Rep. Earl Read

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change voting eligibility rules in Rhode Island. It would remove the current 30-day state residency requirement for voting, instead allowing voters to register "by or on election day" (as stated in the summary). The amendment would also maintain a 30-day residency requirement for candidates seeking office. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect January 1, 2027, replacing the existing voting and candidacy provisions in the state constitution. The amendment must be approved by voters at the next statewide general election.

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.

Substitutes "housing resources commission" with "department of health" for lead hazard mitigation purposes. It also makes it easier for a property owner to release funds put into an escrow account, if needed to make required repairs or improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 7772 requires healthcare facilities to pay healthcare workers and medical direct support professionals time-and-a-half pay for work performed on Sundays or holidays. This applies to all employees covered under the bill’s definition of healthcare facilities, directly affecting those working weekend or holiday shifts in hospitals, clinics, and similar settings. The law amends minimum wage provisions to mandate this higher pay rate for qualifying shifts, effective upon passage. It does not change overtime rules for other days or expand coverage beyond Sunday/holiday work in healthcare settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of supporting individuals with brain injuries and their families. The resolution acknowledges the significant impact of brain injuries, which affect over 12,000 Rhode Island residents annually and are a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults. It encourages state residents to participate in awareness activities and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the issue.

Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.

Maddy summaryHB 7728 allows Rhode Island to issue emergency teaching certificates without requiring an exam for up to five total school years. It permits an initial one-year certificate, renewable annually up to four more years (for a total of five), for individuals needing to teach while completing certification requirements. This change modifies existing rules by extending the maximum duration for emergency certification under the state's teacher certification framework. The bill would apply directly to educators seeking temporary teaching authorization in urgent staffing situations. The bill was introduced to the House Education Committee on February 12, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 7905 establishes a voluntary quality rating system for early childhood education and school-age childcare programs operating in RIDE-certified school buildings. It sets specific quality standards that providers can meet to earn a rating, aiming to improve program quality through a structured, non-mandatory framework. The bill directly affects childcare providers in certified school settings by offering a pathway to recognition based on established criteria. This system encourages quality enhancements without imposing mandatory requirements on participating programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates Miranda Marie Musumeci on being named Miss Ireland in the West Warwick St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026. The resolution recognizes her dedication to Irish heritage and community service, highlighting her involvement in various activities such as student teaching, volunteer work, and participation in the NJROTC program. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Musumeci as an official acknowledgment of her achievement. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, serving to honor an individual's recognition within the state's cultural celebrations.