Rep. Tina Spears

Maddy summaryHB 7581 creates new state funding streams for specific education needs in Rhode Island school districts. It provides direct funding for special education costs exceeding 4x the core foundation amount, career and technical education program setup/maintenance, voluntary pre-K access, and transportation costs for students in regional districts or out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regional school districts a two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) for regionalization. School districts seeking reimbursement must share costs if total requests exceed available funds, with the Department of Education prorating allocations annually. This bill primarily affects public school districts, special education programs, and regional education entities across Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7681, the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, provides direct state funding for specific education costs to support school districts. It covers special education expenses exceeding 4x the base funding, career and technical education program costs (including facilities and equipment), and transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools due to financial challenges, and requires the state to fully fund transportation categorical funds for regional school districts starting in fiscal year 2027. Regionalized school districts like Chariho will receive a temporary two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) to encourage regional collaboration.

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.

Establishes a statewide "healthy school meals for all" universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to end a cost-sharing practice (called a "gas line extension allowance") where all gas customers pay for new gas line connections to serve new customers. The resolution cites the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy, which requires reducing gas use for home heating to meet emissions targets, and argues that new gas infrastructure locks in long-term gas dependency beyond 2050. The request is directed to the Commission as part of its pending rate review (Docket 25-45-GE) for utility rate adjustments.

Establishes the Super Speeder Accountability Act to be used as a sentencing option or enhancement for drivers charged with certain driving violations.

Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2028-2029, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.

Increases the state’s regionalization bonus to six percent (6.0%) of the state’s fiscal year share of foundation education aid. This bonus would be ongoing and continuing so long as the district remains a regional school district.

Prohibits handcuffing children twelve (12) or under at initial police contact unless needed for public safety or if the child is using or threatening physical force against an officer.

Maddy summaryHB 7395 allows retired members of the Rhode Island state labor relations board to continue receiving their retirement pension while working paid positions with the state. This amendment specifically permits them to maintain full pension benefits during such employment without suspension, though no additional retirement credits or contributions are granted. Monthly reporting to the retirement board is required for these positions. The bill targets a gap in existing rules, ensuring labor relations board members can serve in paid roles without losing pension eligibility.