Amends the House rules to mandate that all lobbyists vacate the House floor twenty (20) minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled House session.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7826) commemorates Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan, who died during a violent incident at Pawtucket's Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16, 2026. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences to their families and commends the heroism of first responders and citizens who intervened during the tragedy. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Dorgan families and Pawtucket's mayor. As a commemorative resolution, it contains no new laws or policy changes, solely offering symbolic recognition and support.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating March 1-5, 2026, as "Peace Corps Week" in Rhode Island. It symbolically honors the Peace Corps' history and contributions, recognizing over 240,000 volunteers who have served in 140+ countries since 1960. The resolution has no policy impact or financial requirements; it merely proclaims the week of recognition and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Peace Corps CEO. It directly affects the Peace Corps organization and its volunteers by formally acknowledging their work at the state level. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impact specific individuals or groups beyond this ceremonial recognition.
Places a cap of twenty percent (20%) on increases in consecutive revaluations of real property in all cities and towns conducting revaluations commencing December 31, 2026, and every December 31 thereafter.
Maddy summaryHB 7549 makes assaulting a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or coach) during their duties a felony, directly affecting anyone who commits such violence at any athletic event - from school games to professional leagues. The bill establishes two penalty tiers: a standard assault carries up to 3 years in prison or a $3,000 fine, while assault causing serious bodily injury (like permanent disfigurement or life-threatening harm) results in 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also mandates that offenders pay restitution to victims or complete up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fines or prison time. This law applies to assaults occurring before, during, or after any sporting event.
Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.
Maddy summaryHB 7408 authorizes Rhode Island to set aside up to $18 million in a debt service reserve fund to support financing for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island, Inc. The bill creates a financial backup fund to enhance the creditworthiness of bonds used to purchase the hospitals, ensuring the sale process can proceed without state debt obligations. This funding mechanism directly supports the transfer of ownership to CharterCARE while preserving hospital services and approximately 2,700 jobs. The state’s contribution is limited to the reserve fund, with no obligation to replenish it, and any remaining funds would revert to the state budget. The bill focuses on enabling the hospital sale through bond financing, not altering hospital operations or patient care.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally congratulates James Parisi on retiring after 30 years as a lobbyist for the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), which represents over 10,000 educators, health professionals, and state employees. The House expressed appreciation for his work advising lawmakers on education, healthcare, and labor issues, noting his integrity and institutional knowledge. It directs the Secretary of State to send Parisi a certified copy of the resolution. As a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect legislation or funding.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It formally recognizes February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages all residents to support oral health education and preventive care for children, citing the importance of early dental visits and addressing barriers to access. It has no new requirements or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Dental Association.
Maddy summaryHB 7336 expands existing uninsured motorist coverage to include property damage (like vehicle damage) alongside bodily injury, which was previously only covered for bodily harm. It requires insurers to offer property damage coverage unless a driver with collision coverage specifically rejects it in writing. The bill mandates insurers to inform policyholders about this coverage option during renewals and sets a $200 deductible for property damage claims. This change directly affects drivers in Rhode Island who need to file claims for property damage caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers.
