Rep. Jennifer Stewart

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 summaryHB 5680 would allow workers to receive unemployment benefits if they are on strike or locked out due to a labor dispute, directly affecting employees involved in workplace conflicts. The bill modifies eligibility rules so workers aren’t automatically disqualified for benefits during strikes (if not responsible for the dispute) or lockouts (unless the employer offers a 3-day wage extension that’s refused or the lockout responds to a strike at another company in a multi-employer group). It also ensures benefits continue for more than a week after a dispute ends. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, changing current rules that typically deny benefits during labor disputes.

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.)

Maddy summaryHB 5126 prohibits price gouging for "vital drugs" (medications treating serious or life-threatening conditions with no alternative supply) during declared market shortages or emergencies. It makes it a felony to charge unreasonably excessive prices - defined as a gross disparity from pre-shortage average prices - to take unfair advantage of supply shortages. Sellers face up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine for violations, with penalties applying daily for ongoing offenses. The law excludes normal market price fluctuations and requires the attorney general to assess pricing based on pre-shortage rates and cost factors. It applies only during governor- or president-declared emergencies for six months max.

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 Body Cameras for Correctional Facilities Act which mandates all department of corrections staff with direct supervision rolls to wear body cameras while on duty in their assigned facility.

Establishes Rhode Island First Step program requiring DOC to assist offenders with reintegration into society, counseling, medical care, education, early sentence termination or pre-release confinement for elderly and terminally ill offenders.

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.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the continued purchase, cancellation and forgiveness of medical debt consistent with section 35-4-21.1 of the General Laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5876 establishes a permanent 11-member special commission in Rhode Island to investigate threats from nuclear weapons and their impacts on the state. The commission will examine risks like infrastructure collapse, environmental damage, health harms, and disruptions from nearby attacks, while also exploring transitions from nuclear-related jobs to climate and social programs. It must hold public hearings statewide and submit findings and recommendations to state leaders by August 6, 2026. The bill directly affects all Rhode Island residents by focusing on their safety and resilience against nuclear threats.