Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.
Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca, who recently passed away. It directly affects her family and friends by formally acknowledging her life and contributions to her community. The resolution highlights her roles as a devoted mother, church volunteer, and veteran supporter, and authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family. It serves as an official tribute rather than a policy change, recognizing her personal legacy and faith.
Requires that student mentors in public schools be certified support educators, ensuring mentors have professional training, established student relationships, and access to skills and information needed to support student success.
Maddy summaryHB 8044 would treat fraud involving gift cards as theft (larceny), applying the same penalties to offenders. This directly affects gift card holders who are victims of fraud, such as when cards are stolen, duplicated, or sold without authorization. The bill’s key mechanism is amending commercial law to align gift card fraud offenses with existing larceny penalties under state law. This change would make fraud against gift card users subject to the same legal consequences as stealing physical property.
Maddy summaryHB 7417 requires every public school in Rhode Island (including charter and vocational schools) to have a dedicated library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates specific library resources like book collections, technology, and daily student access, with staffing requirements phased in: full-time librarians for schools of 250+ students immediately, high schools by 2026-27, and all K-12 schools by 2030-31. The bill directs the education commissioner to enforce these standards, ensuring consistent library access and qualified staff. This legislation applies to all public schools and is pending passage.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 84th anniversary of the Seabees, the United States Navy construction forces, on March 5, 2026. It formally congratulates the Seabees for their service and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. The document highlights the Seabees' historical contributions during World War II and subsequent conflicts, recognizing their role in building vital infrastructure under challenging conditions.
Expands the definition of operator to anyone who enables customers to purchase virtual currency. Expands the definition of a transaction to include a digital product or application where payment is made in person or through a third party intermediary.
Creates an 11-member commission to study and make recommendations on a statewide teacher healthcare plan, and would report quarterly as of September 1, 2026, and submit a final report by September 1, 2027, and expires on December 31, 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 7440 allows workers who are on strike or locked out during a labor dispute to receive unemployment benefits, which they were previously denied. It directly affects employees involved in strikes or employer lockouts, removing the prior bar to benefits unless specific exceptions apply. Key provisions state workers qualify if the lockout aims to resist collective bargaining or gain concessions, but not if it responds to a strike at another company in a multi-employer group or if the employer offered a 3-day extension of current terms that was refused. The bill takes effect upon passage and clarifies that benefits continue if unemployment lasts more than a week after the dispute ends.
