Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.
Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2027, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.
Requires that student mentors in public schools be certified support educators, ensuring mentors have professional training, established student relationships, and access to skills and information needed to support student success.
Maddy summaryHB 7417 requires every public school in Rhode Island (including charter and vocational schools) to have a dedicated library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates specific library resources like book collections, technology, and daily student access, with staffing requirements phased in: full-time librarians for schools of 250+ students immediately, high schools by 2026-27, and all K-12 schools by 2030-31. The bill directs the education commissioner to enforce these standards, ensuring consistent library access and qualified staff. This legislation applies to all public schools and is pending passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Manuel Pedroso, a 106-year-old Portuguese-American community leader from Rhode Island who passed away. The resolution acknowledges his lifelong contributions, including his work as a welder during World War II, his decades of operating Friends Market in Providence, and his role as a mentor to new Portuguese immigrants. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Pedroso's family, serving as an official tribute to his legacy rather than enacting new policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Martha M. Farrell, a nurse from Cumberland who died on February 21, 2026. It honors her life by noting her 50-year marriage, her career in nursing across several Massachusetts and Rhode Island hospitals, and her community service including volunteer work and advocacy for marriage equality. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her husband and family as a formal gesture of sympathy from the House of Representatives.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 84th anniversary of the Seabees, the United States Navy construction forces, on March 5, 2026. It formally congratulates the Seabees for their service and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. The document highlights the Seabees' historical contributions during World War II and subsequent conflicts, recognizing their role in building vital infrastructure under challenging conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences to the O'Loughlin family following the deaths of six-year-old Hudson and eighty-four-year-old Elisabeth O'Loughlin. It does not create new laws or change policy but serves as a formal statement of respect and mourning from the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution also includes a commitment to improve street safety for children and public transportation access for seniors. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the family by the Secretary of State.
Expands the definition of operator to anyone who enables customers to purchase virtual currency. Expands the definition of a transaction to include a digital product or application where payment is made in person or through a third party intermediary.
Creates an 11-member commission to study and make recommendations on a statewide teacher healthcare plan, and would report quarterly as of September 1, 2026, and submit a final report by September 1, 2027, and expires on December 31, 2027.
