Rep. Tina Spears

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to track energy and water use in large commercial buildings in Rhode Island, aiming to help the state reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. It requires buildings with at least 25,000 square feet of floor area to report their performance using tools like the EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and sets future standards for how efficiently these buildings must operate. Owners of covered properties who do not meet these standards or reporting requirements may have to pay a compliance fee instead. The Office of Energy Resources will manage the program, develop rules for implementation, and ensure enough staff and funding are available to carry it out.

Extends the reporting and expiration dates, and amend the commission’s purpose to include glass and aluminum products, and would report back by April 30, 2025, and expire on May 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that extends condolences to the family of Tammy M. Lamberto Roy, who recently passed away. It recognizes her life as a special education teacher, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a community member from Woonsocket. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Noel Roy, Jr. and his family to honor her memory.

Establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health and provides guidance and recommendations to educate health care providers and the citizens of the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows facilities and programs licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health to use qualified vendors to conduct criminal background checks for job applicants. The requirement applies to positions involving routine contact with patients, residents, or clients without other employees present, and the checks must include fingerprinting to verify state and federal criminal records. Organizations with 250 or more employees are specifically required to submit these checks through the Office of the Attorney General, while smaller entities may use local police departments or vendors. If disqualifying information is found, authorities will notify both the employer and the applicant, though the employer will only be told that a disqualifying item exists without knowing its specific nature. Employers must keep proof of these checks on file, and failure to do so could result in the revocation of their facility's license.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new beverage container deposit recycling program in Rhode Island to reduce litter and increase recycling rates. It would establish a system where consumers pay a small refundable fee when buying eligible drinks in containers like plastic, glass, or metal, which they can get back by returning empty bottles to designated drop-off facilities. The Department of Environmental Management would oversee the program, while manufacturers and importers would be responsible for funding and managing the collection efforts through designated nonprofit organizations. The law specifically defines which products are covered, such as single-use drinks between 50 milliliters and three liters, while excluding items like milk and infant formula.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Medical Spas Safety Act to regulate cosmetic medical procedures by defining them as the practice of medicine and surgery. It requires every medical spa to appoint a trained medical director responsible for overseeing patient care, managing staff delegation, and maintaining required insurance. Under the new rules, non-physicians can only perform these services if they are properly trained and explicitly delegated by a supervising physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse who is available for direct or indirect supervision. The legislation also mandates that all providers follow written treatment protocols, conduct patient assessments, and maintain detailed medical records to ensure safety standards are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally acknowledges the historical presence and heritage of the Manissean Tribal Natives on Block Island, Rhode Island. It highlights the tribe's long history on the island, noting their decline in population over centuries and their resilience through various challenges. The resolution encourages the preservation of local indigenous culture and historical sites while honoring the ancestors and descendants of the Manissean people. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Manissean Tribe.

Requires public school districts to adopt a policy for responding to the death of a student or staff member. Also amends the title of chapter 16-21.7 to "The Nathan Bruno, Jason Flatt, and Alicia Biros Bereavement Act."

Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.