Rep. Karen Alzate

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5238), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences on the passing of Violet Rose Little, a community member and mother of former colleagues Rep. Anastacia Williams and Rigoberto Cano Little. The resolution acknowledges her life, family, education, career at Rhode Island College, and decades of volunteer work with churches and community organizations. It was passed by the House on January 30, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her family.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Raymond H. Beretta, a former Pawtucket City Council member, teacher, principal, and community leader. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to his widow, Joan Beretta, and their family. It has no legislative effect beyond this expression of respect.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5061) honors Ruth Ann "Diamond" Madsen, a Rhode Island advocate for unhoused residents who passed away on December 18, 2024. It recognizes her volunteer work with organizations like the George Wiley Center, the Rhode Island Poor People's Campaign, and Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, where she provided shelter, supplies, and meals to those in need. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House on January 15, 2025, formally acknowledges her contributions and directs the Secretary of State to share a certified copy with her community partners. It has no policy or funding provisions, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.

Authorizes the Speaker and the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus to request equity impact statements on up to five (5) proposed bills.

Maddy summaryHB 7880 requires licensed healthcare facilities to publicly disclose a comprehensive list of standard charges for all items and services they provide. Hospitals must post this information for free on their websites in a digital format that allows users to search and download the data without creating an account. The list must include various pricing details, such as the full gross charge, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates for different insurance plans, alongside specific codes used for billing. This law aims to increase price transparency so that patients and third-party payers can see the costs associated with medical care before receiving services.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax exemption for redevelopment projects to include the city of Central Falls, joining Providence and Pawtucket in this benefit. Under the new rule, real property acquired by redevelopment agencies in Central Falls will not be taxed unless the city council specifically passes an ordinance to allow it. This change applies immediately upon the bill's passage and affects only the specific real estate projects designated for redevelopment within the city.

Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the specific composition of the housing authority for the city of Central Falls, directly affecting how residents and officials select its members. It requires the authority to include five members, one of whom must be a resident of public housing or a Section 8 voucher recipient in the city, appointed by the mayor from a list of nominees provided by the executive director. The remaining four members must be residents of Central Falls approved by a majority of the city council, and any member who moves out of the city or ceases to live in public housing must vacate their seat. Additionally, the bill updates similar appointment rules for town housing authorities in Lincoln and North Providence, ensuring at least one commissioner is a public housing resident in those jurisdictions as well.

Authorizes the city of Pawtucket to issue not more than $20,000,000 general obligation bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness to finance the design, construction, reconstruction and repair of environmental infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 7291 establishes the Rhode Island Early Care and Education Workforce Data Act to create a statewide registry for staff working in licensed child care and early learning programs. This system is designed to collect and maintain data on educator demographics, qualifications, and annual turnover rates while also connecting workers with professional development opportunities. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to implement this registry by July 1, 2025, and to publish annual reports on workforce characteristics starting in January 2026. By codifying a previously funded initiative into state law, the measure ensures consistency in data collection to support policy decisions and strategic investments in the early education sector.