Requires a seventy-five percent (75%) supermajority vote by the board of directors to establish a quorum and to approve any action taken by the commerce corporation.
Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.
Requires DCYF to implement recommendations made by the child advocate and child fatality review panel within 6 months and provide a report of the measures taken to address the recommendations.
Maddy summaryHB 5672 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights between siblings who have been separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. The law mandates courts to approve such visits if they serve the child's best interests, there is a significant emotional bond between siblings, and involved parties (including birth parents) have negotiated an agreement or the court establishes one. It also requires adoptive/foster parents, guardians, and child welfare agencies to cooperate in facilitating contact, while allowing children aged 12 or older to express their views in court. The bill prohibits monetary damages in disputes over these arrangements and requires court approval for any modifications to visitation agreements.
This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.
Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning, permits local communities to adopt all-charter school public school model for public education.
Creates a 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans and traditional employer provided benefits are given to Uber and Lyft drivers, and others providing services to the public, and would report by January 5, 2026, and expire March 5, 20206.
Maddy summaryHR 5414 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025. It recognizes his public service history, including 20 years with the Rhode Island State Police (retiring as Detective Sergeant), U.S. Navy service during the Korean Conflict, and roles with Pinkerton Security, Westerly Hospital, and the Newport Tennis Hall of Fame. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send Kenahan a certified copy of the resolution. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.
Maddy summaryHB 5396 sets specific caseload limits for Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) workers based on Council on Accreditation (COA) standards, directly affecting child welfare staff and the children/families they serve. It limits workers to 12 active investigations (max 8 new monthly), 14 families for in-home services, 12 children in out-of-home care, and 8 children in treatment foster care. The bill also requires DCYF to conduct annual pay reviews to align staff salaries with New England state averages for similar roles. These provisions aim to prevent staff overload and improve service quality by standardizing workloads and compensation.
Maddy summaryHB 5183 allows motorcycle riders to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles (traveling 10 mph or slower) in the same lane - under specific safety conditions. It requires motorcycles to move at 20 mph or less while filtering, only on roads with lanes wide enough for safe passing, and only when conditions permit continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders in the state by modifying traffic rules for lane filtering. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change rules for cars or other vehicles. The legislation is limited to this specific lane-filtering provision for motorcycles.
