Maddy summaryHB 5879 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including its "contemporary examples," for use by Rhode Island state agencies. It requires state agencies to apply this definition when evaluating whether discriminatory acts - such as those based on religion or country of origin - constitute antisemitic discrimination under existing fair employment laws. The bill also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and clarifies that it does not override First Amendment rights or conflict with federal or state discrimination laws. This definition will directly guide state agencies in reviewing and investigating discrimination claims involving antisemitism.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 5540) formally designates February 2025 as "Children’s Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island, supporting the American Dental Association’s 2025 theme "Brushing Fights Cavities." It does not create new laws or change access to dental care; instead, it is a symbolic gesture to highlight existing efforts to address childhood dental health, such as preventive education and reducing barriers to care. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island House on February 25, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Dental Association. It does not impose new requirements or affect any specific group.
Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 5542), not a substantive bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the Lane family following the deaths of Christine Lane and her son Spencer in a January 2025 plane crash. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy" and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Douglas Lane and Milo Lane. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, regulations, or government programs - it serves only as a symbolic expression of support for the family.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 21, 2025, as "National Caregivers Day" in Rhode Island. It symbolically recognizes caregivers - both professional (like home health aides) and family members - who provide unpaid care to adults or children, citing statistics about their significant time commitments. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it merely proclaims a date for acknowledgment. The House passed it on February 25, 2025, and the Secretary of State will send a certified copy to the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA).
Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution formally welcomes Scouting America's Narragansett Council to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. It recognizes the Council's community service, youth programs, and impact across Rhode Island, including 6,842 Scouts donating 19,653 service hours in 2024. The resolution has no policy or funding implications - it is a symbolic gesture expressing legislative appreciation for the organization's work. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Council's Scout Executive.
Maddy summaryHB 5175 updates the definition of "infectious disease" to explicitly include COVID-19, ensuring firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are covered under existing notification and disability benefits. The bill expands the scope of diseases that trigger required employer notification after exposure and qualifies workers for occupational disability benefits if illness develops from such exposure. It directly affects emergency responders employed by fire departments, police departments, or emergency medical services. The change ensures these workers receive the same protections for COVID-19 exposure as they do for other diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C under current law.
Creates the position of dementia services coordinator within the department of health to coordinate the departments approach to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of foods containing certain artificial food dyes within school systems in the State of Rhode Island commencing January 1, 2027.
Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5481) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 12, 2025, to commemorate Patrice Wood's 45th anniversary as a journalist at WJAR NBC 10 in Providence. It formally celebrates her career milestones, including her roles as anchor for multiple newscasts and her work as an education reporter, and recognizes her advocacy for children in foster care that contributed to adoption placements. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Wood. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group beyond honoring the individual.