Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for students of this state.
Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how wake boats - specialized vessels creating large waves - impact the state's freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It specifically requests DEM to analyze environmental effects (like sediment disturbance and algae blooms), shoreline erosion, public safety risks, and invasive species transport, while reviewing regulations from other states. If the study finds significant harm, DEM would then develop regulations to limit wake boat operations, such as setting minimum lake sizes, depth requirements, or shoreline setbacks. The resolution directly affects Rhode Island's 237+ freshwater bodies (covering 18,845 acres), which are vulnerable due to their small size and ecological sensitivity.
Maddy summaryHB 7233 automatically registers Rhode Islanders to vote when they apply for or renew a hunting or fishing license, directly affecting license applicants. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to offer voter registration forms simultaneously with license applications, allowing applicants to opt in or decline while keeping registration decisions confidential. Completed forms must be transmitted electronically to the state voter system within 24 hours, with privacy protections for those who decline registration or provide license details. The law aligns with federal voter registration standards and mirrors existing automatic registration processes at motor vehicle offices.
Generates an estate tax discharge upon the recording of a statement by the executor or other estate representative that the value of the decedent’s gross estate does not require a state or federal tax filing.
Maddy summaryHB 7365 proposes a voluntary portable benefit plan for independent contractors, allowing them to access benefits like health insurance or retirement savings that stay with them across different jobs. The bill establishes that contributions to this plan cannot be used to determine employment classification (e.g., employee vs. independent contractor) or affect employer liability for workers' compensation. Key provisions require the plan to be offered through regulated insurance or employment security programs, ensuring benefits remain tied to the individual, not any specific employer. This applies directly to independent contractors and hiring parties who choose to participate, with no mandatory participation for either party. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not create new benefits but enables existing systems to operate portably.
Creates 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans/traditional employer-provided benefits are given to Uber/Lyft drivers, self-directed personal care attendants and others providing services to public, and reports back 1/5/27 and expires 3/5/27.
Maddy summaryHB 7646 creates a pre-trial medical malpractice tribunal to screen cases before they proceed to superior court, directly affecting patients suing healthcare providers for alleged negligence and the providers defending such claims. The tribunal, composed of a superior court judge, an attorney, and a healthcare provider (matching the defendant’s specialty), must review the plaintiff’s evidence within 15 days to determine if it raises a legitimate question of liability or is merely an unfortunate medical outcome. If the tribunal finds the case insufficient, the plaintiff must post a $6,000 bond (reducible for financial hardship) to continue, or face dismissal without prejudice. The bill applies to all medical malpractice cases filed on or after January 1, 2027, with the tribunal’s findings admissible as evidence at trial.
Establishes the first time home buyer savings program act. Allows modifications to federal adjusted gross income for $50,000 in contributions and $150,000 of interest and dividends included in federal adjusted gross income.
Increases the number of days a retired municipal employee could work in a calendar year without interruption of pension benefits to ninety (90) days or its equivalent of six hundred thirty (630) hours.
Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 7714) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026. It expresses the House's deepest condolences to the family of Richard Serra, a former Charlestown Town Council member and local businessman, following his passing. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Camelia Serra, and their family. As a procedural memorial, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents beyond honoring an individual.
