Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.
Expands foster care academic youth reports to include information regarding 504 eligibility, graduation progress and surrogate parents. The act would require implementation of additional strategies to improve performance and additional progress reports.
Establishes the office of inspector general to investigate the management and operation of agencies in an effort to prevent and deter fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote road safety and educate the public about sharing the road with motorcyclists. The resolution highlights statistics on motorcycle accidents and encourages all drivers to avoid distracted driving and give motorcycles ample space. It does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic proclamation to raise awareness among motorists and riders.
Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.
Maddy summaryHB 7690 increases the cash support pass-through under Rhode Island Works, allowing families receiving cash assistance to keep more child support payments. Specifically, it raises the amount from $50 to $100 for one child and from $100 to $200 for multiple children (or the full payment if less than these amounts), provided the child support is paid on time and collected by the Department of Human Services. This pass-through payment must be sent to the family within two business days of being due. The bill applies to families with children receiving Rhode Island Works cash assistance and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Amends the Rhode Island works program to allow lawful permanent residents to receive benefits without a waiting period and increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 to fund Rhode Island's Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program. It provides low-income SNAP recipients with double the value of their benefits when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at participating local farmers markets and farmstands. The funds directly support both low-income families accessing nutritious food and small-scale Rhode Island farms selling produce. The money will be administered by Farm Fresh RI to sustain this existing program, which has distributed over $1.7 million since 2009.
Maddy summaryHB 7058 exempts scalp hair prostheses and wigs necessary due to medical conditions from the state's sales tax. This directly affects individuals experiencing hair loss from medical issues, such as cancer treatment or alopecia, who purchase these items. The bill amends tax code sections to explicitly include these prosthetic devices under existing medical exemptions, removing the sales tax burden. This is a concrete policy change that simplifies access to medically necessary hair replacement products without altering broader tax structures.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Rhode Island. It directly affects correctional staff working for the state's Department of Corrections and the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers. The resolution serves to honor their service and raise awareness of the duties and sacrifices they make in safeguarding citizens. The Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of this recognition to the relevant department director and union president.
