Rep. Tina Spears

Maddy summaryHB 7498 allows driver education schools in Rhode Island to offer required driver training courses either in-person or through instructor-led virtual classes for a two-year period (October 2026 to October 2028). This applies specifically to applicants under 18 seeking their first driver's license, as they must complete the course before receiving a permit or license. The bill maintains existing course requirements, including 33 instructional hours covering Rhode Island traffic laws, alcohol/drug effects, and graduated licensing rules, but permits virtual delivery during the trial period. It also mandates the state education board to compare virtual and in-person course outcomes and report findings by December 2028.

Require that the classification guide to desk audit analysis and class specification development be amended so that the lack of supervision of other employees not prevent an employee from receiving a classification upgrade

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.

Prohibits a healthcare provider from requiring patients to provide electronic payment information to be kept on file as a condition to receiving treatment and makes it a violation a deceptive trade practice.

Maddy summaryHB 7237 establishes a permanent 11-member joint committee (6 from the House, 5 from the Senate) to oversee Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). This committee will monitor DCYF's operations, consult with relevant agencies, and submit annual reports and recommendations to the legislature. All future bills or resolutions related to DCYF must be referred to this committee for review. The bill does not change DCYF's policies or funding but creates a new procedural mechanism for legislative oversight. It takes effect upon passage.

Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.

Requires the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways

Amends the definition of farm and agricultural land to include land on which agricultural operations are being conducted or is suitable for agriculture operations, and further expand the definition of a farmer.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 7062) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 13, 2026, to express condolences for the passing of Josephine B. Finnegan. It formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to her family - specifically her children Rosemary Finnegan and Kevin Finnegan - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to them. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding; it solely serves as a symbolic tribute to her life and legacy.