Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryHB 7501 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for K-12 students in out-of-school time (OST) programs, such as after-school and summer programs. It provides funding for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, mental health resources, and culturally responsive activities designed by local communities. The funds will be distributed competitively through Rhode Island’s Afterschool Network to prioritize programs serving high-need youth across urban, suburban, and rural areas. This policy directly affects community-based OST programs and their staff, enabling flexible support for youth mental health needs.

Submits a proposition to be placed on the ballot at the next general election authorizing the issuance of bonds for a medical school on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston campus.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" within the state. It directly affects the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) by formally recognizing its role in higher education and workforce development. The bill does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic proclamation to honor the institution's contributions to the state's economy and residents. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the CCRI president to acknowledge the designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates the Community College of Rhode Island Women's Basketball Team for their success during the 2025-2026 season. It recognizes the team's achievements, including a 22-3 record and five consecutive national tournament appearances, while honoring the specific student-athletes and Head Coach Doug Haynes for their contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send an official copy of the document to the team and the coach as a gesture of appreciation.

Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2009, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2009, cutoff date.

Maddy summaryHB 7685 adds probation and parole officers to Rhode Island's list of state law enforcement professionals eligible for retirement benefits under the state retirement system. The bill amends Chapter 36-10 to include these officers in the specific retirement provisions (sections 45-21.2-5 through 45-21.2-13), effective January 1, 2027. This change directly affects Rhode Island probation and parole officers by granting them the same retirement benefits previously available to other law enforcement roles like deputy sheriffs and firefighters. Service credits earned before 2025 will be calculated under prior laws. The bill does not alter contribution rates or other retirement system mechanics.

Increases the yearly amount of money that retired teachers, who had been certified driver education teachers, could earn from fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), without a reduction in their retirement benefits.

Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2012, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2012, cutoff date.

Reinstates, for all teachers and state employees who retired after July 1, 2012, their annual cost of living adjustment for retirement plan year 2026.

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.