Rep. Susan Donovan

Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2028-2029, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.

Increases the state’s regionalization bonus to six percent (6.0%) of the state’s fiscal year share of foundation education aid. This bonus would be ongoing and continuing so long as the district remains a regional school district.

Maddy summaryHB 7317, the Rhode Island Early Educator Workforce Act, directs the Department of Human Services and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to collaborate on managing existing programs supporting early childhood educators. It specifically requires maintaining the Child Care WAGE$ program with at least $1 million annually to provide salary supplements for educators in licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes, while also overseeing workforce development scholarships (T.E.A.C.H.) and registered apprenticeships. The bill directly affects early educators in Rhode Island’s licensed childcare and early learning programs, who currently earn an average of $16.74 per hour - among the lowest wages in the state. These provisions aim to improve retention and compensation by aligning early educator wages with K-12 standards through existing, research-backed programs.

Mandates additional state education funding for the mental and behavioral health of students equal to 2% of the district’s total expenditures, and require those funds be used to hire staff such as school social workers, and behavioral specialists.

Submits a proposition to be placed on the ballot at the next general election authorizing the issuance of bonds for a medical school on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston campus.

In effect repeals the provisions of the newly enacted law prohibiting smoking in pari mutual facilities with the exception for businesses operating as a pari mutual facility smoking lounge.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors family medicine physicians in Rhode Island for their contributions to healthcare and community well-being. It specifically recognizes the importance of these doctors in providing comprehensive care and addresses their upcoming Advocacy Day event on April 16, 2026. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians as a formal gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally celebrates the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, in Rhode Island. It calls on state residents to learn about environmental challenges and participate in solutions, while directing the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to specific state environmental officials. The document serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than establishing new laws or regulations.

Rescinds any prior applications to the United States Congress from the Rhode Island General Assembly to call for a convention to amend the United States Constitution.

Adds probation officer and parole officer to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.