Maddy summaryHB 5419, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act), regulates businesses that charge fees for helping veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Rhode Island Veterans Services. It prohibits referral fees, requires written agreements for contingent fees (capped at five times the monthly benefit increase), and mandates clear disclosures that services are not affiliated with the VA or state veterans offices. The law also bans using veterans' login credentials, restricts international data centers for personal information, and requires background checks for staff handling sensitive data. It directly affects non-VA-accredited businesses offering paid assistance with veterans' benefits claims, while exempting VA-accredited agents. Violations may result in civil penalties deposited into Rhode Island’s military family relief fund.
Rep. Robert Craven
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution (HR 6081) formally celebrates St. Patrick's Day and honors Ireland's historical contributions to the U.S. War of Independence. It recognizes Irish immigrants' roles in founding Rhode Island and their service in Revolutionary War battles like Bunker Hill, as well as Ireland's diplomatic ties with the U.S. since 1924. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Irish-American state legislators across 10 states, including members of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a ceremonial resolution, it creates no new laws or funding but affirms cultural and historical connections. It was passed by the Rhode Island House on March 13, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) designating March 13, 2025, as "North Kingstown Day" in Rhode Island. It formally celebrates the town's 350th anniversary, its WWII heritage, military connections, and economic contributions to Rhode Island. The resolution urges citizens to honor North Kingstown's service and contributions, with no new laws, funding, or policy changes. It directly affects the Town of North Kingstown and its residents, recognizing their historical and civic role. The resolution passed the House on March 13, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5331 removes an existing exemption that allowed lenders to operate without a license if they originated fewer than six loans in a year. This change directly affects small lenders or loan brokers who previously did not need a license for low-volume lending activity. The key provision requires these lenders to obtain a license under Rhode Island’s financial regulations, aligning their requirements with other lenders. The bill does not create new licensing standards but eliminates the exemption for the specified low-volume activity. This change applies to all lenders meeting the threshold, regardless of loan purpose or amount.
Allows private employees at nursing homes, developmental disability and home care providers whose salaries are 90% funded with federal or state monies to be eligible to opt into the state healthcare plan.
Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.
Maddy summaryHB 5903 repeals a rule in medical malpractice cases that allowed defendants to reduce a plaintiff's damages award by the amount of insurance benefits the plaintiff received (like workers' compensation or health insurance). This change means defendants can no longer introduce evidence of such benefits to lower the damages they must pay. The bill directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in medical malpractice lawsuits involving licensed healthcare providers like doctors, hospitals, or clinics. It removes a specific legal mechanism that previously let courts deduct insurance payments from final damage awards.
Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.
Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.
Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.