Rep. Nathan Biah

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating March 1-5, 2026, as "Peace Corps Week" in Rhode Island. It symbolically honors the Peace Corps' history and contributions, recognizing over 240,000 volunteers who have served in 140+ countries since 1960. The resolution has no policy impact or financial requirements; it merely proclaims the week of recognition and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Peace Corps CEO. It directly affects the Peace Corps organization and its volunteers by formally acknowledging their work at the state level. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impact specific individuals or groups beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 7549 makes assaulting a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or coach) during their duties a felony, directly affecting anyone who commits such violence at any athletic event - from school games to professional leagues. The bill establishes two penalty tiers: a standard assault carries up to 3 years in prison or a $3,000 fine, while assault causing serious bodily injury (like permanent disfigurement or life-threatening harm) results in 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also mandates that offenders pay restitution to victims or complete up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fines or prison time. This law applies to assaults occurring before, during, or after any sporting event.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7353 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments to collect detailed data during traffic stops (including officer-perceived race/ethnicity, stop reasons, and outcomes) and submit it monthly to the Department of Transportation's Office of Highway Safety. It mandates an annual external study analyzing this data for racial disparities in traffic stops and searches, to be conducted by a qualified independent agency chosen by the Office of Highway Safety. The study's findings, along with quarterly public summary reports showing racial and demographic breakdowns of stops, must be released annually. This directly affects all Rhode Island municipal police departments and the state police, requiring them to implement new data collection and reporting procedures. The law aims to provide transparent, data-driven insights into policing practices without speculating on outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War (1778-1783). It specifically recognizes their contributions, including their role in the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth where they repelled British forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to historical organizations, the Governor, congressional delegation, and relevant groups to promote awareness of this history. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but aims to increase public recognition of Black soldiers' role in the American Revolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 15, 2026, honoring his legacy in the civil rights movement and advocacy for equality. It does not create new laws or affect specific policies; instead, it formally recognizes Dr. King's life and work through a ceremonial expression of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to distribute certified copies to state officials, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday Commission. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 7101 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 28th anniversary of Funda Fest, organized by the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS). It recognizes RIBS' mission since 1998 to promote Black storytelling through performances and educational events, and acknowledges Funda Fest's 28-year history of engaging thousands statewide. The resolution urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in Funda Fest 2026 (January 13-25) to learn about Black history and traditions through storytelling. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIBS, with no new policies or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (HR 7001) passed on January 6, 2026, expressing condolences for the December 13, 2025, Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured eleven. It formally honors Rhode Island law enforcement (including Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez), firefighters (led by Fire Chief Derek Silva), medical personnel at Rhode Island Hospital, Mayor Brett Smiley, and Attorney General Peter Neronha for their response to the tragedy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely provides ceremonial recognition through a written expression of gratitude and support to the named officials and first responders.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7000) commemorates Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, two Brown University students killed in a December 13, 2025, shooting, and acknowledges nine injured students. It formally honors their memory, offers condolences to their families, condemns the violence, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to their families. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions; it is a commemorative statement.

Makes it an unfair claims practice for insurer to designate a motor vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair motor vehicle to its pre-accident condition is less than 75% to 80% of the fair market value.