Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHB 7417 requires every public school in Rhode Island (including charter and vocational schools) to have a dedicated library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates specific library resources like book collections, technology, and daily student access, with staffing requirements phased in: full-time librarians for schools of 250+ students immediately, high schools by 2026-27, and all K-12 schools by 2030-31. The bill directs the education commissioner to enforce these standards, ensuring consistent library access and qualified staff. This legislation applies to all public schools and is pending passage.

Maddy summaryHB 7954 requires large social media platforms to disclose how their algorithms prioritize content. It directly affects major platforms with significant user engagement, mandating transparency about algorithmic decision-making. The bill's key provision is a requirement for platforms to explain their content-ranking systems to users and regulators. This aims to increase clarity around how user feeds are curated, without specifying particular content rules or outcomes. The bill is currently under further study in committee.

Permits the construction of residential buildings that are up to four (4) stories and sixteen (16) dwelling units with a single staircase under certain conditions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 7077) is a non-binding statement by the Rhode Island House of Representatives condemning specific immigration enforcement tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It specifically criticizes ICE's use of unmarked vehicles, plain clothes, and concealment of agents' identities during operations in Rhode Island and nationwide, which the resolution claims create community fear and undermine trust. The resolution opposes future "mass immigration raids" and "fear tactics," affirming the state's commitment to protecting all residents' rights regardless of immigration status. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Attorney General, Senate, and all municipal councils. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws or directly affect individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 to advance gender equity through research, policy advocacy, and community engagement. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's work in areas such as women's health, economic security, and civic participation, and expresses appreciation for its contributions to improving conditions for women and girls across the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the CEO of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island as an official acknowledgment of the organization's achievements.

Requires the department of elementary and secondary education to disclose whether a potential applicant's name appears on a list of teachers terminated for good cause.

Maddy summaryHB 7607 prohibits payment networks from charging swipe fees (interchange and assessment fees) on state or local taxes and separately listed gratuities (tips) in electronic payment transactions. It requires payment networks to either deduct these amounts from swipe fee calculations at settlement or rebate merchants within 180 days if tax/tip details aren't captured at checkout. This directly affects merchants (businesses accepting card payments) and payment networks like Visa or Mastercard. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and includes penalties for violations, such as civil fines up to $1,000 per incident.

Maddy summaryHB 7536 requires health insurance companies in this state to cover specific pharmacist services that would otherwise be covered if provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. It mandates coverage for services like medication management, immunizations, patient evaluations, and lab test ordering without requiring physician supervision or referrals. Health plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (not just pharmacy drug networks) and cover these services both within and outside their networks when local providers aren't available. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and expires January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature.

Charges a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each battery powered elective motor vehicle safety inspection. It would also require any vehicle, regardless of gross vehicle weight rating, to be subject to emissions inspection.

Maddy summaryHB 7990 would establish state efficiency standards for tires sold in the state, requiring manufacturers to meet specific performance criteria aimed at improving vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. It directly affects tire manufacturers (who must comply with new standards) and vehicle owners (who would purchase tires meeting these requirements). The key provision sets measurable efficiency targets for tires, with the goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House State Government & Elections committee, having been referred for further study after a committee hearing.