Rep. Brian Newberry

Maddy summaryHR 6199 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Child Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It urges all residents to support prevention through education and advocacy, but does not create new laws, funding, or requirements. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with the Department of Children, Youth & Families and the Children's Advocacy Center. This is a commemorative measure focused on raising awareness, not implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Parkinson’s Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new programs, funding, or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal recognition of Parkinson’s Disease impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by highlighting community awareness efforts for a condition impacting 1,000-2,000 locals.

Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

Expands the duties of the small business ombudsman, by also having the ombudsman serve as the Rhode Island commerce corporation's small business advocate.

Allows a minor between the ages of 14 -17 without a permanent residence/in custody of the DCYF to get state identification card without a signature from parent, guardian or foster parent as well as a certified copy of minor's birth certificate at no cost.

Requires the public utilities commission to produce a report each January containing an analysis of the electric grid and its ability to supply the electricity needs to power cars, buildings and heat homes within the state.

Requires a municipality or quasi-public agency to file a report with the department of municipal finance if it has not made its payment to its other post-employment benefits trust fund or if it is less than thirty-five percent (35%) funded.

Repeals the certificate of need process statutes which are used by the department of health to determine the need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.

Maddy summaryHB 5356 caps application fees for healthcare facilities seeking certificates of need for new or expanded tertiary/specialty care services at $25,000 total. This directly affects hospitals or health systems applying for major facility expansions or specialized services, as their current fee structure (a base $10,000 plus 0.25% of capital costs) is now limited. The bill amends fee rules under Rhode Island’s certificate of need program, ensuring no applicant pays more than $25,000 regardless of project size. All other applications (non-tertiary/specialty) retain their existing $500-$750 base fees plus 0.25% of costs, with no cap applied.

Maddy summaryHB 5702 increases the maximum number of days retired municipal employees can work in a calendar year without losing pension benefits from 75 to 90 days. This change directly affects retired city or town employees who return to part-time work for their former employers. The bill allows them to earn income while keeping their pension intact for up to 90 days annually, with pension payments resuming if they exceed this limit. Exceptions include police officers working private details for non-government entities and retired employees serving as elected council or school committee members, who retain full pension benefits regardless of service time.