Rep. Mike Chippendale

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It formally recognizes February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages all residents to support oral health education and preventive care for children, citing the importance of early dental visits and addressing barriers to access. It has no new requirements or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Dental Association.

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Maddy summaryHR 7511 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to honor Delores (Ravo) Melillo, a Cranston resident who died on January 22, 2026, at age 87. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to her family, highlighting her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime Quill Pen assembler known for her work ethic and love of family gatherings. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her surviving family members, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy impact or direct effect on any community or law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution expressing condolences for Ruth Ann Desmarais, a dedicated 11-year employee of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and legal secretary at Al DiFiore Law Office. It formally extends the House's deepest sympathy to her family, including her daughter Susan Thompson and husband Mark. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her family. It passed unanimously on February 5, 2026, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties beyond the expression of mourning.

Maddy summaryHB 7356 requires all school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to conduct comprehensive background checks for employees with regular student contact. The bill mandates applicants provide detailed employment history (last 20 years at schools or child-contact roles), written authorization for disclosure, and written statements about any past child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, disciplinary actions, or license suspensions. Employers must verify this information by contacting former employers and documenting findings, with penalties including up to $500 for false statements. This directly affects school employees and aims to enhance student safety through thorough employment history checks beyond standard criminal records.

Clarifies the process of depositing settlement funds from non-multi-state initiatives and require that settlements could not be spent without express general assembly authorization.

Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.

Maddy summaryHB 7354 permits motorcycles to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or very slow-moving vehicles (under 10 mph) in the same lane - under specific conditions. It requires motorcycle riders to filter at speeds no faster than 20 mph, only when lanes are wide enough for safe passing, and when road conditions allow continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders and drivers on roads where this practice is permitted, modifying existing traffic rules to explicitly allow this maneuver. It takes effect upon passage and does not change general speed limits or traffic laws beyond this specific provision.

Maddy summaryHB 7497 provides state agencies with a specific definition of antisemitism - adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 2016 - to evaluate potential discrimination cases. The bill requires state agencies to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or determining violations of anti-discrimination laws, including those based on religion or country of origin. It also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and ensures the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state discrimination laws. The bill applies directly to state government operations, not private individuals or businesses. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHR 7474 is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for the passing of several individuals, including former lawmakers, community members, and associates of Rhode Island legislators. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit a formal memorial to their bereaved families. This procedural resolution does not create new policy or affect any ongoing legislation.