Rep. Karen Alzate

Maddy summaryHR 6018 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from state funds to support the Gloria Gemma Foundation's new cancer survivorship and wellbeing center in Rhode Island. The funds would provide operational support for the center's free programs, which offer mental, physical, and spiritual wellness services to cancer patients and survivors. This resolution directly benefits cancer patients in Rhode Island, particularly those facing financial hardship or mental health challenges related to their diagnosis. The appropriation is for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and does not create new policy or alter existing laws.

Provides for warming center and cooling center alerts to trigger certain procedures municipalities shall follow during extreme heat or cold to help at-risk individuals with resources including, but not limited to, warming and cooling centers.

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing the interaction with encampments and include the right to access clean and sanitary conditions.

Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators and establish a presumption of personal recognizance unless the new alleged offense is a crime of violence as defined in the act.

Maddy summaryHB 5178 allows individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to request the removal of their criminal records after completing their sentences and waiting 10 years. It directly affects people who have served their sentences for two or more non-violent felonies, provided they have no new criminal convictions or outstanding court fees in the 10-year period and were not convicted of violent crimes. The bill amends existing law to permit expungement motions for multiple felony convictions after 10 years (previously limited to single offenses), with strict eligibility requirements including good moral character and no pending charges. This policy change aims to provide a clear pathway for record clearance while maintaining public safety safeguards.

Prohibits the courts from setting cash or surety bail on any misdemeanor offense but permits the court to set reasonable non-monetary conditions of bail to assure the defendant's presence in court as required and to protect the community.

Maddy summaryHB 5502 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's laws. It specifies that a felony involves imprisonment over one year or a fine over $1,000, a misdemeanor involves 6 months to 1 year imprisonment or a fine up to $1,000, a petty misdemeanor involves up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine up to $500, and a violation is punishable only by a fine under $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in sentencing laws means 364 days, not 365. This definition change directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defendants when classifying criminal charges and determining penalties. The bill is currently pending further study after a committee hearing.

Maddy summaryHB 5578 prohibits public utility providers from increasing internet connection service rates for customers aged 62 or older, effective January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects senior citizens (62+) who rely on utility-provided internet services, preventing rate hikes specifically for this group. It applies to all providers offering internet connection services as defined in the bill, without requiring new regulatory processes. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to maintain stable internet costs for seniors.

Amends powers/duties of the office of the health insurance commissioner to increase total cost of care for services reimbursed under contracts after risk adjustment that exceeds the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers percentage increase.

Mandates that EOHHS assemble a network of equity zones where local multisector groups of nonprofits, service providers, advocates, community members, state agencies, and municipalities can address social factors of health at a local level.