Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.
Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale also prohibits at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally congratulates James Parisi on retiring after 30 years as a lobbyist for the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), which represents over 10,000 educators, health professionals, and state employees. The House expressed appreciation for his work advising lawmakers on education, healthcare, and labor issues, noting his integrity and institutional knowledge. It directs the Secretary of State to send Parisi a certified copy of the resolution. As a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect legislation or funding.
Maddy summaryHB 7194 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty committed by a family or household member against another household member. It specifically adds three offenses to the list: unnecessary cruelty to an animal (§ 4-1-3), malicious injury or killing of an animal (§ 4-1-5), and abandonment of an animal (§ 4-1-26). This change directly affects victims who share household animals with an abuser and allows courts to address animal cruelty as part of domestic violence cases. The bill amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to explicitly include these animal-related offenses under the same legal framework as other domestic violence crimes.
Provides duties/obligations of medical personnel to born-alive infants resulting from an abortion punishable as a felony along with a civil action for compensatory/punitive damages/automatic one year license suspension.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 2025 as "Fragile X Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes Fragile X Syndrome as the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism, affecting over 100,000 Americans. The resolution urges Rhode Islanders to raise awareness, share information, and support research and families impacted by Fragile X Syndrome. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the National Fragile X Foundation and Little Rhody Warriors. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with policy changes.)
Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 7235 clarifies that Rhode Island's General Assembly retains exclusive authority to approve or deny nuclear plant construction projects, explicitly reserving this power despite other state or local laws. The bill amends Section 42-64-14.1 of the General Laws to maintain legislative oversight for nuclear plant projects, ensuring they require direct General Assembly approval rather than relying on other regulatory processes. This change directly affects developers seeking to build nuclear facilities in Rhode Island, as they must now obtain specific legislative approval before construction. The bill does not eliminate the approval requirement but formally reinforces the General Assembly’s jurisdiction over such projects. The measure is currently pending further study after committee consideration.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Jackie Hersey for her 24 years of service as an administrative assistant in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, recognizing her work compiling legislative data, preparing reports, and organizing bills. The House passed this ceremonial resolution on January 22, 2026, to thank her upon her retirement. It does not create new policy or affect any laws, as it is a formal expression of appreciation for her contributions.
