Rep. Karen Alzate

Maddy summaryHB 5598 requires all public schools in the state to create and implement a written policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) during school hours and school activities. The policy must aim to reduce distractions, support learning, and protect student privacy and safety, while explicitly allowing exceptions for students needing assistive technology under IEPs/504 plans, medical devices (e.g., glucose monitors), or language support programs. Schools must develop these policies in consultation with staff representatives, notify parents, and file them with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will provide annual guidance. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026.

Creates a process for licensure and oversight by DBR over the practices and procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and the regulating of fees.

Maddy summaryHB 5220 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments statewide to collect detailed data during routine traffic stops and searches. This includes recording the officer's perception of the driver's race/ethnicity, stop reasons, search details, and outcomes (like citations or arrests), starting no later than January 2026. An independent agency chosen by the Department of Transportation must conduct an annual study analyzing this data for racial disparities and publish public reports quarterly and annually. The law aims to provide transparency on traffic stop practices and support efforts to address potential inequities in policing.

Authorizes the City of Central Falls to issue bonds and notes in an amount not exceeding $15,000,000 to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities in the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" on June 19, 2025, specifically for Rhode Island. It urges state citizens to observe the day and learn about its historical significance as a celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply encourages public recognition and education about Juneteenth's history, aligning with Rhode Island's existing state holiday status for the day (established in 2023).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on public projects (like school transportation or public building construction) to provide actual healthcare and retirement benefits to employees working more than 90 days, rather than paying cash equivalents. Starting July 2024, contractors cannot give workers cash instead of purchasing healthcare coverage from a licensed provider, and starting July 2025, they cannot offer cash for retirement benefits (except for short-term workers under 90 days). Contractors must provide proof of coverage to employees and their bargaining agents. The law aims to ensure workers receive tangible benefits, with violations subject to $1,000-$3,000 civil penalties per violation.

Authorizes the city of Central Falls, via home rule charter or city ordinance, to create a school board with all powers and duties thereto, to govern the Central Falls school district.

Allows providers of services under this section to visit the houses of individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders or differences in order to provide haircuts or hairdressing services.

Maddy summaryHB 6092 creates an online portal for voters to electronically sign nomination papers for candidates running for state and local offices. This replaces the traditional paper-based signature process, allowing voters to submit electronic signatures that count toward the required number of signatures for each office (e.g., 500 signatures for governor, 50 for state representative). The bill directly affects candidates seeking party or independent nominations and voters who must sign their nomination papers. The online portal will be available starting January 1, 2025, and electronic signatures will be treated identically to handwritten ones under current signature requirements.

Provides that the cost of maintaining and repairing or restoring an easement or right-of-way shall be shared by each owner of a benefited property and their costs shall be determined by and commensurate with the municipal appraisal of each property.