Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
Maddy summaryHB 5073 establishes a maximum 8-hour workday for state-employed peace officers (including correctional officers) in Rhode Island, with a 10-hour cap for correctional officer stewards. The bill prohibits requiring overtime beyond these limits except during unforeseeable emergencies like riots, and mandates double-time-and-a-half pay if the state violates these rules. It specifically affects correctional staff working for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, ensuring they cannot be forced into excessive overtime without exception. The law also requires employers to make "reasonable efforts" to find volunteers before mandating overtime during emergencies. Violations would trigger immediate payment of the doubled overtime rate to affected employees.
Maddy summaryHR 5480 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives expressing condolences to the family of Dr. Joseph J. Box following his death. The bill formally honors Dr. Box's life, highlighting his service as a dentist, U.S. Navy/Marine Corps Dental Technician, community leader, and Pawtucket resident. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his children. As a memorial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.
Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.
Provides that any law or regulation which prohibits or protects a person from exposure to second-hand smoke would include second-hand marijuana smoke or vapor.
Maddy summaryHB 5048 would create special license plates for vehicles owned by the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub, a nonprofit organization that honors veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C. for WWII and Korean War veterans. Owners of vehicles using these plates would pay a $40 one-time fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with $20 of the initial fee going to the state general fund and $20 allocated to the nonprofit. The nonprofit must use all funds for Rhode Island-based charitable causes and submit annual financial reports. This is a special plate program, not a broad policy change, and would take effect six months after passage.
Maddy summaryHB 5141 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply for this plate would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would display "Gov. Roger Williams" and the state seal, replacing the vehicle's standard license plates. This commemorative plate is optional and would not alter standard registration requirements or fees for regular plates.
Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.
Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House Resolution (HR 5211) symbolically recognizes the Lunar New Year celebration for "The Year of the Snake" on January 29, 2025. It acknowledges the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by over 20% of the world, and expresses appreciation for the Rhode Island Asian community's contributions to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any legal obligations; it is purely ceremonial. The House directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans.
Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the operating rules for the Rhode Island House of Representatives for 2025 and 2026. It establishes procedures for the Speaker's authority (including calling sessions, declaring votes, and managing the calendar), sets the order of daily business (starting with committee reports and ending with adjournment), and defines deadlines for introducing bills. These rules directly govern how House members conduct legislative business, manage votes, and handle committee assignments during the 2025-2026 session.
