Includes licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general laws governing the regulations of psychologists and expands the licensing of school psychologists for independent practice.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's 24/7 service connecting residents to health, housing, food, and emergency resources. It recognizes United Way 211's role since 2007 in handling nearly 100,000 requests in 2025 and supporting public emergencies. The resolution is symbolic - no new policies or funding are created - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way and partners. It directly honors United Way 211 and its community collaborators, not specific individuals or groups.
Requires as part of the director of administration’s report to the general assembly to include information on the number of hybrid, combustion engine, plug-in hybrid, and ZEV vehicles in the light duty fleet. This act would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryHB 7575 allows Rhode Island residents with disabilities to obtain up to two motor vehicle disability parking placards instead of just one. This directly affects individuals with qualifying disabilities who need parking privileges for their vehicles or when being transported. The bill specifies that placards must display the international symbol of access and be displayed visibly on the dashboard, with blue placards for permanent/long-term disabilities and red for temporary ones. Renewal occurs every six years with physician certification, and the division of motor vehicles must provide clear denial reasons with appeal options if applications are rejected.
Maddy summaryHB 7498 allows driver education schools in Rhode Island to offer required driver training courses either in-person or through instructor-led virtual classes for a two-year period (October 2026 to October 2028). This applies specifically to applicants under 18 seeking their first driver's license, as they must complete the course before receiving a permit or license. The bill maintains existing course requirements, including 33 instructional hours covering Rhode Island traffic laws, alcohol/drug effects, and graduated licensing rules, but permits virtual delivery during the trial period. It also mandates the state education board to compare virtual and in-person course outcomes and report findings by December 2028.
Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.
Maddy summaryHB 7382 requires all motorcycle operators in the state to wear a helmet, regardless of age. This applies directly to every person riding a motorcycle, eliminating existing age-based exemptions for helmet use. The bill's key provision mandates helmet use as a standard safety requirement for all motorcycle operators, without exceptions. The bill was introduced on January 28, 2026, and is currently scheduled for hearing on February 10, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution expressing condolences for Ruth Ann Desmarais, a dedicated 11-year employee of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and legal secretary at Al DiFiore Law Office. It formally extends the House's deepest sympathy to her family, including her daughter Susan Thompson and husband Mark. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her family. It passed unanimously on February 5, 2026, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties beyond the expression of mourning.
Require that the classification guide to desk audit analysis and class specification development be amended so that the lack of supervision of other employees not prevent an employee from receiving a classification upgrade
Creates a 9-member commission to study and provide recommendations to reduce the forty-hour workweek to a thirty-two-hour workweek, and would report back to the House by March 15, 2027, and would expire on June 15, 2027.
