtual and in-person test results. Additionally, the act ensures that all driver education programs include information about drivers' rights when stopped by law enforcement.

Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.

Prevents insurance companies from treating widowed persons differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining an insured's rate or classification respecting the operation of a personal motor vehicle. Effective 1/1/25.

Maddy summaryThis resolution is a non-binding statement from the Rhode Island House of Representatives that strongly supports a specific bill, H.R. 4052, introduced in the U.S. Congress. The bill seeks to create a National Infrastructure Bank to provide up to $5 trillion in financing for infrastructure projects across the United States. Proponents argue this funding would help repair aging systems like bridges and roads without requiring new federal taxes or increasing the national debt. The resolution itself does not change any laws or allocate funds but serves to urge the U.S. Congress to pass the underlying legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" to highlight the needs of individuals living with limb loss or difference. The measure encourages residents to celebrate these individuals, learn about related health issues, support caregivers, and honor veterans who have lost limbs. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the National Limb Loss Resource Center and The Amputee Coalition for their awareness efforts.

Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and helps control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).

Requires manufacturers of assisting technology devices to make available to independent repair providers/the owner of the device, any documentation/parts, software/other items intended for use with the equipment/parts, including updates to software.

Requires the EOHHS to establish an early childhood mental health hub program focused on improving access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under the age of six years (6) and their families.