Rep. Paul Santucci

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the second week of May 2026 as "Lung Cancer Action Week" throughout Rhode Island to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging educational activities focused on early detection methods, such as low-dose CT scans, and highlighting risks for specific groups like veterans and non-smokers. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote public understanding of the disease. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Lung Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that celebrates the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, a Rhode Island organization founded in 1866 to support children and families. It formally recognizes the group's long history of providing services such as early childhood education, foster care, and housing assistance, while also honoring its staff and volunteers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's leadership as a mark of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 7392 caps the maximum application fee for healthcare facilities seeking approval to build new or expand tertiary or specialty care services under Rhode Island's certificate of need program at $25,000. The fee is calculated as $10,000 plus 0.25% of the project's total capital costs, but the total cannot exceed $25,000 regardless of project size. This change affects facilities planning high-level care expansions, ensuring predictable costs without exceeding the cap. The bill does not alter fee structures for other healthcare facility applications, such as those for general services.

Maddy summaryHB 8149 specifies how fines collected from overweight vehicle violations are distributed to state and local governments. It does not change weight limits or enforcement rules but establishes a mechanism for allocating penalty payments. The key provision directs that these funds be distributed to state and local governments, affecting their budgets. This bill, introduced in February 2026, focuses solely on the financial handling of existing penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 7312 would increase Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $15 million for estates of people who die on or after January 1, 2027. This means estates valued below $15 million would not owe state estate tax, directly affecting high-value estates (over $15 million) of decedents after 2026. The bill sets the new exemption threshold and requires annual inflation adjustments starting January 1, 2028, using the Consumer Price Index. It does not change tax rates but raises the point at which state estate tax applies.

Maddy summaryHB 7420 updates how state education funding is calculated to address inequities, primarily affecting school districts with high numbers of students in poverty. It introduces a new formula that factors in a district's revenue capacity and poverty levels to determine state aid, with a poverty loss stabilization fund for districts seeing aid drops over 2%. The bill also creates specific state-funded programs for special education costs, career and technical education, pre-K access, and stabilization for districts like Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center. It requires the state to publish a report identifying unfunded district costs and share this with lawmakers and the public. These changes aim to adjust funding based on need while adding targeted support for specific educational programs and struggling districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the penalties for several serious motor vehicle offenses, including driving while endangering others and driving under the influence. Specifically, it would raise the maximum prison sentences and fines for cases resulting in death or serious bodily injury, while also extending license suspension periods. The changes apply to drivers convicted of these crimes and would require them to complete alcohol or drug treatment programs at their own expense. The bill aims to strengthen consequences for dangerous driving behaviors that cause severe harm to others.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. It encourages residents to visit existing labyrinths for walking meditation and mindfulness at 1:00 p.m. to promote well-being and community connection. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to local labyrinth organizations and a specific representative. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new funding but serves to acknowledge the tradition of labyrinth walking in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 30, 2026, as "National Therapy Animal Day" within the State of Rhode Island to honor the role animals play in providing comfort and healing. It recognizes the therapeutic benefits of various animals, such as dogs, cats, fish, and horses, which help improve mental health and quality of life for individuals. The resolution urges state health officials and citizens to promote awareness of the human-animal bond and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the bill to relevant health and animal welfare organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally honors and congratulates R.J. Heim on his retirement from WJAR-TV NBC 10 in Providence. It recognizes his decades of service as a meteorologist and reporter, highlighting his Emmy awards and coverage of significant local events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Mr. Heim as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to Rhode Island journalism.