Rep. Tom Noret

Distinguishes, in two separate subsections, a first offense for reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent offense for reckless driving, which is a felony.

Maddy summaryHB 5638, "AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS," proposes to increase penalties for drivers involved in accidents that result in serious bodily injury or death. The bill amends existing laws to impose longer prison sentences, higher fines, and extended or permanent driver's license revocations for those who fail to stop at the scene of such accidents. It also significantly increases penalties for "driving so as to endanger" when serious bodily injury or death occurs, as well as driving under the influence resulting in death. These stricter provisions apply to all drivers, including those involved in accidents with pedestrians or bicyclists.

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31-41.1-4.

Maddy summaryHB 5899 amends the existing state law that defines "aggressive driving." The bill adds five new driving violations to the list of actions that, when combined with another traffic offense, can be classified as aggressive driving. These additions include violations related to obeying police officers, specific overtaking rules, and proper use of laned roadways. This expands the scope of behaviors that motorists could be cited for under aggressive driving statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands educational benefits for members of the Rhode Island National Guard and their immediate family dependents. It allows National Guard members in good standing to allocate their tuition assistance benefits, which cover up to five courses per semester, to their dependents for use at Rhode Island state colleges or universities. To receive these benefits, both the National Guard member must remain in good standing with the Guard, and the student (member or dependent) must be in good academic standing. Participants agree to one year of additional service in the National Guard for every twelve course credits received, with provisions for repayment if service obligations or academic requirements are not met.

Maddy summaryHB 5280, the "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Act," aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities at state colleges and universities for students aged 18-21 with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities who receive special education services. The bill allows these students to participate in credit or non-credit courses, internships, and campus life without requiring a high school diploma or college entrance exams. Their participation is considered an approved special education service and a form of secondary school education, covered if addressed in their Individualized Education Program. While state institutions can set selection guidelines, they cannot deny opportunities solely based on disability, and they are not required to fund individual supports beyond typical provisions.

Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.

Amends Rhode Island’s existing healthcare services funding plan act by adding an account relating to a new psychiatry resource network to fund Rhode Island’s present PediPRN and MomsPRN.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.

Maddy summaryHB 5466 proposes to increase the monthly personal needs allowance for residents in nursing facilities who receive medical assistance. The bill would raise this allowance from seventy-five dollars ($75.00) to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per month. This change directly affects these nursing facility residents by providing them with an additional $25 each month for their personal expenses. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.