Establishes the office of inspector general to investigate the management and operation of agencies in an effort to prevent and deter fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges and needs related to brain tumor research and treatment. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about the disease. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to leaders of several brain tumor advocacy organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote road safety and educate the public about sharing the road with motorcyclists. The resolution highlights statistics on motorcycle accidents and encourages all drivers to avoid distracted driving and give motorcycles ample space. It does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic proclamation to raise awareness among motorists and riders.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses condolences to the family of Burton Stallwood, a former Rhode Island official who passed away. The bill honors his extensive public service career, which included serving as Town Administrator of Lincoln for 28 years and as a U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his three children, Scott Stallwood, Gregg Stallwood, and Tracey Gardiner.
Maddy summaryHB 8531 amends Rhode Island's compulsory attendance laws to give school committees the authority to deny or defer approval of homeschooling plans under specific circumstances. The bill requires schools to implement due diligence interventions, such as consulting with parents and support teams, before referring truant students to family court. It also establishes a formal process for approving alternative learning plans and extended withdrawals, which allow students to take breaks or reduce their coursework while remaining enrolled, particularly considering pandemic-related disruptions. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from using truancy as the sole reason for out-of-school suspensions and mandates that private schools and at-home instruction meet specific attendance and curriculum standards.
Requires the EOHHS to disregard an individual’s assets or resources, when determining an individual’s eligibility for any Medicare beneficiary program, contingent on federal approval.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN), a nonprofit organization that provides support to families navigating special education, healthcare, and aging services. The funding is designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be used to sustain RIPIN's peer-led programs, which include individualized family support, health insurance assistance, and community resources for parents and caregivers. As Rhode Island's federally designated parent training and information center, RIPIN serves thousands of families annually through workshops, online content, and direct consultations with state agencies. The resolution authorizes the state controller to release funds from the general treasury upon receipt of proper documentation.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 6th through May 12th, 2026, as National Nurses Week in the State of Rhode Island to honor the profession. It recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of an aging population and the need for more qualified staff. The resolution also urges all residents to celebrate nurses' contributions throughout the year, not just during this specific week. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.
Maddy summaryHB 7695 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the establishment of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects developers and operators of data centers that meet specific criteria defined in the bill. The key mechanism is granting these tax exemptions for eligible costs related to constructing or operating qualifying facilities, including equipment and infrastructure. This policy change reduces financial barriers for data center projects by lowering their operational tax burden.
Maddy summaryHB 7058 exempts scalp hair prostheses and wigs necessary due to medical conditions from the state's sales tax. This directly affects individuals experiencing hair loss from medical issues, such as cancer treatment or alopecia, who purchase these items. The bill amends tax code sections to explicitly include these prosthetic devices under existing medical exemptions, removing the sales tax burden. This is a concrete policy change that simplifies access to medically necessary hair replacement products without altering broader tax structures.
