Rep. Teresa Tanzi

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, thereby extending anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. The legislation updates various legal definitions within the state's employment chapter to clarify terms related to gender identity, race, disability, and religious accommodation. By making these changes, the bill ensures that domestic workers are covered by the same safeguards against discrimination as other employees in the state.

Increases from seven (7) days to nine (9) days the period of time in which a request for a recount of the votes cast can be made to the board of elections. No certificates of election may be issued, until the recount if any is completed.

Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.

Provides that where the administration, use, or maintenance of epinephrine within schools and on buses is authorized, this use includes epinephrine delivery devices approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration and epinephrine nasal sprays.

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

Maddy summaryHB 7789 is a definitional bill that clarifies vehicle classifications in Rhode Island law, primarily affecting owners of antique vehicles, recreational vehicles, and new mobility devices. It defines terms like "antique motor car" (vehicles over 25 years old, restricted to exhibitions/limited use without full inspection), "camping recreational vehicle," and "electric personal assistive mobility device" (EPAMD, limited to 15 mph). The bill does not create new rules but standardizes existing terminology for registration, operation, and safety requirements. It directly impacts vehicle owners, registrants, and law enforcement by establishing clear categories for enforcement and compliance. As a procedural definitions bill, it has no operational changes beyond clarifying existing code provisions.

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. Disposition facilities would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

Establishes the Rhode Island education funding and accountability act, which would include a totally revised and revamped formula for funding all levels of public education in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7676 allows advisory bodies (like commissions or committees without decision-making power) to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing under specific conditions. It permits remote participation for members on active military duty, those with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation (after a public waiver process), and University of Rhode Island board members, provided audio/video clarity is maintained. The bill requires that remote attendees be clearly audible/visible to in-person members and that all participation decisions be documented publicly. This update modernizes open meeting rules while maintaining transparency requirements for advisory group meetings.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates J. L. "Lynn" Singleton on his retirement as President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center. It recognizes his forty-three-year tenure, during which he transformed the venue from near bankruptcy into a major regional theater with increased attendance and expanded programming. The resolution highlights his leadership in restoring the building's historic splendor and launching numerous national tours, noting his continued role in professional facilities management after leaving PPAC. The text concludes by expressing gratitude for his contributions to the arts and directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to him.