Increases the minimum hourly wage commencing January 1, 2029, by an amount equal to the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for the calendar year 2027.
Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.
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 summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island to recognize and celebrate the contributions of social workers in the state. It directly affects the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter by directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to their executive director. The resolution highlights the profession's role in addressing mental health, addiction, housing crises, and social justice issues across schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It calls on citizens to join in celebrating the social work profession but does not create new laws or funding. The measure is a commemorative resolution rather than a policy change that alters existing regulations or programs.
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.
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 7669 limits early voting to a total of ten nonconsecutive days before an election, specifically including the two weekend days immediately preceding the election plus eight weekdays. This applies to all elections covered under the relevant election laws and directly affects voters seeking to cast ballots early. The bill specifies that early voting periods must not include consecutive days, creating a defined window for early voting. It takes effect upon passage, with no further details provided on implementation or specific election types affected.
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.
Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.
Provides that stores offering food product discounts must provide the same discounts to in-store customers that are offered to customers using electronic digital coupons.
