Rep. Jon Brien

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5392 amends "The Rhode Island Works Program" to ensure that families receiving cash assistance are also provided Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill adds a provision stating that if a family qualifies for cash assistance under Section 40-5.2-11, they will also be enrolled for assistance in SNAP, provided they meet the program's eligibility requirements. This change aims to streamline access to food assistance for families already receiving financial aid through the state's works program.

Adds a rebuttable defense if any person shall die or sustain a personal injury while committing robbery of the owner, lessor, or occupant of a motor vehicle and that the owner or occupant of the vehicle acted in self-defense.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law regarding the licensing and monitoring of child placement agencies and foster homes. It mandates that all out-of-state foster care placement facilities must register as a Medicaid provider with the state's medical assistance program. The director of the department can waive this Medicaid registration requirement on a case-by-case basis in emergencies, if no registered provider is available for a child's placement.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6188, known as the "Linda DaLomba Purple Alert Act," establishes a statewide emergency alert system for missing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This system, called a "Purple Alert," will publicly disseminate information through a partnership between law enforcement, media outlets, and other entities. An alert can be activated when an adult with a documented intellectual disability is missing, their whereabouts are unknown, and their disappearance indicates a credible threat of danger. The State Police will develop protocols for activating these alerts, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will conduct annual reviews and mandatory training for participating agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 5884 amends existing Rhode Island law regarding tinted windows on motor vehicles. The bill specifically creates a new exemption for members of the Rhode Island judiciary. This means that motor vehicles owned and operated by Rhode Island judiciary members would not be subject to the state's restrictions on nontransparent windshields and windows.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6259 proclaims April 20-26, 2025, as "Medical Laboratory Professionals Week" in Rhode Island. This resolution recognizes the vital contributions of medical laboratory professionals to the health and well-being of the state's residents.

Maddy summaryHB 6146 establishes a rebuttable presumption of self-defense for property owners, tenants, or occupiers who cause injury or death to an individual committing certain criminal offenses. If a person is injured or dies while engaged in specific crimes, such as burglary or violent offenses against a person, the owner is presumed to have acted by reasonable means and in the belief that great bodily harm or death was imminent. This presumption applies in both civil and criminal proceedings. The bill also specifies that there is no duty for the owner or occupier to retreat from such an individual.

Increases the membership of the state crime laboratory commission from five (5) to nine (9). The overseer and co-executive secretaries of the commission have been changed to the deans of URI's colleges of pharmacy and engineering.

Redefines "political party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5842, known as the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and higher education institutions, as well as certain athletic associations, to designate interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams based on biological sex. Teams designated for females would only be open to students identified as female. If a student's sex is disputed, it would be determined by a physician's statement based on their reproductive anatomy, natural testosterone levels, and genetic makeup. The bill also protects educational institutions for maintaining separate female sports teams and allows students to pursue legal action if they are deprived of athletic opportunities or face retaliation due to violations of this act.