Rep. Jay Edwards

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally designates February 20, 2026, as "National Caregivers Day" within Rhode Island to recognize caregivers. The resolution cites the national observance established by PAHHHA and highlights statistics about family caregivers' time commitments, but creates no new laws or funding. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to PAHHHA.

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's 24/7 service connecting residents to health, housing, food, and emergency resources. It recognizes United Way 211's role since 2007 in handling nearly 100,000 requests in 2025 and supporting public emergencies. The resolution is symbolic - no new policies or funding are created - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way and partners. It directly honors United Way 211 and its community collaborators, not specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It formally recognizes February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages all residents to support oral health education and preventive care for children, citing the importance of early dental visits and addressing barriers to access. It has no new requirements or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Dental Association.

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2027.

Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.

Allows on and after September 1, 2026, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

Maddy summaryHB 7354 permits motorcycles to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or very slow-moving vehicles (under 10 mph) in the same lane - under specific conditions. It requires motorcycle riders to filter at speeds no faster than 20 mph, only when lanes are wide enough for safe passing, and when road conditions allow continued safe operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders and drivers on roads where this practice is permitted, modifying existing traffic rules to explicitly allow this maneuver. It takes effect upon passage and does not change general speed limits or traffic laws beyond this specific provision.

Authorizes a blanket permit and fee to allow the movement of self-propelled cranes which are in excess of size and weight load requirements, to move on state highways.

Maddy summaryHB 7497 provides state agencies with a specific definition of antisemitism - adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 2016 - to evaluate potential discrimination cases. The bill requires state agencies to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or determining violations of anti-discrimination laws, including those based on religion or country of origin. It also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and ensures the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state discrimination laws. The bill applies directly to state government operations, not private individuals or businesses. It takes effect upon passage.