Rep. Justine Caldwell

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal licensing system for youth camps in Rhode Island that serve ten or more campers and accept state child care assistance payments. To obtain a license, camps must meet specific requirements, including maintaining safe facilities with adequate water, employing a competent staff with background checks, and ensuring all staff are trained in safety and child abuse prevention. The legislation also mandates that camps undergo initial and annual inspections by the Department of Human Services and prohibits them from advertising services they are not licensed to provide. These rules are designed to standardize safety and operational standards across eligible youth camps, with the new requirements taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Establishes the behavioral health education, training, and coordination fund to receive the checkoff contributions from Rhode Island personal income tax returns for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2024.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.

Maddy summaryHB 7350 establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact, a new agreement that allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple states with a single license. This legislation directly affects social work professionals who wish to move between states or provide telehealth services to clients in different jurisdictions, as well as the state agencies that regulate these professions. The bill creates a commission to manage the compact and maintain a shared database of licensure and disciplinary records, while ensuring that each state retains the authority to protect public health and safety. By eliminating the need for separate licenses in every state, the measure aims to reduce administrative burdens, improve access to social work services, and better support military families.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to change the date on which presidential electors meet from the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December to the first Tuesday of that month. The change directly affects the timing of the Electoral College vote in Rhode Island, aligning the state's schedule with the federal standard set by the Twelfth Amendment. By updating the specific calendar date in the General Laws, the legislation ensures that the state's electoral process matches the national timeline for electing the President and Vice President.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's rules for mammogram reports to ensure they follow federal standards for notifying patients about dense breast tissue. It requires healthcare facilities to include specific language in mammography summaries that explains what dense tissue is, notes its potential impact on cancer detection, and suggests discussing additional screening options like ultrasound or MRI with a doctor. The change directly affects women who receive mammograms in the state and the medical facilities that perform these exams. By adopting these national reporting standards, the law aims to provide consistent information to patients regarding their breast density and associated health considerations.

Adopts a counseling compact for the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses governed and administrated by commission.

Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.

Allows victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds under the State Crime Victim Compensation Program.

Outlines the requirements and process for LEAs to get written parental consent before conducting an evaluation, reevaluation, making an initial placement/changes in placement/the individual education program of a student in a special education program.