Rep. Leo Felix

Maddy summaryHB 7065 requires all liquid beverages sold in Rhode Island to reduce their added sugars content by 50% by January 1, 2030, compared to the sugar levels measured on July 1, 2026. The law applies directly to beverage manufacturers and retailers operating within Rhode Island, mandating reformulation to meet the new standard. "Added sugars" is defined using existing FDA labeling rules (21 CFR Part 101), ensuring consistency with federal guidelines. The bill establishes a clear timeline for implementation without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 15, 2026, honoring his legacy in the civil rights movement and advocacy for equality. It does not create new laws or affect specific policies; instead, it formally recognizes Dr. King's life and work through a ceremonial expression of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to distribute certified copies to state officials, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday Commission. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a policy bill. It formally extends condolences from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the family of Thomas E. Hodge, a former Pawtucket City Council member and State Representative who served the community for decades. The resolution recognizes his long service, business ownership, and community roles, including his work with the Pawtucket Arts Council and as homeless liaison. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.

This pilot program would create a $3,000 trust for each Rhode Island child ages zero to one year born to a family enrolled in the Rhode Island Works Program (“RI Works”) during the preceding calendar year.

Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information or proof of identity.

Maddy summaryHB 5130 requires law enforcement agencies to submit crime guns (firearms used in or suspected of being used in a crime) and test-fired cartridge cases to the state crime laboratory or a certified agency for entry into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). This policy change directly affects police departments and crime labs by mandating a standardized procedure for processing ballistic evidence from gun crimes. The bill defines key terms like "crime gun" and "ghost gun" but focuses the new requirement on evidence submission to NIBIN, a database that helps solve gun violence by matching firearm evidence across jurisdictions. This is a procedural change for law enforcement, not a new restriction on firearm ownership or use.

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.

Maddy summaryHB 6038 removes the previous 3-month supply limit for initial contraceptive prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists in Rhode Island. This change directly affects patients seeking their first contraceptive prescription from a pharmacist, allowing them to receive a longer initial supply. The bill amends existing law to eliminate the three-month restriction while maintaining other requirements, such as pharmacist training, risk assessments, and provider notification. It ensures insurance coverage for pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives under the same terms as prescriptions from other providers.