Rep. Stephen Casey

Reinstates, for all teachers and state employees who retired after July 1, 2012, their annual cost of living adjustment for retirement plan year 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 7958 requires that all contracts for capital improvements (such as new construction or major renovations) at healthcare facilities must comply with the fair employment practices standards outlined in chapter 13 of title 37. This directly affects healthcare facilities and their construction contractors by mandating adherence to existing non-discrimination and equal opportunity rules in hiring and employment. The key mechanism is applying these established labor standards to capital improvement contracts, ensuring they include protections against employment discrimination. The bill does not create new requirements but extends current fair employment practices to this specific contracting context. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Labor committee.

Repeals the law that prevents a collective bargaining agreement covering state employees, public school teachers and municipal employees from specifying a particular healthcare provider in it.

Maddy summaryHB 7291 allows non-union employees to form a collective bargaining group with their employer. To establish this group, employees must show majority support by either gathering signed cards from 30% of the unit requesting an election (where a majority must vote for representation) or 50% of the unit agreeing to skip an election. The bill prohibits employers from interfering with this process and requires neutrality from management. It also creates new rules for deducting union dues from paychecks and sharing confidential employee lists with bargaining representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that expresses condolences and honors the life of Raymond A. Choiniere, who passed away on April 8, 2026. It recognizes his contributions as an athlete, educator, community volunteer, and public servant, including his time as a policy analyst in the Rhode Island Speaker of the House office. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Choiniere family.

Expands the definition of "educational program" for purposes of the abused and neglected children general law to include charter schools, parochial schools, after school programs, camps and various other programs involving children.

Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Effective July 1, 2026, annually allocates twenty percent (20%) of available proceeds in the Rhode Island highway maintenance account to RIPTA for operating expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 8181 exempts waste management collection vehicles operating at Rhode Island's central landfill from tolls charged by the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority. This directly affects waste management companies that transport trash to the central landfill, removing a toll cost for their vehicles. The bill creates a specific exemption for these vehicles on turnpike and bridge tolls, streamlining their operations. It does not change general toll policies for other vehicles or alter the authority's toll collection system. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee following its introduction on February 27, 2026.