Rep. Marie Hopkins

Maddy summaryHB 5469 sets aside $2 million for the Small Business Assistance Program's micro-loan component during fiscal year 2025-2026. It requires that 10-25% of program funds be allocated specifically to micro-loans ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. These loans will be administered by lending organizations selected through a competitive process by the Commerce Corporation, which must have experience supporting microenterprises. The bill directly affects small businesses seeking affordable startup or expansion capital through this targeted loan program.

Maddy summaryHB 5564 establishes a regulatory framework for blockchain technology and digital assets in Rhode Island to support economic growth. It creates special "depository banks" authorized to safely handle digital assets and virtual currency, addressing current banking access barriers for blockchain innovators. The bill also mandates a "regulatory sandbox" allowing tech companies to test new products under flexible rules while complying with anti-money laundering and customer identification requirements. This directly affects blockchain businesses, financial institutions, and state agencies by enabling secure digital record-keeping and fostering new business opportunities in the technology sector.

Permits a member or members of a limited-liability company to avoid dissolution by buying the membership interest owned by the other member or members seeking dissolution.

Prohibits the division of motor vehicles from placing on a motorist's driving record, a traffic violation which fine has been paid no longer than thirty (30) days after its issuance. This procedure would only be utilized twice per year.

Permits, effective 7/1/25, the family court to make appropriate orders of support and education of any child who has attained 18 years of age, but not 21, who is domiciled in the home of a parent, and is principally dependent upon said parent for support.

Places a cap of twenty percent (20%) on increases in consecutive revaluations of real property in all cities and towns conducting revaluations commencing December 31, 2025, and every December 31 thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution would approve changes to Rhode Island's Medicaid program, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state budget allocations. Key provisions include capping nursing facility and hospital rate increases at 2.3% (aligned with projected state tax revenue growth), eliminating annual home care rate increases, and removing hospital payment limits. It also establishes a new interprofessional consultation program and authorizes $396 million in hospital payments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These adjustments require state plan amendments to implement under federal Medicaid waiver rules. The resolution was scheduled for consideration but was withdrawn in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Ann D. McCaffrey, a former Warwick public school special education teacher and community member. The bill formally extends the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest sympathy to her family, including her children (who hold political ties) and grandchildren. It does not create any new laws or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal memorial gesture. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House on February 25, 2025.

Defines "anti-Semitism" for the state human affairs commission to use while investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination and for the commission against prejudice and bias to use in defining hate crimes.

Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.