Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Rhode Island Native Plant Month to raise public awareness about the benefits of native plants. It directly affects residents and organizations by encouraging them to learn about and use native species for landscaping. The resolution asks the Department of Environmental Management to promote the use of these plants to support local wildlife, improve soil and water quality, and reduce the need for pesticides. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight environmental stewardship.
Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution officially designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month within the state. The measure highlights the historical and cultural contributions of Jewish Americans to Rhode Island, including their roles in the economy, education, healthcare, and public service. It encourages residents to observe the month with ceremonies and educational programs while directing the Secretary of State to share copies of the resolution with relevant community leaders.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act to require health insurers to contribute an additional $30 million annually starting in 2026 to support the MomsPRN and PediPRN teleconsultation lines. These programs provide mental health consultation and referral services to pediatric, perinatal, and primary care providers through telephone hotlines. The funding is collected from insurers based on their number of enrollees and deposited into a restricted account managed by the Department of Health. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health submit annual reports on program costs and provides insurers with access to detailed cost information upon request.
Maddy summaryHB 7807 exempts meals served in licensed childcare centers from Rhode Island's sales and use taxes. This bill amends the state tax code to explicitly include licensed childcare centers alongside schools and educational institutions in the existing exemption for meals served to students or teachers. The change directly affects licensed childcare centers by removing a sales tax burden on meals provided to their enrolled children or staff. This policy update clarifies and expands current tax exemptions without altering tax rates or creating new administrative requirements.
Creates the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivor Services Fund in Rhode Island to provide state funding for nonprofit organizations that deliver direct services to survivors of domestic violence.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 to fund Rhode Island's Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program. It provides low-income SNAP recipients with double the value of their benefits when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at participating local farmers markets and farmstands. The funds directly support both low-income families accessing nutritious food and small-scale Rhode Island farms selling produce. The money will be administered by Farm Fresh RI to sustain this existing program, which has distributed over $1.7 million since 2009.
Maddy summaryHB 7241 establishes a state tax credit for Rhode Island residents who provide unpaid care to qualifying family members. It allows eligible caregivers (earning under $50,000 individually or $100,000 jointly) to claim a 50% credit on out-of-pocket expenses for caregiving, capped at $1,000 annually. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care, but exclude insurance-covered costs or general home maintenance. The credit applies to expenses incurred after 2026 for family members aged 65+ or with disability benefits who live with the caregiver and need help with at least two basic self-care tasks (like bathing or dressing).
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates Thawn Sherenté Harris on finishing the 2026 Boston Marathon and honors the legacy of his great-uncle, Ellison "Tarzan" Brown. The document recognizes Harris's achievement as a ceremonial act to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Brown's first marathon victory and highlights his specific performance details, such as running barefoot to mimic Brown's historic run. By transmitting a certified copy of this resolution to Harris, the bill formally acknowledges his perseverance and cultural significance without altering any laws or policies.
Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after the death of the designated beneficiary.
