Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 7728 allows Rhode Island to issue emergency teaching certificates without requiring an exam for up to five total school years. It permits an initial one-year certificate, renewable annually up to four more years (for a total of five), for individuals needing to teach while completing certification requirements. This change modifies existing rules by extending the maximum duration for emergency certification under the state's teacher certification framework. The bill would apply directly to educators seeking temporary teaching authorization in urgent staffing situations. The bill was introduced to the House Education Committee on February 12, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 8078 allows county grand juries to formally issue reports about their investigations and creates a process for superior courts to review and approve these reports before they are shared publicly. This bill directly affects county grand juries, which would now have the authority to produce reports, and superior courts, which would handle the review and approval. The key mechanism requires courts to evaluate the reports for completeness and appropriateness before authorizing public dissemination. If passed, this would standardize how grand jury findings are made available to the public, though the bill is currently in the early introduction stage (referred to House Judiciary on 2/27/2026).
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.
Maddy summaryHB 7901 requires every public school district to designate a certified athletic trainer at each high school within its boundaries. This directly affects high school athletes participating in sports programs and the schools themselves. The key provision mandates that each individual high school must have its own certified trainer on staff, not a district-wide arrangement. The bill aims to standardize concussion care protocols during athletic activities as specified in its title.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates the 28th Annual "Women in Construction Week" in Rhode Island from March 1-7, 2026. It honors the National Association of Women in Construction Rhode Island Chapter 52 for its long-standing efforts to promote women's employment and advancement in the construction industry. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the organization and encourages state citizens to acknowledge the group's contributions to community development and skilled trades promotion.
Maddy summaryHB 8030 requires criminal background checks for anyone applying for jobs or volunteering with the South Kingstown fire department or fire district. This bill directly affects fire department applicants and volunteers in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The key provision mandates that these checks be conducted as part of the hiring or acceptance process. The bill is currently pending a committee hearing scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Enables employees to no longer have to utilize sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave or other paid time off as a condition to their maternity leave.
Maddy summaryHB 7440 allows workers who are on strike or locked out during a labor dispute to receive unemployment benefits, which they were previously denied. It directly affects employees involved in strikes or employer lockouts, removing the prior bar to benefits unless specific exceptions apply. Key provisions state workers qualify if the lockout aims to resist collective bargaining or gain concessions, but not if it responds to a strike at another company in a multi-employer group or if the employer offered a 3-day extension of current terms that was refused. The bill takes effect upon passage and clarifies that benefits continue if unemployment lasts more than a week after the dispute ends.
