Rep. Joseph Solomon

Maddy summaryHB 5636 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in the state to provide customers with a choice of paper or electronic receipts for every transaction, starting January 1, 2026. The receipts must include specific details like the customer's wallet address, account owner's full name, unique transaction ID, and the company's fraud refund policy statement. Operators must also send an electronic copy of each transaction to the customer's email or record on file. This law directly affects businesses operating virtual currency kiosks within the state, mandating clear transaction documentation to enhance transparency and consumer protection.

Maddy summaryHB 5435 prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that restrict their ability to install or run the software on hardware they choose. It directly affects all state agencies purchasing software with state funds, including contracts for licenses, services, and related agreements. The bill bans any contractual terms that prevent agencies from using the software on their own desktops or servers, ensuring agencies maintain control over their hardware choices. This policy change applies to all new software agreements entered after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5826 creates a new process allowing condominium associations to require written approval from unit mortgage holders (homeowners' lenders) for certain association actions, such as major repairs or budget changes. It specifies that associations must mail written requests to mortgage holders using recorded addresses, and if no written denial is received within 60 days, the approval is deemed granted. The bill explicitly states that mortgage holder approval cannot override basic association control over daily operations or affect litigation, insurance claims, or legal proceedings. This bill directly affects condo associations and their lenders, adding a formal step for certain decisions. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but withdrawn on March 4, 2025.

Creates a 7-member commission to for proposals encouraging a positive economic environment for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and would submit an interim report by January 5, 2026, a final report by January 5, 2027, and expires on February 5, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of David DePetrillo, former Rhode Island State Tourism Director (1983-2008) and chairman of the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation. It honors his 25-year career, including pioneering tourism marketing like the "Biggest Little State in the Union" campaign, and recognizes his national reputation as a tourism leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Jean DePetrillo, and family. It has no effect on policy, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5338 requires every public school system in the state to employ at least one certified school psychologist for every 500 enrolled students, effective September 1, 2027. School psychologists must be certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education. This policy directly affects all public schools statewide by mandating a specific staffing ratio to support student mental health and safety. The bill applies to all school systems regardless of size, with no exemptions specified in the text.

Makes any offense under this statute that could result in the death of an animal punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each offense.

Provides that for the period up until July 1, 2027, an applicant for a teaching certificate in Rhode Island would not be required to complete a standardized teacher's examination as a prerequisite to obtaining a teaching certificate.

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 summaryHB 5879 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including its "contemporary examples," for use by Rhode Island state agencies. It requires state agencies to apply this definition when evaluating whether discriminatory acts - such as those based on religion or country of origin - constitute antisemitic discrimination under existing fair employment laws. The bill also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and clarifies that it does not override First Amendment rights or conflict with federal or state discrimination laws. This definition will directly guide state agencies in reviewing and investigating discrimination claims involving antisemitism.