Rep. Marie Hopkins

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment would grant governors the power to veto specific spending items within state budget and appropriation bills, rather than requiring them to approve or reject entire bills. If approved, it would allow governors to remove individual line items from budget proposals without blocking the entire funding package. The change directly affects the state budget process and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches during budget negotiations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island" to raise awareness about individuals with profound autism spectrum disorder. The resolution formally recognizes the unique challenges faced by people with profound autism, who have significant intellectual disabilities and require 24-hour supervision, along with their families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Profound Autism Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for support and inclusion for these individuals. This is a commemorative measure intended to highlight the importance of including people with profound autism in services and research rather than implementing new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 7563, the Development Review Efficiency Act, allows property owners or their contractors to hire licensed architects, engineers, or building code administrators (called "independent providers") to review construction plans and perform building inspections instead of relying solely on local government staff. This directly affects developers, contractors, and property owners by potentially speeding up project approvals, as the bill requires local governments to reduce fees by the amount they save when using third-party reviews. Key safeguards include mandatory professional liability insurance ($1M-$4M coverage depending on project size), restrictions against providers having ownership stakes in projects, and a requirement that local governments issue occupancy certificates within 7 business days (or 3 days for single-family homes) after inspections are completed. The law aims to streamline development while maintaining safety standards through regulated third-party oversight.

Requires Rhode Island Energy to enter into at least one long-term contract, for at least a four (4) year period, to procure natural gas pipeline capacity with an interstate pipeline operator.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates Miranda Marie Musumeci on being named Miss Ireland in the West Warwick St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026. The resolution recognizes her dedication to Irish heritage and community service, highlighting her involvement in various activities such as student teaching, volunteer work, and participation in the NJROTC program. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Musumeci as an official acknowledgment of her achievement. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, serving to honor an individual's recognition within the state's cultural celebrations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of James M. Donelan, a former Rhode Island State Senator and attorney from Warwick. It formally acknowledges his public service career, including his 14 years in the state Senate where he sponsored the Good Driving Statute, and honors his personal life and family. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Donelan's family, serving as an official gesture of respect rather than a policy change.

Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 7856, the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, would ban advertising of cannabis and cannabis products on any medium that might be visible to minors. This bill directly affects cannabis businesses, requiring them to avoid advertising in locations or formats accessible to children, such as digital platforms, billboards, or print media in youth-oriented areas. The key provision prohibits all advertising that could be seen by minors, regardless of the medium used. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Corporations committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the death of Michael D. Zarum, a lifelong Warwick resident who passed away in a pedestrian accident. The resolution acknowledges the circumstances of his death, noting that police found no evidence of speeding, impairment, or distracted driving as contributing factors. It highlights Zarum's community contributions, including his environmental advocacy work and civic engagement, while formally offering sympathy to his family. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Zarum's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca, who recently passed away. It directly affects her family and friends by formally acknowledging her life and contributions to her community. The resolution highlights her roles as a devoted mother, church volunteer, and veteran supporter, and authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family. It serves as an official tribute rather than a policy change, recognizing her personal legacy and faith.