Rep. Jason Knight

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.

Amends the definition of public record to exempt from public disclosure the city or town of residence of the justices, judges, and magistrates of the unified judicial system.

Exempts law enforcement records from public disclosure if releasing them could reveal the identity of a human trafficking victim or someone eligible for an affirmative defense under certain prostitution-related laws.

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 summaryHB 5599 establishes a Corrections Education and Vocational Planning Group (CEVPG) to develop career and educational programming within Rhode Island's state prison system. This group will consider opportunities for incarcerated individuals, including higher education pathways. The CEVPG will assess labor market needs, facility requirements, and potential funding sources to create sustainable partnerships with higher education institutions. It will also work to identify and address barriers to academic program continuity and campus access upon release, with annual reports on its progress.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6197) declares April as "Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages history and social science educators in public schools to incorporate lessons about past and current genocides into their curriculum, aligning with the state's existing 2016 education requirements and the work of the Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission. The resolution does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of educating students to prevent future atrocities, urging a commitment to combat bigotry and injustice.

Replaces CRMC with a newly created division of coastal resources management, a state entity within the DEM and would transfer all authority to the DEM with duties and responsibilities to be carried out by the division of coastal resources management.

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

Maddy summaryHR 6154 is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill. It proclaims April 2025 as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages Rhode Islanders to learn about issues affecting people with limb loss or limb difference, support affected individuals and caregivers, and honor veterans who have experienced limb loss. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Amputee Coalition and the National Limb Loss Resource Center. This resolution has no binding effect but aims to raise public awareness.

Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.