Provides that for the period up until July 1, 2027, an applicant for a teaching certificate in Rhode Island would not be required to complete a standardized teacher's examination as a prerequisite to obtaining a teaching certificate.
Requires all schools and educational institutions to develop and implement a school safety plan that would provide for immediate access to school facilities by first responders in an emergency.
Requires BrightStars QRIS ratings for licensed child care facilities to be based on an average of all standards, ensure transparent scoring methods, and preserve automatic five-star ratings for nationally accredited programs.
Allows for building inspectors to conduct “virtual inspections” or utilize photographic evidence, at the building official’s discretion, from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which the building official has issued a permit.
Maddy summaryHB 7485 increases reimbursement rates for ambulance services under both individual and group health insurance plans. It creates a Mobile Integrated Healthcare Community Paramedicine Program administered by the Department of Health, allowing approved ambulance services to provide community-based healthcare. The bill requires all out-of-network ambulance services participating in the program to follow state and federal rules prohibiting surprise medical billing. This directly affects ambulance service agencies, health insurers, and patients receiving emergency transportation services in Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryHB 7847 prohibits airlines from setting expiration dates on airline tickets and flight vouchers, meaning these items cannot expire after a certain date. This directly affects travelers who purchase tickets or receive vouchers, ensuring they retain the right to use them indefinitely. The key provision bans expiration dates as a standard practice, requiring airlines to honor all purchased tickets and vouchers without time limits. The bill focuses on preventing unfair practices that limit consumer access to travel services. It is currently in the introduction phase, referred to the House Corporations committee.
Maddy summaryHB 7856, the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, would ban advertising of cannabis and cannabis products on any medium that might be visible to minors. This bill directly affects cannabis businesses, requiring them to avoid advertising in locations or formats accessible to children, such as digital platforms, billboards, or print media in youth-oriented areas. The key provision prohibits all advertising that could be seen by minors, regardless of the medium used. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Corporations committee.
Requires that court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault of first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated sentence upon the offender.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of John Michael Skeffington, Jr., a former Rhode Island state representative and funeral director. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his life and service. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Skeffington's family members.
Requires every elementary and secondary school within the State of Rhode Island to provide and maintain clearly visible and easily accessible trauma kits within the school. It also provides immunity if assistance is rendered.
