Rep. Raymond Hull

Maddy summaryHB 7591 requires all out-of-state foster care facilities placing children in Rhode Island to register with the state Medicaid program as a Medicaid provider. This directly affects out-of-state foster care agencies seeking to place children in Rhode Island, ensuring they meet Medicaid requirements for reimbursement. The bill includes a waiver provision allowing emergency placements at non-Medicaid facilities if no provider is available. It does not change existing licensing standards for in-state agencies.

Creates a 9-member commission to study and provide recommendations to reduce the forty-hour workweek to a thirty-two-hour workweek, and would report back to the House by March 15, 2027, and would expire on June 15, 2027.

Prohibits psychological abuse in the workplace by employers or co-workers, ensuring a safe environment for employees, provides protection, civil remedies, and penalties for employers based on revenue.

Allows on and after September 1, 2026, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7409 prohibits retail establishments from adding extra fees to customers who pay with credit cards for in-state transactions. It directly affects businesses selling goods or services within the state and their customers. The bill amends deceptive trade practices law to make imposing such credit card surcharges a violation, treating it as deceptive behavior. This policy change eliminates a common practice where businesses charged more for credit card use compared to cash or debit. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Provides duties/obligations of medical personnel to born-alive infants resulting from an abortion punishable as a felony along with a civil action for compensatory/punitive damages/automatic one year license suspension.

Caps damages at $100,000 in tort actions against Rhode Island, cities, towns, or fire districts, except for willful misconduct or extreme recklessness. It also exempts them from § 9-21-10.