Rep. Earl Read

Maddy summaryHB 5766 proposes to reinstate cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for individuals receiving retirement benefits from the state retirement system. These adjustments would become payable to retirees and beneficiaries under a specific condition. The bill's key mechanism specifies that COLAs will be granted only when the retirement system's annual investment return exceeds ten percent.

Allows any peace officer working in a Rhode Island school as a full or part-time resource officer to work in excess of the seventy-five (75) working days in a calendar year, and not have an interruption in their benefits.

Effective January 1, 2025, an annual cost-of-living increase, based upon the yearly Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), to the retirement allowance for all state employees and all beneficiaries to be reinstated.

Exempts teachers and state employees who have been retired for more than three (3) full calendar years, from having their retirement benefit adjustment reduced based upon the funded ratio of the employees' retirement system of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6223) is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally declares April 2025 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the growing impact of autism (affecting about 1 in 36 children) and acknowledges efforts by individuals and agencies to support autistic residents and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy changes or funding impacts but aims to raise public recognition of autism-related issues.

Maddy summaryHR 6224 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 6-12, 2025, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the challenges crime victims face - including trauma, economic hardship, and systemic barriers - and commits the state to supporting survivors' rights during this observance. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but honors victims, survivors, and advocates through a formal statement of support. It was passed by the Rhode Island House on April 10, 2025.

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates April 2025 as "Alcohol Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It serves as a symbolic proclamation highlighting alcohol abuse as a public health concern, citing state-specific statistics like 599 annual alcohol-related deaths and high binge-drinking rates. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or mandates - it simply urges community participation in existing awareness efforts. It directs the Secretary of State to notify the Governor and health officials of the designation. (This is a procedural resolution, not a policy bill.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6196) is a symbolic proclamation designating April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes libraries as community hubs that provide free access to resources, promote digital equity, and support diverse populations. The resolution encourages all residents to visit libraries during this week and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Rhode Island libraries and the Office of Library and Information Services. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to honor library services.

Maddy summaryHB 5252 creates a temporary five-member budget commission to oversee Warwick Public Schools' finances until the city approves the fiscal year 2025-2026 school budget. The commission must approve all school spending (except emergencies), develop a three-year financial plan within 120 days, and create a deficit reduction strategy. It cannot alter collective bargaining agreements, hire/terminate staff, or impact bond-funded projects. The commission expires once the approved budget and deficit plan are adopted, with its authority superseding conflicting local laws. This bill directly affects Warwick's school district and city budget processes.