Rep. Karen Alzate

Maddy summaryHB 5042 repeals the state law that permitted "payday lenders" to operate by removing authorization for "deferred-deposit transactions" (commonly known as payday loans). This directly affects payday lenders, who will no longer be legally allowed to offer short-term loans secured by a customer's check or bank account debit, as the definition of such transactions is deleted from the law. The bill eliminates the specific legal framework enabling these loans, meaning payday lenders can no longer conduct this business under current state law. It does not create new licensing requirements but effectively bans the practice by removing the enabling statute.

Maddy summaryHB 6038 removes the previous 3-month supply limit for initial contraceptive prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists in Rhode Island. This change directly affects patients seeking their first contraceptive prescription from a pharmacist, allowing them to receive a longer initial supply. The bill amends existing law to eliminate the three-month restriction while maintaining other requirements, such as pharmacist training, risk assessments, and provider notification. It ensures insurance coverage for pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives under the same terms as prescriptions from other providers.

Maddy summaryHB 5557 updates Rhode Island's licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. It establishes biennial license renewals (every two years), requires maintaining a clinical certificate, and creates clear pathways for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) to qualify with specific education and training. The bill directly affects licensed professionals and SLPAs by defining their scope of practice - such as assisting under supervision with screenings and therapy - while requiring documented training and supervision for SLPAs. Key changes include standardized renewal fees, inactive status options for non-practitioners, and detailed SLPA certification requirements like 18 graduate credit hours and 100 supervised clinical hours.

Amends the definition of “hobby breeder” to limit the sale or offering for sale to no more than two (2) litters of dogs or cats, or a combination thereof, in a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period.

Maddy summaryHB 5714 allows anyone aged 18 or older to request changing the race description on their birth certificate to use culturally sensitive language. It requires the state vital records office to process these requests and directs the Department of Health to create rules or a system for handling all reasonable requests respectfully. The bill does not change other birth certificate details like names or dates, and the process must avoid offensive terminology. This law takes effect immediately upon signing, as it was signed by the Governor on June 30, 2025.

Creates the department of housing land bank program to allow for the deposit of title to real estate assets for the purpose of developing residential housing.

Increases the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting from 2 to 5 yrs for a subsequent conviction under § 4-1-9 and would also require mandatory community service

Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.

Protects the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

Creates a special license plate for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. that would support the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund.