Rep. David Morales

Maddy summaryHR 7597 is a procedural joint resolution appropriating $200,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding supports RIBBA's existing services - including business development, entrepreneurship training, and access to capital for Black-owned and minority businesses - without creating new programs or altering eligibility. The resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse funds upon receipt of proper vouchers, consistent with RIBBA's current funding model through grants and public support. It directly affects RIBBA and the businesses it serves in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 8192 imposes a 2% tax on the portion of a private college's endowment exceeding $1 billion. It directly affects private institutions of higher education with endowments over $1 billion, requiring them to pay this tax on the amount above that threshold. The bill's key provision is the specific tax rate applied to the excess value, creating a new revenue source for the state. Introduced on February 27, 2026, it is currently under review by the House Finance committee.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution designates May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" to honor the role of critical thinking in scientific and social progress. The bill encourages citizens to focus on reason, the scientific method, and free inquiry when addressing issues like climate change and civil liberties. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specified individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Maddy summaryThis bill updates election nomination procedures by establishing an online portal where voters can electronically sign nomination papers for party and independent candidates. The legislation modifies existing state laws to allow digital signatures to count toward the required number of endorsements needed to qualify a candidate for the ballot. It applies to candidates for various offices, including governor, state representatives, and local positions, while maintaining the same signature thresholds as traditional paper forms. The bill also clarifies rules for how nomination papers are prepared, distributed, and verified, including provisions for candidates who cannot write their own signatures. These changes aim to modernize the nomination process while keeping the core requirements for candidate qualification intact.

Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.

Creates an intervenor compensation program to provide compensation in the form of grants for legal fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs to an intervenor in both, energy siting board and public utilities commission proceedings.

Prohibits a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile.

Permits the family court to retain jurisdiction over juveniles and allow the family court to order juveniles detained in the training school until the age of twenty-one if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child.

Requires all municipal zoning ordinances be amended to provide that any lot with access to public water/sewer services, not establish or enforce a minimum lot area that exceeds 5,000 sq.ft. for a residential building with between one and 4 dwelling units.