Rep. Rebecca Kislak

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5488, "The School Libraries Act," mandates that every public school in the state establish and maintain a dedicated school library. It requires these libraries to include essential elements such as adequate book collections, study space, technology, and a budget for materials. The bill also stipulates that all public schools must employ certified school librarians, with staffing levels varying based on student population and a phased implementation schedule extending through the 2030-2031 school year. Furthermore, it ensures students have daily access to their school library resources, including extended hours for secondary schools.

Maddy summaryHB 5857 creates the "Reproductive Freedom and Gender-Affirming Care Health Data Privacy Act" to protect sensitive health information for Rhode Island residents. The bill specifically defines "consumer health data" to include information related to reproductive or sexual health and gender-affirming care. It requires explicit, informed consent from consumers before regulated entities or small businesses can collect, process, or transfer this protected health data. The act also clarifies what constitutes valid consent, prohibiting practices like deceptive designs or inferring consent from inaction.

Maddy summaryHB 5835, titled "The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative," proposes to establish school-based councils at each public school in Providence, along with a central advisory board. These councils would be composed of principals, parents, teachers, community residents, and high school students, with members largely selected through elections. Their primary duties would include approving school improvement and expenditure plans, making recommendations on staffing and curriculum, and holding public meetings. The bill aims to enhance communication and foster stronger relationships between local schools, their communities, and the Providence public school board.

Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, would be punishable as a felony.

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

Maddy summaryHB 6034 blocks new applications for "network charter schools" (multiple schools operated under a single management structure) and prevents expansions of existing charter schools that would create such networks. The bill does not affect individual charter schools or the existing 35-school cap, but specifically halts the creation of new multi-school networks. It directly impacts organizations seeking to launch or expand networked charter systems, including potential applicants and existing charter operators considering growth. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and preserves existing charters while restricting new network formations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6223) is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally declares April 2025 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the growing impact of autism (affecting about 1 in 36 children) and acknowledges efforts by individuals and agencies to support autistic residents and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy changes or funding impacts but aims to raise public recognition of autism-related issues.

Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis is a Rhode Island House resolution (not legislation), urging federal lawmakers to address concerns about Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It calls for transparency measures, stricter marketing rules, and redirecting funds from MA plans to strengthen Traditional Medicare. The resolution highlights issues like higher costs for enrollees, narrower provider networks, and profit-driven practices by MA insurers, but does not create new laws. It specifically recommends actions for Congress and federal agencies, such as requiring MA plan audits and prohibiting practices that prioritize corporate profits over patient care.

Caps the minimum lot size that may be required to not exceed three (3) new separate parameters relating to the availability of public water, sewer, and transit.