Rep. Teresa Tanzi

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights law to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and includes the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 7688 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning by June 2028 to centralize and improve the state’s child care system. It directly affects families with young children (by reducing costs to under 7% of income), child care providers (through annual funding to cover costs beyond family fees), and early educators (by requiring wage supplements to match K-12 standards). Key provisions include consolidating child care administration from other agencies, funding providers to expand affordability and quality, and developing a statewide system offering free pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds alongside accessible care for children from birth to age 12. The bill aims to address current market failures by treating child care as a public good, similar to K-12 education.

Maddy summaryHB 7044 establishes an 11-member committee to develop regulations for homeless shelters in Rhode Island. The committee, including homeless individuals, advocates, shelter providers, and housing officials, will draft standards covering access policies, residents' rights, health and safety protocols, and emergency operations. These regulations will ensure shelters provide non-discriminatory services, prohibit fees, protect privacy, and maintain safe environments for residents. The bill does not immediately implement rules but creates a process for developing them through the committee's recommendations.

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

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 also prohibits at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's 24/7 service connecting residents to health, housing, food, and emergency resources. It recognizes United Way 211's role since 2007 in handling nearly 100,000 requests in 2025 and supporting public emergencies. The resolution is symbolic - no new policies or funding are created - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way and partners. It directly honors United Way 211 and its community collaborators, not specific individuals or groups.

Requires as part of the director of administration’s report to the general assembly to include information on the number of hybrid, combustion engine, plug-in hybrid, and ZEV vehicles in the light duty fleet. This act would take effect upon passage.

Amends the House Rules to enable any member to have up to three (3) bills that are held for further study either substituted in committee or allowed to have a committee vote for placement on the floor calendar exclusively at the discretion of the Speaker.

Maddy summaryHB 7595 would impose a 1% tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals and businesses (defined as "artificial persons") with significant assets like stocks, business ownership, and intellectual property. The tax is calculated annually based on the fair market value of these assets as of December 31 each year. This directly affects high-net-worth residents and entities domiciled in Rhode Island, excluding certain exempt intangible assets.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution expressing condolences for Ruth Ann Desmarais, a dedicated 11-year employee of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and legal secretary at Al DiFiore Law Office. It formally extends the House's deepest sympathy to her family, including her daughter Susan Thompson and husband Mark. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her family. It passed unanimously on February 5, 2026, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties beyond the expression of mourning.