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.
Maddy summaryHB 5073 establishes a maximum 8-hour workday for state-employed peace officers (including correctional officers) in Rhode Island, with a 10-hour cap for correctional officer stewards. The bill prohibits requiring overtime beyond these limits except during unforeseeable emergencies like riots, and mandates double-time-and-a-half pay if the state violates these rules. It specifically affects correctional staff working for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, ensuring they cannot be forced into excessive overtime without exception. The law also requires employers to make "reasonable efforts" to find volunteers before mandating overtime during emergencies. Violations would trigger immediate payment of the doubled overtime rate to affected employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 11, 2025, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211. It recognizes United Way 211 as a free, 24/7 service providing vital connections to health, housing, food, and disaster assistance for Rhode Islanders, including support in nearly 200 languages. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to publicly acknowledge the organization's role in community support and crisis response, noting it handled 213,000 assistance requests in 2024-2025. The House passed it on February 11, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to share certified copies with United Way and partners.
Maddy summaryHR 5414 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025. It recognizes his public service history, including 20 years with the Rhode Island State Police (retiring as Detective Sergeant), U.S. Navy service during the Korean Conflict, and roles with Pinkerton Security, Westerly Hospital, and the Newport Tennis Hall of Fame. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send Kenahan a certified copy of the resolution. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.
Mandates that a cannabis dispensary display the signage warning that the consumption of marijuana and THC products during pregnancy poses risks to infant development.
Increases the number of state child care licensing inspectors to meet the national recommended average of one inspector for every fifty (50) to sixty (60) child care providers.
Maddy summaryHB 5396 sets specific caseload limits for Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) workers based on Council on Accreditation (COA) standards, directly affecting child welfare staff and the children/families they serve. It limits workers to 12 active investigations (max 8 new monthly), 14 families for in-home services, 12 children in out-of-home care, and 8 children in treatment foster care. The bill also requires DCYF to conduct annual pay reviews to align staff salaries with New England state averages for similar roles. These provisions aim to prevent staff overload and improve service quality by standardizing workloads and compensation.
Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.
Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.
Maddy summaryHB 5071 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "public official" under threats and extortion statutes. It specifically adds state government caseworkers (social workers who help individuals access government resources) and investigators to the list of protected individuals. This means threatening these workers because of their job duties would now be a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The bill does not create new penalties but extends existing legal protections to these specific state employees. The change takes effect upon passage.
