Requires the dept of behavioral healthcare/developmental disabilities/hospitals to coordinate with the DOH to propose revisions to chapter 1.10 and 10.1 of title 23, including updates and revisions of statutory language and evidence-based best practices.
Amends several provisions relative to motorcycles and motor scooter license and educational requirements including deleting the learners permit requirement for motorcycles.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of "public official" to include school superintendents, principals, central office staff, and all other school employees. By making this change, it ensures that making threats against these individuals is treated as a criminal offense under the same rules currently applied to elected officials, judges, and law enforcement officers. The law specifies that such threats must be made because of the person's role or public duties and carry penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both. This update directly affects schools by extending criminal protections to their staff and clarifies that threats motivated by hostility toward their positions are illegal.
Establishes the "Attendance for Success Act" that mandates requirements for attendance policies, and provides for multiple plans, reporting requirements and supports to address student absenteeism from school.
Permits the family court to disclose criminal records of juvenile offenders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the purposes of background check conducted when an individual attempts to purchase a firearm.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 28, 2024, as "Arts Advocacy Day" throughout Rhode Island to highlight the importance of the arts sector. It acknowledges that the arts contribute significantly to the state's economy, education, and community life, noting that the industry has faced challenges following the pandemic. The resolution urges residents to support local arts programs and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to relevant arts organizations.
Allocates five percent (5%) of revenues from the local meals and beverage tax to the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial (R.I. 250) Commission for the execution of its duties from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.
Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, be punishable as a felony.
Awards all members of the pension system a three and one-half percent (3.5%) annual benefit adjustment applied to the first thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) of a member's retirement allowance.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program in Rhode Island to address a shortage of healthcare providers by offering financial aid to students pursuing careers in primary care. Administered by the Commissioner of Postsecondary Education, the program provides up to $70,000 annually for medical students and $47,000 annually for nurse practitioner or physician assistant students, with a limit of five new awards per category each year. To receive these funds, applicants must maintain excellent academic standing and agree to work full-time in primary care within the state for two years after completing their education and licensing. The legislation also allows the commissioner to create a nonprofit organization to manage the program's administrative services and set specific selection criteria to ensure diversity and commitment to the state.
