Rep. June Speakman

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. It encourages residents to visit existing labyrinths for walking meditation and mindfulness at 1:00 p.m. to promote well-being and community connection. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to local labyrinth organizations and a specific representative. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new funding but serves to acknowledge the tradition of labyrinth walking in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7588 appropriates $500,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2027 to fund the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program in Rhode Island. The bill directly supports training primary care physicians to address healthcare shortages in underserved and rural communities. Key provisions include funding for resident/faculty recruitment, developing community-focused curricula, expanding clinical training sites in rural areas, and purchasing necessary equipment. The program must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing fund usage, resident outcomes, and impact on healthcare access. This funding aims to strengthen Rhode Island's primary care workforce through sustained state investment.

Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.

Requires all peace officers to carry epinephrine autoinjectors in their vehicles or on their person police departments to budget sufficient funds to purchase the epinephrine and autoinjectors and for training of every peace officer.

Maddy summaryHR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester would be eligible for the same medical benefits as other state employees.

Increases historic tax credit to 30%, and up to 35%, depending on the amount of rental area available for multi-family housing, affordable rental units and units sold as affordable housing.

Permits a nurse who has the appropriate knowledge, credentials and clinical competency, to provide home services foot care, which includes routine foot and nail care, as well as implementing a plan of care that includes hygiene and fingernails.