Rep. Tom Noret

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5444 clarifies that drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted limit when approaching emergency vehicles, highway maintenance equipment, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles displaying lights. This directly affects drivers traveling on roadways where these vehicles are operating, particularly in situations where lane changes aren't possible. The bill specifies that "slowing" means maintaining a speed 20 mph under the posted limit, rather than leaving the definition vague. It amends existing traffic law to provide a clear, measurable standard for driver behavior near roadside operations. The change aims to enhance safety for both workers and motorists.

Maddy summaryHB 5672 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights between siblings who have been separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. The law mandates courts to approve such visits if they serve the child's best interests, there is a significant emotional bond between siblings, and involved parties (including birth parents) have negotiated an agreement or the court establishes one. It also requires adoptive/foster parents, guardians, and child welfare agencies to cooperate in facilitating contact, while allowing children aged 12 or older to express their views in court. The bill prohibits monetary damages in disputes over these arrangements and requires court approval for any modifications to visitation agreements.

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.

Requires that all agencies' final rules, promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act, be approved by general assembly action, but in no case later than December 31 of the year it is promulgated before it can become effective.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. Rhode Island's House of Representatives has formally designated February 23-29, 2025 (not March 1st as noted in the title) as "Peace Corps Week" within the state. The resolution commends the Peace Corps and its volunteers for their global service and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Peace Corps Director. It has no legal effect or direct impact on residents, policy, or funding - it solely serves as a symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 5175 updates the definition of "infectious disease" to explicitly include COVID-19, ensuring firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are covered under existing notification and disability benefits. The bill expands the scope of diseases that trigger required employer notification after exposure and qualifies workers for occupational disability benefits if illness develops from such exposure. It directly affects emergency responders employed by fire departments, police departments, or emergency medical services. The change ensures these workers receive the same protections for COVID-19 exposure as they do for other diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C under current law.

Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Prohibits any city or town from requiring an applicant for license to carry concealed firearm to provide a reason for their request other than those outlined in § 11-47-1.