Rep. Marie Hopkins

Maddy summaryHB 6298 proposes three charter amendments for Warwick, pending voter approval in 2026. It would allow electronic notice for special council meetings (replacing current in-person/residence-only notice), raise the small procurement threshold from $2,500 to an adjustable amount via city ordinance (affecting purchasing decisions under $2,500), and require the city council to establish via ordinance how minority party members are appointed to city boards/commissions (using a list provided by the minority party leader). If approved by voters, these changes would take effect, streamlining meeting notifications, giving the council flexibility on procurement rules, and formalizing minority representation on boards. The bill passed both chambers and became law without the governor's signature but requires voter approval for the charter changes to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 6320 requires that in the city of Warwick, the tax rate for Class 1 property (typically residential) cannot be less than 57% of the tax rate for Class 2 property (typically commercial). This establishes a fixed ratio between the two property classes, ensuring Class 1 rates are proportionally lower but not arbitrarily set. The bill directly affects property owners in Warwick, as it governs how local property taxes are classified and applied by the city assessor. It applies retroactively to the December 31, 2024, property assessment and became law without the Governor's signature on June 18, 2025.

I) TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES TO REPLACE PILGRIM HIGH SCHOOL AND TOLLGATE HIGH SCHOOL AND ON-SITE ATHLETIC FIELDS, AND (II) RECREATION AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY (Authorizes the city of Warwick to issue not more than $50,000,000 general obligation bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness to finance two new high schools and school facilities.

Permits a certified foot care nurse or a certified foot care specialist, to provide certain at-home foot care, including routine foot and nail care including nail clipping.

Requires the installation of universal changing stations in all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' gratitude to the state's 25 community newspapers for their role in local journalism. It formally thanks these publications - such as the Warren Times-Gazette (est. 1826) and Newport Daily News (est. 1846) - for serving as "local watchdogs" covering government and community issues. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to each newspaper publisher. No new laws, funding, or policy changes are enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 5537 extends legal immunity protections currently available to physicians and surgeons in mental health proceedings to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) licensed in the state. The bill amends the Mental Health Law to explicitly include APRNs who meet licensing requirements, ensuring they cannot be sued for actions taken during mental health care under this law - except in cases of actual fraud or gross negligence. This change directly affects APRNs working in behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and hospital mental health settings by aligning their liability protections with those of physicians. The policy change clarifies that APRNs cannot be held liable for patient rights issues (like discharge) unless the care involved serious misconduct or violated written medical orders.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It formally celebrates the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary (marking its founding on June 14, 1775) and honors current and past service members. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the U.S. Army Secretary, Daniel P. Driscoll. It has no policy impact or funding changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Requires all lifeguards, and park and forest rangers, who work on a full time basis at any public beach or facility to be trained in administering opioid antagonists.

Authorizes a physician practice to charge a practice support contribution; provided that, the amount does not exceed $120 per year, per patient, enrolled in a healthcare insurance plan, (excluding Medicaid and traditional Medicare).