Rep. Jennifer Stewart

Maddy summaryHB 7289 prohibits law enforcement from seizing property under controlled substances laws without first obtaining a criminal conviction. This directly affects property owners who might otherwise face asset forfeiture before a court finds them guilty of a crime. The bill modifies existing forfeiture procedures by requiring a criminal conviction before civil forfeiture can proceed, with limited exceptions for vehicles used by common carriers. It changes the process so that assets cannot be taken through civil means until after a criminal case concludes.

Maddy summaryHR 7472 is a symbolic House resolution that proclaims February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to Rhode Island's development and the nation, citing specific figures and milestones. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2026 as "American Heart Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but encourages public awareness through activities like wearing red, sharing heart health tips on social media, and participating in fitness challenges. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Heart Association - Rhode Island. It serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight heart disease prevention, referencing Rhode Island's 2022 data showing 22% of deaths were heart disease-related.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers would be required to report utilization and cost data annually and certain limited benefit policies would be exempt.

Requires that all cosmetics manufactured, sold, delivered, held or offered for sale contain a label that completely and accurately list all of their component ingredients.

Sets a clear and enforceable standard for reducing the presence of harmful metals in personal care products, prioritizing public health through testing, labeling, and the development of safer alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 7214 prohibits pharmacies, distributors, and sellers from charging "unreasonably excessive" prices for vital prescription drugs during declared market shortages. It defines "vital drugs" as those treating serious or life-threatening conditions with no available alternatives, and "market shortage" as inadequate supply meeting demand. Violators face felony charges, up to five years in prison, and $10,000 fines for intentionally exploiting shortages. The law requires governors to declare shortages via executive order, with penalties applying only to prices grossly above pre-shortage levels in the local area.

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.