Rep. Joseph McNamara

Maddy summaryHB 8486 authorizes the committees of the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely during meetings. Under this bill, individuals can participate via electronic communication, such as telephone conferencing or videoconferencing, provided that remote participants are audible and visible to those present in the room. The legislation also includes specific requirements for public notice when videoconferencing is used and ensures that a quorum of the committee members must be participating for the meeting to proceed. This change aims to increase accessibility for the public without altering the existing rules regarding closed sessions or disruptive conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 7581 creates new state funding streams for specific education needs in Rhode Island school districts. It provides direct funding for special education costs exceeding 4x the core foundation amount, career and technical education program setup/maintenance, voluntary pre-K access, and transportation costs for students in regional districts or out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regional school districts a two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) for regionalization. School districts seeking reimbursement must share costs if total requests exceed available funds, with the Department of Education prorating allocations annually. This bill primarily affects public school districts, special education programs, and regional education entities across Rhode Island.

Establishes guidelines, rules and regulations for the implementation and expansion of prekindergarten education programs for children ages 3-4 to increase children’s school readiness statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,167,100 to the Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program for fiscal year 2026-2027. The program, based in the Foster School Department, provides specialized auditory-oral instruction using hearing technology to support children with hearing loss, helping them achieve academic success and social inclusion. The funds will directly support this educational service for affected children and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes the 78th anniversary of Israel's independence and reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island, the United States, and Israel. It does not change any laws or policies but instead serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging shared democratic values and the historical significance of Israel's establishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Jewish and Israeli leadership groups in Rhode Island and Boston.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 19-25, 2026, as National Infertility Awareness Week in Rhode Island to raise public understanding of infertility as a health condition. It directly affects individuals and families struggling with fertility issues, including those in the LGBTQI+ community, by aiming to reduce stigma and highlight the emotional and financial challenges they face. The resolution encourages participation in awareness activities and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Infertility Association.

Adds probation officer and parole officer to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.

Amends the current law on teacher’s creditable service so that a teacher who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year would be given credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 school days.

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.

Provides for the right to strike for public sector workers in Rhode Island, including teachers, with exceptions for police officers, firefighters, 911 employees, and correctional officers.