Rep. Susan Donovan

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in Rhode Island, raising public awareness about inherited blood clotting conditions like hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease. The resolution recognizes the national observance established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and builds on earlier state-level acknowledgments of these health conditions. By directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the New England Hemophilia Association, the bill facilitates coordination with advocacy groups to promote understanding of bleeding disorders and their impact on approximately 33,000 individuals with hemophilia and 3.2 million with Von Willebrand Disease.

Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.

Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

Provides that the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs may include the name of the dispensing healthcare practice instead of the name of the dispenser.

Expands the definition of operator to anyone who enables customers to purchase virtual currency. Expands the definition of a transaction to include a digital product or application where payment is made in person or through a third party intermediary.

Expands the benefit definitions to include a grandchild and care recipient and increases benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028 and provides a TDI/TCI opt-in option for self-employed workers.

Maddy summaryHB 7440 allows workers who are on strike or locked out during a labor dispute to receive unemployment benefits, which they were previously denied. It directly affects employees involved in strikes or employer lockouts, removing the prior bar to benefits unless specific exceptions apply. Key provisions state workers qualify if the lockout aims to resist collective bargaining or gain concessions, but not if it responds to a strike at another company in a multi-employer group or if the employer offered a 3-day extension of current terms that was refused. The bill takes effect upon passage and clarifies that benefits continue if unemployment lasts more than a week after the dispute ends.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 7077) is a non-binding statement by the Rhode Island House of Representatives condemning specific immigration enforcement tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It specifically criticizes ICE's use of unmarked vehicles, plain clothes, and concealment of agents' identities during operations in Rhode Island and nationwide, which the resolution claims create community fear and undermine trust. The resolution opposes future "mass immigration raids" and "fear tactics," affirming the state's commitment to protecting all residents' rights regardless of immigration status. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Attorney General, Senate, and all municipal councils. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws or directly affect individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 7984 requires the Rhode Island Auditor General to conduct an independent audit of the Department of Transportation's performance and efficiency. This bill directly affects the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) by mandating a review of its operations and resource use. The key provision is the requirement for a formal, external audit focused on identifying areas for cost savings and improved service delivery. The bill is currently pending, having been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee for further study.

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.