Rep. David Morales

Maddy summaryHR 7101 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 28th anniversary of Funda Fest, organized by the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS). It recognizes RIBS' mission since 1998 to promote Black storytelling through performances and educational events, and acknowledges Funda Fest's 28-year history of engaging thousands statewide. The resolution urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in Funda Fest 2026 (January 13-25) to learn about Black history and traditions through storytelling. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIBS, with no new policies or funding impacts.

Reinstates the life and extends reporting date of the Commission to Review and Provide Recommendations for Policies That Deal With Numerous Economic and Social Short-Term Rentals Issues from 9/30/25 to 9/30/26 and said commission would expire on 1/10/27.

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Maddy summaryHB 5120, the "Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025," prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization for services ordered by in-network primary care providers. This directly affects patients receiving care from in-network primary care physicians and the providers themselves, as insurers can no longer block these services through extra approval steps. The key provision mandates that insurers must approve such services without imposing prior authorization requirements, streamlining access to care. The bill aims to reduce administrative delays for routine treatments recommended by primary care providers within an insurer's network.

Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information or proof of identity.

Maddy summaryHB 5726, the Freedom to Read Act, prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing materials based on disagreement with their content (such as race, gender, or political views), while allowing removals only for content deemed developmentally inappropriate or legally obscene. It requires public libraries to adopt a model policy for material selection and a formal reconsideration process where patrons can challenge materials through a written form, with reviews completed within 30 days by a committee including library staff. The law mandates that challenged materials remain available during review and requires governing bodies to provide written justifications for removal decisions, making them publicly available. This directly affects public libraries, school libraries, and patrons who use these services by establishing clear, transparent procedures for handling material challenges.

Maddy summaryHB 6394 modifies property tax levy limits for cities and towns in Rhode Island, with specific provisions for Providence. It gradually reduces the maximum annual tax increase cap from 5.5% (through 2007) down to 4% (starting 2013), requiring local governments to stay within these limits unless exceptions apply. The bill includes a special provision allowing Providence to exceed its cap in fiscal year 2026 for revenue from Class 2B property tax rates above $28.80 per $1,000 valuation. Exceptions permitting higher taxes include certified revenue shortfalls, emergencies (like health insurance spikes), debt service increases, or major new construction requiring infrastructure spending.

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

Maddy summaryHB 6244 prohibits licensed healthcare facilities in this state from asking patients about their immigration status or requiring proof of legal presence. This applies to all patients receiving care at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities covered under healthcare licensing laws. The bill amends existing patient rights standards to explicitly add that facilities cannot inquire about immigration status (new section 19), ensuring equal access to care regardless of immigration status. It took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5042 repeals the state law that permitted "payday lenders" to operate by removing authorization for "deferred-deposit transactions" (commonly known as payday loans). This directly affects payday lenders, who will no longer be legally allowed to offer short-term loans secured by a customer's check or bank account debit, as the definition of such transactions is deleted from the law. The bill eliminates the specific legal framework enabling these loans, meaning payday lenders can no longer conduct this business under current state law. It does not create new licensing requirements but effectively bans the practice by removing the enabling statute.