Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHB 5731 allows Rhode Island driver education schools to offer required driver training courses both in-person and through instructor-led virtual formats for a two-year trial period (October 2025-October 2027). This applies to applicants under 18 seeking their first license, while maintaining existing curriculum standards (including 33 hours of instruction covering Rhode Island traffic laws and alcohol/drug education). The state board of education must analyze virtual vs. in-person training effectiveness and report findings to lawmakers by December 2027. Exemptions apply to applicants over 18 or those with a valid out-of-state license held for at least one year.

Maddy summaryHB 5730 expands an existing annual permit program for oversized vehicles to include boats and marine equipment. It allows construction companies and operators to pay a $400 annual fee instead of individual $40 permits for non-divisible loads like boats or marine assets under 130,000 pounds. The permit covers specific size limits (max 80 feet long, 12 feet 4 inches wide, 130,000 pounds gross weight) and requires flashing lights and warning flags. This change directly affects businesses transporting heavy, non-divisible equipment such as boats, simplifying compliance for routine moves while maintaining safety requirements.

Prohibits a manufacturer from manufacturing, knowingly selling, offering for sale, distributing for sale or distributing for use in the state any firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally-added PFAS as of January 1, 2027.

Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.

Maddy summaryHB 6166 prohibits sexual harassment in legislative settings, defining it as unwanted sexual advances, requests for favors, or other inappropriate sexual conduct. It applies directly to all individuals involved in legislative work, including lawmakers, all legislative staff (full-time, part-time, temporary), interns, volunteers, and lobbyists. The bill requires complaints to be filed with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission for investigation and mandates annual anti-harassment training for all covered individuals, with completion records made public. Failure to complete training could result in disciplinary actions like warnings, reprimands, or termination.

Maddy summaryHB 6368 prohibits insurance discrimination in Rhode Island health plans by expanding protections to cover race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), age, disability, and other categories. It bans insurers from denying coverage, limiting benefits, or imposing extra costs for specific services like gender-affirming care or reproductive health based on these protected characteristics. The law requires coverage decisions to be based on medical necessity, not discrimination, and applies to all health-benefit plans offered by insurance companies, hospitals, and healthcare entities in the state. This directly affects both insurance consumers and healthcare providers who must comply with these non-discrimination standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution congratulating Joseph Hicks of Johnston, Rhode Island, on winning the American Trucking Association's 2024 National Truck Driving Championship (4-Axle Tractor Trailer Class). It recognizes him as the first Rhode Islander to win this championship, highlighting his six-time Rhode Island Truck Driving Championship titles and one million accident-free driving miles. The resolution formally expresses the House's admiration for his achievements and family support, directing the Secretary of State to send him a certified copy. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law or affect policy, but solely offers formal recognition.

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in published notice to their agendas for purposes of discussion only if the revised agenda is filed with the secretary of state and posted on district website at least 48 hrs in advance of the meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 30, 2025, as "World MS Day" in Rhode Island. It formally expresses the state's appreciation for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 79-year mission to advance research and support for people with MS, highlighting their $1 billion in research funding. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies - it solely serves to honor the Society's work through official recognition. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Society's chairman. (Note: This is a procedural, commemorative resolution, not a law with concrete policy changes.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6367) is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 as "Brain Cancer and Tumor Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the impact of brain tumors - highlighting statistics like 200 annual diagnoses in the state and their effect on patients and families. The resolution urges Rhode Islanders to support research and treatment, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation and the American Brain Tumor Association. As a commemorative measure, it has no direct regulatory or financial impact on individuals or organizations.