Rep. Joshua Giraldo

Maddy summaryHB 7255 adds two specific state correctional roles - administrator of community confinement and home confinement coordinator - to the state retirement system. This change directly affects employees in these positions by making them eligible for retirement benefits under the existing system. The bill amends the retirement law to explicitly include these titles in the list of covered positions within the Department of Corrections. It does not alter retirement age requirements or benefit calculations for existing members. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Appropriates nine hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($950,000) to establish a bilingual education support fund within the department of elementary and secondary education and provides for implementation of support and access to bilingual education.

Enacts the RI individual market affordability act of 2026 to establish a program to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in individual health insurance coverage through the RI health benefits exchange.

Establishes a child tax credit in the amount of six hundred fifty dollars ($650) for eligible taxpayers adjusted for inflation annually commencing January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHR 7597 is a procedural joint resolution appropriating $200,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding supports RIBBA's existing services - including business development, entrepreneurship training, and access to capital for Black-owned and minority businesses - without creating new programs or altering eligibility. The resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse funds upon receipt of proper vouchers, consistent with RIBBA's current funding model through grants and public support. It directly affects RIBBA and the businesses it serves in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 8192 imposes a 2% tax on the portion of a private college's endowment exceeding $1 billion. It directly affects private institutions of higher education with endowments over $1 billion, requiring them to pay this tax on the amount above that threshold. The bill's key provision is the specific tax rate applied to the excess value, creating a new revenue source for the state. Introduced on February 27, 2026, it is currently under review by the House Finance committee.

Maddy summaryHB 7313 creates a new 3% tax rate on Rhode Island taxable income exceeding $640,000 (adjusted for inflation in 2026 dollars) for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This applies specifically to high-income earners, including individuals, estates, and trusts with annual income above this threshold. The bill amends existing tax code to add this rate to the current progressive brackets, which already include rates up to 9.9% for income over $349,700. It does not affect past tax years and will be adjusted for inflation annually as required by law.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution designates May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" to honor the role of critical thinking in scientific and social progress. The bill encourages citizens to focus on reason, the scientific method, and free inquiry when addressing issues like climate change and civil liberties. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specified individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.