Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.
Maddy summaryHB 5838 ensures schools provide appropriate support for English language learners (ELLs) and English as a second language (ESL) students during individualized education plan (IEP) processes. It requires evaluations to be conducted in a student’s primary language, mandates IEP teams to include experts in second-language acquisition, and prohibits school districts from pressuring families to decline language services. The bill also requires schools to use trained bilingual interpreters for parent communication and ensures IEPs address both language learning and disability needs. These changes directly affect ELL/ESL students, their families, and school districts in Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryHB 5731 allows Rhode Island driver education schools to offer required driver training courses both in-person and through instructor-led virtual formats for a two-year trial period (October 2025-October 2027). This applies to applicants under 18 seeking their first license, while maintaining existing curriculum standards (including 33 hours of instruction covering Rhode Island traffic laws and alcohol/drug education). The state board of education must analyze virtual vs. in-person training effectiveness and report findings to lawmakers by December 2027. Exemptions apply to applicants over 18 or those with a valid out-of-state license held for at least one year.
Allows the collection of solid waste and recycling between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) am and three o’clock (3:00) am seven days a week. It would also ban the use of mobile waste compaction technology for recycling.
Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 30, 2025, as "World MS Day" in Rhode Island. It formally expresses the state's appreciation for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 79-year mission to advance research and support for people with MS, highlighting their $1 billion in research funding. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies - it solely serves to honor the Society's work through official recognition. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Society's chairman. (Note: This is a procedural, commemorative resolution, not a law with concrete policy changes.)
Maddy summaryHB 6348 exempts the real and tangible personal property (like buildings and physical assets) of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Pawtucket from local property taxes. This targeted exemption directly affects only this specific nonprofit organization, adding it to Rhode Island’s existing list of tax-exempt entities. The bill amends the property taxation law by inserting the center as a new category under the "property exempt" section. It does not change general tax rules but creates a specific exception for this organization’s property.
Maddy summaryHR 6366 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 27, 2025, as "ALS Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It formally acknowledges the impact of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) through statements about its severity and the work of ALS United Rhode Island, the state's sole nonprofit dedicated to supporting ALS patients and families. The resolution encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn about ALS, support affected individuals, and participate in ALS United RI's annual Soak Challenge event on June 1, 2025. It does not create new laws or allocate funds, but serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition and advocacy.
Provides that minor subdivisions would include oversized lot subdivisions under certain circumstances and relative to zoning ordinances, permit a modification to allow "neighborhood character-based modifications" under certain circumstances.
Requires every school district to render assistance and cooperation within its jurisdictional power to further the objects of this chapter, to wit, providing the courts with any information concerning a child as the court may require.
