Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.

Maddy summaryHB 5130 requires law enforcement agencies to submit crime guns (firearms used in or suspected of being used in a crime) and test-fired cartridge cases to the state crime laboratory or a certified agency for entry into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). This policy change directly affects police departments and crime labs by mandating a standardized procedure for processing ballistic evidence from gun crimes. The bill defines key terms like "crime gun" and "ghost gun" but focuses the new requirement on evidence submission to NIBIN, a database that helps solve gun violence by matching firearm evidence across jurisdictions. This is a procedural change for law enforcement, not a new restriction on firearm ownership or use.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.

Mandates paid leave by allowing qualified employees to take medical leave to undergo donation procedures, medical tests, and recovery related to being a living organ donor, or bone marrow transplant donor.

Maddy summaryHB 5042 repeals the state law that permitted "payday lenders" to operate by removing authorization for "deferred-deposit transactions" (commonly known as payday loans). This directly affects payday lenders, who will no longer be legally allowed to offer short-term loans secured by a customer's check or bank account debit, as the definition of such transactions is deleted from the law. The bill eliminates the specific legal framework enabling these loans, meaning payday lenders can no longer conduct this business under current state law. It does not create new licensing requirements but effectively bans the practice by removing the enabling statute.

Amends the definition of “hobby breeder” to limit the sale or offering for sale to no more than two (2) litters of dogs or cats, or a combination thereof, in a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period.

Maddy summaryHB 5714 allows anyone aged 18 or older to request changing the race description on their birth certificate to use culturally sensitive language. It requires the state vital records office to process these requests and directs the Department of Health to create rules or a system for handling all reasonable requests respectfully. The bill does not change other birth certificate details like names or dates, and the process must avoid offensive terminology. This law takes effect immediately upon signing, as it was signed by the Governor on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6118 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover mobile response and stabilization services for children and youth under 18 experiencing acute mental health crises, such as aggression, self-injury, or suicidal thoughts. The bill mandates coverage for certified providers delivering immediate crisis intervention, assessment, and follow-up care, effective for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. It excludes certain policies like accident-only, Medicare supplements, and limited-benefit plans. This policy change directly affects insurers, certified behavioral health providers, and young people enrolled in covered health plans.

Repeals the required HIV testing for an individual convicted under chapter 34.1 of title 11 and allows the option for HIV testing for any person convicted under this chapter.

Creates a special license plate for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. that would support the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund.