Establishes a two-year pilot program, from January 2027 to December 2028, to incorporate equity impact statements into the legislative process for both the House and Senate chamber.
Requires mandatory training standards for police officers and trainees, in identifying, responding, and handling all incidents involving any person with a developmental disability.
Allows a pregnant member or member that has given birth in the past six (6) months to appear remotely and permits any member that participates in a meeting remotely to vote at that meeting, provided that the meeting is held in person.
Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 7168) formally honors Nayasia A. Gonzalez, a 19-year-old Providence resident and nurse student who died tragically in 2025, by recording her name in Rhode Island's legislative archives. It expresses condolences to her family and affirms her legacy will be preserved in state historical records, with certified copies sent to her parents, Raisa Gonzalez and Iryan J. "Jerome" Aubert. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a commemorative gesture recognizing her life and community contributions.
Maddy summaryHB 7109 bans healthcare providers and facilities from paying or receiving money (like commissions, kickbacks, or bonuses) to refer patients to other providers or facilities. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, and brokers involved in patient referrals, prohibiting financial incentives that steer patients. The bill establishes penalties: fines of $50,000 for fewer than 10 patients, $100,000 for 10-19 patients, and $500,000 for 20+ patients, enforced by the Rhode Island Attorney General. Certain exceptions apply, such as standard insurance agent fees or payments within group practices. The law aims to prevent unethical financial arrangements in healthcare referrals.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 15, 2026, honoring his legacy in the civil rights movement and advocacy for equality. It does not create new laws or affect specific policies; instead, it formally recognizes Dr. King's life and work through a ceremonial expression of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to distribute certified copies to state officials, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday Commission. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond this symbolic recognition.
Maddy summaryHR 7101 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 28th anniversary of Funda Fest, organized by the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS). It recognizes RIBS' mission since 1998 to promote Black storytelling through performances and educational events, and acknowledges Funda Fest's 28-year history of engaging thousands statewide. The resolution urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in Funda Fest 2026 (January 13-25) to learn about Black history and traditions through storytelling. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIBS, with no new policies or funding impacts.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a policy bill. It formally extends condolences from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the family of Thomas E. Hodge, a former Pawtucket City Council member and State Representative who served the community for decades. The resolution recognizes his long service, business ownership, and community roles, including his work with the Pawtucket Arts Council and as homeless liaison. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or policy changes.
Maddy summaryHB 6086 extends the deadline for the Kane-Barrengos Foundation to file overdue annual reports (covering 1998-2025) and pay associated fees and penalties. If the foundation submits all required reports and pays the fees, plus a penalty amount determined by the attorney general, by December 31, 2025, the state will vacate the prior forfeiture of its charter. This bill directly affects only the Kane-Barrengos Foundation, restoring its legal status and privileges as if the charter never lapsed. The bill is procedural and does not create new policy, merely correcting a technical administrative issue for this specific nonprofit.
