Rep. Joseph McNamara

Maddy summaryHB 7267 establishes insurance requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs, where individuals rent their personal vehicles through apps. It mandates that during the entire sharing period (from pickup to return), vehicles must have insurance meeting state minimums, and the car sharing platform must cover third-party injuries or property damage unless fraud or failure to return the vehicle occurred. If the owner or driver’s insurance lapses, the platform must provide coverage starting from the first dollar of a claim. This directly affects car sharing platforms, vehicle owners, and drivers using these services.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7444 updates retirement calculations for police officers and firefighters in the state. It changes the formula used to determine retirement allowances, effective July 1, 2026, by adding a 2.5% multiplier on final salary for service years after June 30, 2026. Members retiring after this date will receive their accrued benefit as of June 2026 plus the new 2.5% calculation for future service. A special provision preserves the previous benefit formula for those retiring at age 57 with 30+ years of service.

Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and firefighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1 following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 20, 2026, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the impact of Alzheimer's disease on the state's residents. The resolution acknowledges the disease's prevalence, noting that over 24,000 Rhode Islanders are affected and that caregiving places significant strain on families. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter to support awareness efforts. The measure focuses on raising public consciousness about Alzheimer's rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments' approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Limits the facility's ability to charge rent and fees for a maximum of seven (7) days or until removal of the personal property from the room, whichever occurs first. A violation would constitute a deceptive trade practice.

Increases the minimum hourly wage commencing January 1, 2029, by an amount equal to the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for the calendar year 2027.

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.

Provides that for the period up until July 1, 2027, an applicant for a teaching certificate in Rhode Island would not be required to complete a standardized teacher's examination as a prerequisite to obtaining a teaching certificate.