Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to express condolences on the passing of former state representative Joseph M. Lima. It honors his legacy as a longtime Providence community leader, Portuguese-American advocate, and legislator who served from 1977 to 1984, championing initiatives like eliminating the clothing tax and establishing the Rhode Island Day of Portugal. The resolution formally extends sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Teresa Lima, and family. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact any policy changes or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 7880 requires licensed healthcare facilities to publicly disclose a comprehensive list of standard charges for all items and services they provide. Hospitals must post this information for free on their websites in a digital format that allows users to search and download the data without creating an account. The list must include various pricing details, such as the full gross charge, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates for different insurance plans, alongside specific codes used for billing. This law aims to increase price transparency so that patients and third-party payers can see the costs associated with medical care before receiving services.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax exemption for redevelopment projects to include the city of Central Falls, joining Providence and Pawtucket in this benefit. Under the new rule, real property acquired by redevelopment agencies in Central Falls will not be taxed unless the city council specifically passes an ordinance to allow it. This change applies immediately upon the bill's passage and affects only the specific real estate projects designated for redevelopment within the city.

Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.

Amends works program to provide eligibility for benefits to pregnant persons from onset of pregnancy including lawful permanent residents, increases monthly cash benefits, disallows termination of benefits for failure to work, limits monetary sanctions.

Authorizes the city of Pawtucket to issue not more than $20,000,000 general obligation bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness to finance the design, construction, reconstruction and repair of environmental infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 7291 establishes the Rhode Island Early Care and Education Workforce Data Act to create a statewide registry for staff working in licensed child care and early learning programs. This system is designed to collect and maintain data on educator demographics, qualifications, and annual turnover rates while also connecting workers with professional development opportunities. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to implement this registry by July 1, 2025, and to publish annual reports on workforce characteristics starting in January 2026. By codifying a previously funded initiative into state law, the measure ensures consistency in data collection to support policy decisions and strategic investments in the early education sector.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.

Allows the attorney general to investigate and bring an enforcement action against persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting, or transaction of business or governmental activity.

Makes several amendments relative to manufactured homes, including adding a definition for manufactured home and a provision allowing for certain manufactured homes to be considered a single-family home if on a lot zone for such use.