Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.
Maddy summaryHB 5048 would create special license plates for vehicles owned by the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub, a nonprofit organization that honors veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C. for WWII and Korean War veterans. Owners of vehicles using these plates would pay a $40 one-time fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with $20 of the initial fee going to the state general fund and $20 allocated to the nonprofit. The nonprofit must use all funds for Rhode Island-based charitable causes and submit annual financial reports. This is a special plate program, not a broad policy change, and would take effect six months after passage.
Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.
Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.
Exempts any individual who is aging out of foster care from the payment of any fee associated with the issuance of a operator's license as well as driver's education class fees. The fee waiver is in effect until the individual reaches 27 years of age.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5238), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences on the passing of Violet Rose Little, a community member and mother of former colleagues Rep. Anastacia Williams and Rigoberto Cano Little. The resolution acknowledges her life, family, education, career at Rhode Island College, and decades of volunteer work with churches and community organizations. It was passed by the House on January 30, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her family.
Maddy summaryHB 5089 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "houseboat" to include both motorized and non-motorized vessels. This change updates existing harbor regulations in coastal towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton), allowing them to regulate all types of houseboats under their local harbor management ordinances. Towns gain authority to set rules for houseboat size, location, mooring, and safety standards in public waters. The bill directly affects local harbor authorities and residents using houseboats in these communities.
Gradually increases the minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities between January 1, 2026 through January 1, 2031 to the minimum wage established in § 28-12-3 exclusive of gratuities.
Maddy summaryHB 5190 updates the definition of "houseboat" to include motorized and non-motorized vessels (like platforms, waterborne hotels, or restaurants) used primarily as residences, not for transportation. This means houseboats registered or unregistered - whether floating or fixed - will now be taxed as personal property by local tax assessors. The bill also grants specific towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton) authority to regulate non-self-propelled houseboats, including setting mooring fees, enforcing location rules, and imposing fines up to $100 for violations. These changes clarify existing tax treatment and local regulatory powers for houseboat residents and waterfront management.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It raises public and professional awareness about maternal health issues, referencing state efforts to address preventable deaths, disparities (particularly for Black mothers), and initiatives like the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing state work to improve maternal health outcomes. It was passed by the House on January 23, 2025.
