Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the importance of helping people with criminal records reintegrate into society, citing barriers like employment discrimination and housing restrictions. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but publicly supports efforts to provide second chances. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with organizations supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a Rhode Island House resolution (not legislation), urging federal lawmakers to address concerns about Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It calls for transparency measures, stricter marketing rules, and redirecting funds from MA plans to strengthen Traditional Medicare. The resolution highlights issues like higher costs for enrollees, narrower provider networks, and profit-driven practices by MA insurers, but does not create new laws. It specifically recommends actions for Congress and federal agencies, such as requiring MA plan audits and prohibiting practices that prioritize corporate profits over patient care.

Caps the minimum lot size that may be required to not exceed three (3) new separate parameters relating to the availability of public water, sewer, and transit.

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 5887 would rename the second Monday in August from "Victory Day" to "Peace and Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island. This change directly affects state holidays observed by government employees and public institutions. The bill repeals a provision prohibiting the use of any name other than "Victory Day" for this holiday. It takes effect upon passage, reflecting a shift from commemorating military victory to emphasizing peace and the civilian impacts of war.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 4, 2025, as "Transit Equity Day" in Rhode Island to honor Rosa Parks' birthday and her historic stand for equitable public transit. It symbolically recognizes the connection between her civil rights activism and the need for accessible, sustainable transportation systems that serve all communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with transit agencies and advocacy groups to raise public awareness - without creating new laws or funding. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond symbolic recognition.)

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Maddy summaryHR 5732 proposes a constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new right to all Rhode Islanders: the inherent right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preservation of natural, scenic, and recreational environmental values. If approved by voters, it would require the state to act as a trustee of natural resources, protecting these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, gender, or income, and for both current and future generations. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and must be voted on by Rhode Island residents at the next statewide general election. This is a procedural proposal - voters must approve it before it becomes part of the state constitution.