Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.
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.
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.
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 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.
Maddy summaryHB 5431 guarantees that Medicare beneficiaries under 65 and over 65 who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B can enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during a one-month annual enrollment period without being denied coverage due to health conditions. To qualify, applicants must have been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and remain enrolled at the time of application. The bill also standardizes Medicare supplement policies by prohibiting exclusions for preexisting conditions and requiring clear minimum standards for benefits, rates, and insurer practices. This change aims to simplify access to supplemental coverage while removing health-based barriers for Medicare recipients.
Allows the applicant for a land development project to utilize the administrative subdivision process established under 45-23-37 to request approval of a proposed subdivision of an oversized lot.
Maddy summaryHB 6175 requires new residential developments of 10 or more units to include 15% affordable housing units, defined as housing for households earning ≤80% of area median income. Developers must provide units of comparable quality to market-rate housing, which must remain affordable for 30 years via enforceable restrictions. Alternatives include building on-site, off-site construction, land donation, or paying a fee-in-lieu (minimum $40,000 per unit) to fund local affordable housing. Municipalities must manage fee-in-lieu funds through dedicated accounts and allocate them within three years for housing serving low/moderate-income residents. The bill applies directly to developers and municipalities implementing zoning ordinances.
