Rep. Karen Alzate

Maddy summaryHB 7588 appropriates $500,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2027 to fund the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program in Rhode Island. The bill directly supports training primary care physicians to address healthcare shortages in underserved and rural communities. Key provisions include funding for resident/faculty recruitment, developing community-focused curricula, expanding clinical training sites in rural areas, and purchasing necessary equipment. The program must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing fund usage, resident outcomes, and impact on healthcare access. This funding aims to strengthen Rhode Island's primary care workforce through sustained state investment.

Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.

Maddy summaryHR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.

Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester would be eligible for the same medical benefits as other state employees.

Maddy summaryHB 7458 would create a state-funded program to help cover college tuition costs for students pursuing degrees in teaching fields that are currently in short supply, such as math, science, or special education. This program directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs at public or participating private colleges. The key provision is providing financial assistance to reduce tuition barriers for these future educators, aiming to increase the number of qualified teachers in high-need subject areas. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced on January 30, 2026.

Increases historic tax credit to 30%, and up to 35%, depending on the amount of rental area available for multi-family housing, affordable rental units and units sold as affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's tax and sales regulations on electronic nicotine-delivery systems by classifying menthol as a flavored product. It prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products to consumers within the state. The law defines characterizing flavors broadly to include menthol along with other tastes or aromas such as fruit, mint, chocolate, and vanilla, and requires consideration of product labeling and advertising claims when determining flavor status. Licensed compassion centers and cannabis cultivators remain exempt from this ban, except for products containing tobacco or nicotine. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a $200,000 funding allocation to the Housing Network of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization that supports housing developers across the state. It directly provides financial resources to help the Housing Network carry out its work assisting nonprofit housing developers in Rhode Island. The resolution is a straightforward budgetary action, not a policy change, and would be used to support the organization's existing programs. It was introduced to the House Finance committee on February 27, 2026.

Requires the state investment commission to create a capital access initiative to expand potential investment opportunities for the state’s pension fund and engage qualified but traditionally underrepresented investment managers.