Rep. Robert Craven

Maddy summaryHB 7438 extends all extended benefits provided by Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to children placed in guardianship, which currently only applies to foster care. This bill amends DCYF's statutory authority to ensure children in permanent guardianship arrangements receive the same support services as those in foster care. The key mechanism is updating the department's powers to include guardianship under the scope of extended benefits eligibility. This policy change directly affects children under guardianship and their guardians by expanding access to DCYF services. The bill does not alter existing foster care benefits but ensures parity for children in guardianship.

Expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain their employees' personnel records, it requires that records be retained for at least 3 years after employee's termination. It also increases the financial penalties for each violation.

Maddy summaryHB 7425 updates the official terminology in Rhode Island's Naturopathy Act by replacing "doctor of naturopathy" with "naturopathic doctor" throughout all relevant sections of the law. This change standardizes the title used for licensed practitioners and appears in definitions, scope-of-practice descriptions, and licensing requirements. It directly affects licensed naturopaths who must now use the updated title "naturopathic doctor" (or "ND" designation) in professional practice, while maintaining the same scope of permitted services like natural substance dispensing and health counseling. The bill does not alter the practice rules or restrictions outlined in the original 2017 Act.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7260) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 22, 2026, to express condolences on the passing of Anthony DeLuca. It honors DeLuca, a former Cranston City Council President, Rhode Island state representative (1981-1986), educator, and advocate for same-sex marriage equality. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Sylvia DeLuca, and family. As a non-binding tribute, it does not create new policies or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Judge Frank Caprio, a respected jurist and community figure from Providence. The resolution honors his life, career, family, and contributions - including his popular TV show and community work - and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. No policy changes or financial provisions are included.

Makes it an unfair claims practice for insurer to designate a motor vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair motor vehicle to its pre-accident condition is less than 75% to 80% of the fair market value.

Includes police officers to fire fighters who are unable to perform duties as a result of heart disease, stroke or hypertension to be presumed to have suffered an in-the-line-of-duty disability, unless contrary evidence is presented.

Protects the rights of employees in the workplace relating to free speech, assembly and religion, as well as attendance at employer-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious matters.

Maddy summaryHB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.