Commences July 1, 2025, this act would eliminate the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.
Establishes VICTIM Fund grant program to support nonprofit organizations providing victim services in Rhode Island with the state allocating $30,000,000 per year to fund the program and staffing within the department of public safety.
Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.
Establishes the Healthy Kids Act whereby restaurants would be required to offer at least two (2) healthy versions of children's meals, or twenty-five percent (25%) of the children's meals on its menu, whichever is greater.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5488, "The School Libraries Act," mandates that every public school in the state establish and maintain a dedicated school library. It requires these libraries to include essential elements such as adequate book collections, study space, technology, and a budget for materials. The bill also stipulates that all public schools must employ certified school librarians, with staffing levels varying based on student population and a phased implementation schedule extending through the 2030-2031 school year. Furthermore, it ensures students have daily access to their school library resources, including extended hours for secondary schools.
Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.
Maddy summaryHB 5857 creates the "Reproductive Freedom and Gender-Affirming Care Health Data Privacy Act" to protect sensitive health information for Rhode Island residents. The bill specifically defines "consumer health data" to include information related to reproductive or sexual health and gender-affirming care. It requires explicit, informed consent from consumers before regulated entities or small businesses can collect, process, or transfer this protected health data. The act also clarifies what constitutes valid consent, prohibiting practices like deceptive designs or inferring consent from inaction.
Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Barrington Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Barrington on November 5, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6223) is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally declares April 2025 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the growing impact of autism (affecting about 1 in 36 children) and acknowledges efforts by individuals and agencies to support autistic residents and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy changes or funding impacts but aims to raise public recognition of autism-related issues.
Maddy summaryRhode Island's House Resolution HR 5226 condemns President Trump's January 2025 executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. The resolution, introduced by the Rhode Island House, formally opposes this policy change, which would affect children of undocumented immigrants by denying them automatic U.S. citizenship. It does not create new law but expresses legislative disapproval, citing the 14th Amendment's long-standing protection of birthright citizenship and noting the policy's potential impact on over 1.3 million U.S.-born adults living with undocumented parents. The resolution directs the state secretary to send a certified copy to President Trump and Rhode Island's congressional representatives.
