Rep. Marie Hopkins

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 7714) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026. It expresses the House's deepest condolences to the family of Richard Serra, a former Charlestown Town Council member and local businessman, following his passing. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Camelia Serra, and their family. As a procedural memorial, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents beyond honoring an individual.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 7715) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026. It formally congratulates Detective Lieutenant Douglas Cerce of the Smithfield Police Department for being named the 2025 Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association Detective of the Year. The resolution highlights his 25+ years of service, expertise in solving complex cyber fraud cases that helped recover stolen assets and secure jail sentences for criminals, and his leadership in mentoring officers and improving police record systems. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to publicly recognize his professional achievements.

Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.

Maddy summaryHB 7591 requires all out-of-state foster care facilities placing children in Rhode Island to register with the state Medicaid program as a Medicaid provider. This directly affects out-of-state foster care agencies seeking to place children in Rhode Island, ensuring they meet Medicaid requirements for reimbursement. The bill includes a waiver provision allowing emergency placements at non-Medicaid facilities if no provider is available. It does not change existing licensing standards for in-state agencies.

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Maddy summaryHB 7354 permits motorcycles to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or very slow-moving vehicles (under 10 mph) in the same lane - under specific conditions. It requires motorcycle riders to filter at speeds no faster than 20 mph, only when lanes are wide enough for safe passing, and when road conditions allow continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders and drivers on roads where this practice is permitted, modifying existing traffic rules to explicitly allow this maneuver. It takes effect upon passage and does not change general speed limits or traffic laws beyond this specific provision.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.

Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their town councils.

Maddy summaryHB 7337 establishes Rhode Island's Biotechnology Regulatory Sandbox Program under the Department of Business Regulation. The program allows biotech companies, research institutions, or entities to test new products or services with limited exemptions from state licensing and regulatory requirements during a controlled trial period. Applicants must submit detailed applications demonstrating safety, consumer benefits, financial stability, and a plan for handling test failures, while coordinating with state and federal agencies like the FDA. The sandbox directly affects biotech innovators seeking market access and consumers who may use the tested products under temporary regulatory flexibility. It requires participants to maintain liability coverage and ensures consumer protection throughout the testing phase.