Rep. Earl Read

Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the commission to study a plan and the design of a Vietnam Memorial in Providence, from January 31, 2025, to January 31, 2028, and said commission would expire on April 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHR 6297 is a House Resolution that officially commemorates April 30, 2025, as "National Therapy Animal Day" in the State of Rhode Island. The resolution recognizes the comfort and healing therapy animals provide and urges the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services and all Rhode Island citizens to appreciate and promote the benefits of the human-animal bond.

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 5736 amends existing law concerning public health dental hygienists, primarily to expand the sources from which they can receive reimbursement for their services. Currently, these hygienists are largely limited to reimbursement from Medicaid or state healthcare insurance programs. The bill would permit public health dental hygienists, or the agencies they work for, to seek reimbursement from "other insurance" or third-party payors, including Medicare. This applies to services provided in public health settings such as schools, nursing homes, and community health centers, often performed without immediate dentist supervision under a collaborative agreement. The bill also maintains requirements for patient consent and referrals for further dental examinations.

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.

Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution extends the deepest sympathy and condolences of the Rhode Island House of Representatives on the passing of Gretchen Dow Simpson, a highly acclaimed artist known for her New Yorker covers and contributions to the art community. A certified copy of the resolution will be transmitted to her family.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6188, known as the "Linda DaLomba Purple Alert Act," establishes a statewide emergency alert system for missing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This system, called a "Purple Alert," will publicly disseminate information through a partnership between law enforcement, media outlets, and other entities. An alert can be activated when an adult with a documented intellectual disability is missing, their whereabouts are unknown, and their disappearance indicates a credible threat of danger. The State Police will develop protocols for activating these alerts, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will conduct annual reviews and mandatory training for participating agencies.

Requires persons convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in vehicle as part of sentence and to pay an assessment to pay for the interlock systems.

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.