Rep. Nathan Biah

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Rhode Island for the year 2026. The bill commemorates the date in 1865 when news of the abolition of slavery finally reached enslaved people in Texas, marking the end of more than two centuries of bondage. It urges citizens to observe the day to honor the historical significance of emancipation and to learn about the experiences of African Americans. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Governor, serving as an official state acknowledgment rather than a new law.

Expands the requirement that all high schools and middle schools, whether they are publicly or privately run to maintain on site a functional AED while establishing and implementing a cardiac emergency response plan in these schools.

Provides that any schools days a public school is closed due to a declared state of emergency be deemed excused for purposes of compliance with minimum school days calendar requirements.

Provides that where the administration, use, or maintenance of epinephrine within schools and on buses is authorized, this use includes epinephrine delivery devices approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration and epinephrine nasal sprays.

Requires public schools to give congressionally chartered youth organizations limited access for recruitment and brief student presentations with parent notice, while preserving school safety and discretion.

Maddy summaryHB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 7218 creates the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent entity separate from Providence city government and the state, to maintain the Crook Point Bascule Bridge and related property. The authority will be governed by a 3-member board appointed by the mayor (with city council approval), with members serving five-year terms and no compensation. Key provisions include the authority’s power to manage finances, enter contracts, borrow funds, and handle maintenance without burdening city or state budgets or taxes. The bill ensures the bridge’s upkeep is managed through a dedicated body, with annual financial reports submitted to city officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026, and honors the work of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. It acknowledges the organization's long history of providing services such as legal aid, English classes, and employment support to refugees and immigrants in the state. The resolution also highlights the economic contributions of refugees to Rhode Island's communities and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the organization's CEO.

Authorizes the administration of the division of motor vehicles to make available special license plates for the Rhode Island Manufacture Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally honors the life and work of Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and educator. It recognizes his significant contributions to Rhode Island, including his role in founding the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies and his service on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. The resolution expresses gratitude for his impact on the state and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to his family.