Effective January 1, 2028, Increases the hourly minimum wage in accordance with the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region for the previous four (4) fiscal years.
Sets a clear and enforceable standard for reducing the presence of harmful metals in personal care products, prioritizing public health through testing, labeling, and the development of safer alternatives.
Allows a pregnant member or member that has given birth in the past six (6) months to appear remotely and permits any member that participates in a meeting remotely to vote at that meeting, provided that the meeting is held in person.
Maddy summaryHR 7263 is a symbolic resolution designating January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs but serves to publicly highlight maternal health issues, including preventable deaths and racial disparities in care. The resolution references state efforts like the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee and ongoing collaborations to address maternal health challenges. It was passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 22, 2026.
Authorizes the DEM, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement, to enforce the prohibition on the intentional simultaneous release of ten or more balloons.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of former state representative Joseph A. Capineri (1957-1980), who served District 81 in Pawtucket for 24 years. It details his career as a lawyer, community involvement, and family, including his son, Associate Justice Stephen J. Capineri, and daughter Lisa Millar. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his surviving children. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative 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.
Maddy summaryHB 5247 prohibits retailers from advertising products with a "net price" (price after rebate) without disclosing the rebate amount at the point of purchase. It directly affects retailers selling goods with manufacturer rebates, requiring them to provide the rebate details to consumers when the item is purchased. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice to advertise rebates without this disclosure, aligning with federal rules for live-event tickets and short-term lodging. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all retail sales involving rebates in the state.
Maddy summaryHB 6244 prohibits licensed healthcare facilities in this state from asking patients about their immigration status or requiring proof of legal presence. This applies to all patients receiving care at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities covered under healthcare licensing laws. The bill amends existing patient rights standards to explicitly add that facilities cannot inquire about immigration status (new section 19), ensuring equal access to care regardless of immigration status. It took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5801 updates definitions and procedures for low- and moderate-income housing in Rhode Island municipalities. It clarifies how housing units count toward municipal requirements, specifying that federal rental assistance vouchers now count as whole units (not half-units) for compliance, and mobile homes meeting certain criteria count as half-units if monitored. The bill also refines terms like "affordable housing plan" and "consistent with local needs" to align with housing planning standards. These changes directly affect cities and towns developing housing plans and developers seeking approval for subsidized housing projects.
