Rep. Raymond Hull

Maddy summaryHB 5335 proposes to terminate the extended turnaround plan for the Providence public school district (PPSD). Specifically, the bill would nullify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's decision from August 29, 2024, which extended the PPSD's turnaround action plan until October 15, 2027. If enacted, this means the PPSD would no longer be operating under that particular extended turnaround status. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5835, titled "The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative," proposes to establish school-based councils at each public school in Providence, along with a central advisory board. These councils would be composed of principals, parents, teachers, community residents, and high school students, with members largely selected through elections. Their primary duties would include approving school improvement and expenditure plans, making recommendations on staffing and curriculum, and holding public meetings. The bill aims to enhance communication and foster stronger relationships between local schools, their communities, and the Providence public school board.

Maddy summaryHB 5113 amends the general powers and duties of school committees. This bill specifically mandates that school committees provide transportation services for any students who reside two (2) or more miles from their school. The legislation modifies an existing section of law to include this requirement, ensuring that students meeting the distance criteria are guaranteed access to school transportation.

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.

Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences of the Rhode Island House of Representatives on the passing of the Honorable Dominick J. Ruggerio, who served as President of the Rhode Island Senate. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to his family and friends.

Reduces the current varying percentages for early retirement penalty for teachers, municipal and state employees to a cumulative annual reduction of 3% and monthly reduction of .25%.

Allows any peace officer working in a Rhode Island school as a full or part-time resource officer to work in excess of the seventy-five (75) working days in a calendar year, and not have an interruption in their benefits.

Requires submission of a domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form when the domestic violence response or investigation involves a verbal argument or dispute.

Maddy summaryHB 5523 requires all public bodies to offer translation and interpretation services for their open meetings. This bill directly affects individuals who need language assistance, including American Sign Language (ASL), to understand or participate in these public proceedings. Public bodies would need to develop a "translation assistance plan" to ensure meeting accessibility upon request. These plans must be implemented by September 1, 2026.