Rep. Cherie Cruz

Requires the department of education to develop and make available for use in all schools a mental health curriculum. School districts would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.

Maddy summaryHB 7025 requires Rhode Island school committees to provide transportation for any student living two or more miles from their assigned school. This policy change directly affects school committees statewide and the students who reside at that distance from their school. The bill amends existing law to explicitly mandate this transportation service as a specific duty of school committees, adding it to their list of responsibilities under Section 16-2-9(21). The requirement applies to all public school districts and takes effect upon passage.

Establishes a two-year pilot program, from January 2027 to December 2028, to incorporate equity impact statements into the legislative process for both the House and Senate chamber.

Requires mandatory training standards for police officers and trainees, in identifying, responding, and handling all incidents involving any person with a developmental disability.

Provides modifications for payments of interest on student loans shall be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income to an amount equal to the payments of interest for the satisfaction of outstanding student loans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 7168) formally honors Nayasia A. Gonzalez, a 19-year-old Providence resident and nurse student who died tragically in 2025, by recording her name in Rhode Island's legislative archives. It expresses condolences to her family and affirms her legacy will be preserved in state historical records, with certified copies sent to her parents, Raisa Gonzalez and Iryan J. "Jerome" Aubert. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a commemorative gesture recognizing her life and community contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 7109 bans healthcare providers and facilities from paying or receiving money (like commissions, kickbacks, or bonuses) to refer patients to other providers or facilities. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, and brokers involved in patient referrals, prohibiting financial incentives that steer patients. The bill establishes penalties: fines of $50,000 for fewer than 10 patients, $100,000 for 10-19 patients, and $500,000 for 20+ patients, enforced by the Rhode Island Attorney General. Certain exceptions apply, such as standard insurance agent fees or payments within group practices. The law aims to prevent unethical financial arrangements in healthcare referrals.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a policy bill. It formally extends condolences from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the family of Thomas E. Hodge, a former Pawtucket City Council member and State Representative who served the community for decades. The resolution recognizes his long service, business ownership, and community roles, including his work with the Pawtucket Arts Council and as homeless liaison. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 6086 extends the deadline for the Kane-Barrengos Foundation to file overdue annual reports (covering 1998-2025) and pay associated fees and penalties. If the foundation submits all required reports and pays the fees, plus a penalty amount determined by the attorney general, by December 31, 2025, the state will vacate the prior forfeiture of its charter. This bill directly affects only the Kane-Barrengos Foundation, restoring its legal status and privileges as if the charter never lapsed. The bill is procedural and does not create new policy, merely correcting a technical administrative issue for this specific nonprofit.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a program managed by the nonprofit Grow Smart RI for three years to coordinate revitalization efforts in the state's commercial districts (downtowns, village squares, and retail corridors). It authorizes $500,000 in funding to implement a proven national strategy, including training for local communities, monthly educational sessions, and a centralized resource hub. The program aims to boost economic activity, job creation, and neighborhood development by connecting existing local efforts through standardized best practices. It formalizes a partnership between Grow Smart RI and Main Street America, with the Commerce Corporation handling fund disbursement.