Rep. Alex Finkelman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 20, 2026, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the impact of Alzheimer's disease on the state's residents. The resolution acknowledges the disease's prevalence, noting that over 24,000 Rhode Islanders are affected and that caregiving places significant strain on families. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter to support awareness efforts. The measure focuses on raising public consciousness about Alzheimer's rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

Excludes from the definition of an "employee" any individual employed in catering, commissary, or food establishment, for purposes of the provisions requiring payment of wages at one and one-half normal rate of pay for work on holidays and Sundays.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how interest is calculated on civil court judgments for money damages. Instead of using a fixed 12% annual rate, it requires courts to use the current yield from U.S. Treasury bill auctions (specifically the last 52-week auction before the lawsuit was filed). The change applies to most civil cases filed after the bill passes, but medical malpractice cases (personal injury/wrongful death against healthcare providers) remain subject to the 12% rate starting from when a claim is formally notified. This policy update directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits where interest is added to awarded damages.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 2025 as "Fragile X Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes Fragile X Syndrome as the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism, affecting over 100,000 Americans. The resolution urges Rhode Islanders to raise awareness, share information, and support research and families impacted by Fragile X Syndrome. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the National Fragile X Foundation and Little Rhody Warriors. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with policy changes.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires third-party companies that fund lawsuits (called "litigation financiers") to register with Rhode Island's Department of Business Regulation and post a $50,000 bond. It bans financiers from paying lawyers for referrals, making misleading ads, controlling legal cases, or reporting consumers to credit agencies if funds are insufficient. The law mandates clear written contracts for consumers and prohibits financiers from influencing settlement decisions or waiving consumer rights. It directly affects litigation financiers, consumers in lawsuits, and legal representatives by creating transparency and preventing conflicts of interest.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island, commemorating the 81st anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation. It encourages Rhode Island citizens to engage in educational activities and reflect on the Holocaust's history and lessons. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Holocaust museums and community organizations in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a symbolic commitment to remembering Holocaust victims and combating antisemitism.

Authorizes a municipality to adopt by local ordinance, a veterans' property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

Protects the rights of employees in the workplace relating to free speech, assembly and religion, as well as attendance at employer-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious matters.