Rep. David Morales

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6196) is a symbolic proclamation designating April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes libraries as community hubs that provide free access to resources, promote digital equity, and support diverse populations. The resolution encourages all residents to visit libraries during this week and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Rhode Island libraries and the Office of Library and Information Services. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to honor library services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state's history of linguistic diversity and aims to highlight the educational needs of students learning multiple languages, while encouraging schools to adopt inclusive practices like dual-language programs. The resolution has no binding requirements but formally calls for community recognition and advocacy to support these learners' academic success.

Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 6164 creates a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office to address consumer protection, health care regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against businesses or organizations engaging in repeated illegal activities that harm the public, including seeking court orders to stop such conduct and recover restitution or fines. It requires the bureau to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes like injunctions or penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to entities already exempted under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 5297 allows married partners of inmates to have conjugal visits at state correctional facilities under specific rules. It sets a maximum of four hours per visit and six visits annually, prohibits video monitoring, and bans contraband exchanges during visits. To schedule a visit, applicants must provide a marriage certificate and follow facility procedures. The Corrections Department must create implementation rules and train staff by the bill's effective date of January 1, 2026. This directly affects incarcerated individuals and their spouses seeking these visits.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's HR 5733 is a resolution recognizing the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe for specific limited purposes. It directly affects the tribe by enabling them to access federal education, job training, housing benefits, and protections for artwork sales under federal programs. The resolution explicitly states this recognition does not grant rights to operate casinos, sell tobacco or fuel, claim land, or affect federal recognition status. It is strictly limited to helping the tribe qualify for existing federal benefits and protections, with no broader legal implications.

Establishes The Body Cameras for Correctional Facilities Act which mandates all department of corrections staff with direct supervision rolls to wear body cameras while on duty in their assigned facility.

Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Allows eligible individuals serving sentences of imprisonment to seek sentence reductions from the superior court, individuals serving life without parole or minimum mandatory sentences pursuant to law, would not be eligible for such relief.