Rep. Tom Noret

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5001) is a ceremonial gesture celebrating "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" on January 9, 2025, specifically within Rhode Island. It urges all citizens to show appreciation by wearing blue clothing, writing letters to officers, and participating in the annual Blue Blood Drive (January 1-14). The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. As a symbolic measure with no new laws or funding, it does not impose obligations but encourages public recognition of law enforcement service.

Maddy summaryHB 7880 requires licensed healthcare facilities to publicly disclose a comprehensive list of standard charges for all items and services they provide. Hospitals must post this information for free on their websites in a digital format that allows users to search and download the data without creating an account. The list must include various pricing details, such as the full gross charge, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates for different insurance plans, alongside specific codes used for billing. This law aims to increase price transparency so that patients and third-party payers can see the costs associated with medical care before receiving services.

Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island state law to exempt the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Inc. from paying registration fees for its motor vehicles and trailers. By adding this organization to a list of existing exempt entities, the legislation ensures that nonprofit groups providing emergency medical and rescue services do not incur these costs. The change applies only to the specific vehicles owned by the team and does not alter the fee structure for other vehicle owners. The act is set to become effective one year after it is signed into law.

Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.

Maddy summaryHB 7020 establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase reporting on arts education at Rhode Island's public middle and high schools. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, schools must include data on student enrollment percentages and the number of available courses in dance, music, theater, and visual arts on their annual report cards. The bill also allows the state education department to hire arts curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these requirements and mandates that high schools start submitting student portfolios demonstrating arts proficiency by the 2026-27 school year.

Requires all health care facilities to provide functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and least one person who is properly trained in the operation and use of an AED.

Mandates, as of 1/1/27, all recovery housing facilities register with department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals adhere to the National Alliance for Recovery Residences process.

Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.

Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from five to ten years.