Provides specific language for signs to be posted at certain establishments notifying people of contact information to the national human trafficking resource center.
Maddy summaryHB 7418 would establish medical and dental schools at the University of Rhode Island, authorizing the conferral of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degrees. The bill requires the schools to seek accreditation from medical (LCME) and dental (CODA) bodies and mandates clinical training partnerships with hospitals and health centers. It also allows the university to retain revenue from faculty practice plans to support educational, clinical, and research activities. The legislation directly affects Rhode Island residents by aiming to expand healthcare workforce capacity and improve access to care, particularly for underserved communities.
Maddy summaryHB 7646 creates a pre-trial medical malpractice tribunal to screen cases before they proceed to superior court, directly affecting patients suing healthcare providers for alleged negligence and the providers defending such claims. The tribunal, composed of a superior court judge, an attorney, and a healthcare provider (matching the defendant’s specialty), must review the plaintiff’s evidence within 15 days to determine if it raises a legitimate question of liability or is merely an unfortunate medical outcome. If the tribunal finds the case insufficient, the plaintiff must post a $6,000 bond (reducible for financial hardship) to continue, or face dismissal without prejudice. The bill applies to all medical malpractice cases filed on or after January 1, 2027, with the tribunal’s findings admissible as evidence at trial.
Establishes the first time home buyer savings program act. Allows modifications to federal adjusted gross income for $50,000 in contributions and $150,000 of interest and dividends included in federal adjusted gross income.
Increases the number of days a retired municipal employee could work in a calendar year without interruption of pension benefits to ninety (90) days or its equivalent of six hundred thirty (630) hours.
Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 7714) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026. It expresses the House's deepest condolences to the family of Richard Serra, a former Charlestown Town Council member and local businessman, following his passing. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Camelia Serra, and their family. As a procedural memorial, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents beyond honoring an individual.
Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.
Maddy summaryHB 7591 requires all out-of-state foster care facilities placing children in Rhode Island to register with the state Medicaid program as a Medicaid provider. This directly affects out-of-state foster care agencies seeking to place children in Rhode Island, ensuring they meet Medicaid requirements for reimbursement. The bill includes a waiver provision allowing emergency placements at non-Medicaid facilities if no provider is available. It does not change existing licensing standards for in-state agencies.
Clarifies the process of depositing settlement funds from non-multi-state initiatives and require that settlements could not be spent without express general assembly authorization.
Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.
