Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.
Rep. Cherie Cruz
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating February 6, 2025, as "New England Freedmen’s Aid Society Day" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical work of the Freedmen’s Aid Society (founded in 1859 by the American Missionary Association), which established over 500 schools in the South to educate formerly enslaved people and their children, significantly improving African American literacy rates by the early 1900s. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island NAACP. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or policies but honors this historical effort. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island House on February 6, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5321 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning within the state government by June 2027 to manage the state's child care system. It directly affects families with young children (capping child care costs at 7% of income), child care providers, and early educators by providing direct funding to cover costs not met by family fees. Key provisions include requiring providers to improve educator wages to match K-12 standards, expanding access in underserved areas, and ensuring care for children with disabilities. The bill aims to make high-quality child care affordable and accessible statewide while consolidating oversight from multiple departments.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally congratulates resident physicians and fellows at Rhode Island Hospital-Brown University Health and Care New England hospitals for successfully organizing unions affiliated with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU). The resolution expresses the House's recognition of their unionization efforts and hopes their work helps address healthcare challenges in Rhode Island. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition of their organizing campaign.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It raises public and professional awareness about maternal health issues, referencing state efforts to address preventable deaths, disparities (particularly for Black mothers), and initiatives like the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing state work to improve maternal health outcomes. It was passed by the House on January 23, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the 27th annual Funda Fest, organized by Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS), a nonprofit promoting Black storytelling through performances and educational experiences. It urges all Rhode Islanders to engage with the event, which focuses on sharing Black history, values, and traditions often absent from mainstream narratives. The resolution has no policy impact; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIBS.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Raymond H. Beretta, a former Pawtucket City Council member, teacher, principal, and community leader. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to his widow, Joan Beretta, and their family. It has no legislative effect beyond this expression of respect.
Maddy summaryHR 5055 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury to Amos House, a Rhode Island nonprofit, for fiscal year 2025-2026. The funds are specifically designated to support Amos House's emergency food and shelter services, helping individuals address homelessness and poverty through its programs. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper vouchers. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or voting record yet available.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5061) honors Ruth Ann "Diamond" Madsen, a Rhode Island advocate for unhoused residents who passed away on December 18, 2024. It recognizes her volunteer work with organizations like the George Wiley Center, the Rhode Island Poor People's Campaign, and Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, where she provided shelter, supplies, and meals to those in need. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House on January 15, 2025, formally acknowledges her contributions and directs the Secretary of State to share a certified copy with her community partners. It has no policy or funding provisions, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.
Amends the House Rules to enable any member to have up to 3 bills that are held for further study either substituted in committee or allowed to have a committee vote for placement on the floor calendar exclusively at the discretion of the Speaker.