Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, media outlets, and community organizations to replace stigmatizing terms like "addict" or "clean" with person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder" or "in recovery"). It calls for adopting respectful communication to reduce barriers to treatment and recovery, emphasizing evidence-based approaches endorsed by health organizations. The resolution also supports statewide educational campaigns on stigma and invites the public to attend a Recovery Day Event at the Rhode Island State House on May 29, 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but promotes cultural change in how substance use disorders are discussed.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5196 eliminates the sunset date for child care funding specifically for Rhode Island child care educators and staff. The bill extends permanent eligibility for this program, which previously would have expired on July 31, 2025. It directly affects licensed childcare workers who provide care in centers or family homes for at least 20 hours weekly, as well as staff offering early intervention services to infants and toddlers. The provision ensures these workers continue to receive child care assistance to support their own employment, removing a temporary expiration. This is a policy change that makes an existing benefit permanent for this specific workforce group.
Creates the Rhode Island Childcare Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state’s childcare subsidy program and expands eligibility for the program to meet the federal eligibility benchmark.
Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.
Maddy summaryHB 5145 amends the existing definitions related to motor vehicles. Specifically, it expands the definition of an "automobile" for registration purposes to include trucks that have a gross vehicle weight of 8,000 pounds or less. This change allows owners of these lighter trucks to obtain passenger registration license plates instead of other types of vehicle registration.
Maddy summaryHB 5317 amends the law regarding the relocation of utility services necessitated by state highway construction projects. This bill specifies that private corporations and companies will be reimbursed by the state for 50% of the reasonable costs to move their utility facilities. For utility facilities owned by municipalities, political subdivisions, or state agencies, the state will provide full reimbursement for relocation expenses. These reimbursements apply when state-initiated highway projects require the relocation of utility infrastructure.
Maddy summaryHB 5144 proposes to change the methodology for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) payments to nursing facilities and other long-term care providers. It authorizes the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to review and modify the current system, allowing a shift from a price-based methodology back to a cost-based one. This new system would account for factors like patient needs, facility operating costs, and include regular inflation adjustments. A significant portion of future rate increases would be dedicated to boosting compensation for eligible direct-care workers. The bill also mandates comprehensive rate reviews every three years and establishes incentives for facilities that meet performance benchmarks.
Maddy summaryHB 6236 proposes to amend the structure of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. It redefines the geographical boundaries of nine school bus regions, affecting pupils attending public, vocational, special education, and certain nonpublic schools. Local school committees are tasked with providing bus transportation for eligible students residing within their specific region. The bill also includes provisions for a transition period for existing transportation arrangements and addresses funding for specific educational programs, including a stabilization fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center.
Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6342 proclaims the month of May to be "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. It encourages the people of Rhode Island to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities to raise awareness.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution commemorates Lao New Year, known as "Pi Mai Lao," extending best wishes to the Lao people. It recognizes the cultural significance of the holiday and the contributions of the Laotian American community, particularly in Rhode Island.