Rep. Jenni Furtado

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

Maddy summaryHB 7758 establishes clear responsibilities for landlords and tenants regarding bed bug infestations in rental properties. Tenants must promptly notify landlords (via written or electronic notice) if they suspect bed bugs, and landlords must arrange a professional inspection within 96 hours. Landlords are responsible for all inspection and treatment costs, while tenants must allow access for inspections and prepare their unit for treatment. The bill also prohibits landlords from renting units known to have bed bugs and requires landlords to inspect adjacent units if an infestation is confirmed.

Maddy summaryHB 7769 sets the minimum wage for 2027 at $20.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers and hourly workers in the state who must pay at least this rate. The key provision amends existing law to establish this specific hourly rate for 2027, building on previously scheduled annual increases listed in the bill. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Removes the five (5) year waiting period for filing a motion to seal an eviction court file. It also deletes the numerical limitation on filing seal requests.

Maddy summaryHB 7765 increases notice periods for landlords terminating month-to-month tenancies or raising rent in Rhode Island. It requires landlords to provide tenants with 60 days' written notice (up from 30 days) before termination or rent increases, and 120 days' notice for tenants aged 62 or older. This directly affects renters in month-to-month leases, giving them more time to adjust or find new housing. The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to standardize notice requirements and forms, ensuring clearer communication about lease changes.

Increases the minimum hourly wage commencing January 1, 2029, by an amount equal to the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for the calendar year 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Rhode Island to increase public understanding and support for the disease. It directly affects residents with Multiple Sclerosis, their families, and healthcare providers by promoting awareness during a specific month. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, highlighting Rhode Island's high rate of Multiple Sclerosis cases in the state. The bill focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of supporting individuals with brain injuries and their families. The resolution acknowledges the significant impact of brain injuries, which affect over 12,000 Rhode Island residents annually and are a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults. It encourages state residents to participate in awareness activities and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the issue.