Rep. Robert Craven

Ensures that more developmentally disabled adults can self-direct the care they need and want, by incorporating collective bargaining rights into the self-directed supports program.

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Permits the implementation of a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles, by the DMV and would require that rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter, would be promulgated by the administrator of the DMV.

Maddy summaryHB 7748 reassigns North Kingstown from the third division to the fourth division of Rhode Island's district court. This changes which court handles cases from North Kingstown, moving it from the current division (which includes Warwick and Cranston) to the division that includes Charlestown and Narragansett. The bill aims to balance case workloads more evenly across all court divisions. The reassignment takes effect two months after the bill passes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Rhode Island's Department of Health to join international public health collaboration networks aimed at detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks. It allows the department to enter into agreements with federal agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions to share expertise, training, and surveillance data while maintaining privacy protections. The legislation also permits the state to designate specific offices or laboratories as partners in these networks and to provide voluntary assistance during global outbreak responses. Additionally, the bill requires coordination with federal authorities like the CDC and ensures that no regulatory authority is transferred to international organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 7751 requires litigation financing agreements (where third parties advance money to litigants in exchange for repayment from case proceeds) to comply with the state’s interest rate limits. It directly affects individuals and businesses using these agreements to fund legal cases, as all repayment terms - regardless of contract wording like "investment" or "use fees" - are treated as interest under usury laws. The bill makes it illegal for lenders to charge rates exceeding state limits, even if repayment depends on case outcomes. This ensures such agreements cannot bypass standard loan regulations.

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.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7504 creates tax-advantaged "catastrophe savings accounts" for homeowners to cover disaster-related costs. Taxpayers can deduct contributions (capped at $25,000 for those with standard deductibles or $250,000 for self-insured homeowners) and earn tax-exempt interest. Withdrawals remain tax-free if used for qualified expenses like uncovered repair costs or insurance deductibles after a declared disaster. The program applies only to primary residences with one account allowed per home, effective for 2027 tax years.

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.