Rep. Lauren Carson

Maddy summaryHR 7263 is a symbolic resolution designating January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs but serves to publicly highlight maternal health issues, including preventable deaths and racial disparities in care. The resolution references state efforts like the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee and ongoing collaborations to address maternal health challenges. It was passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 22, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7264) formally recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Deborah J. Piasecki's promotion to Chief Master Sergeant - the highest enlisted rank in the Rhode Island Air National Guard - by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It highlights her service with the 143d Force Support Squadron and leadership in personnel management, including a cross-unit training initiative. The resolution has no policy impact; it solely expresses the House's appreciation for her service to Rhode Island and the nation. It was passed by the House on January 22, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Piasecki.

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.

Requires the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways

Authorizes the DEM, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement, to enforce the prohibition on the intentional simultaneous release of ten or more balloons.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for the late David R. Carlin, Jr., a former Rhode Island State Senate Majority Leader and longtime public servant. It formally honors his life, career in education, and public service, including his roles in the Senate, Newport School Committee, and as a Democratic Party leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

Maddy summaryHB 5494 adds consumer protections to Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies in the state. It prohibits policies from duplicating Medicare benefits and bans exclusions for preexisting conditions after six months of coverage, defining preexisting conditions as those requiring medical advice within six months before coverage begins. The bill guarantees issue rights for applicants under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (without medical underwriting) and requires annual guaranteed issue for all Medicare Part A/B enrollees during a one-month enrollment period. The commissioner must establish regulations for policy standards, premium rates, and loss ratios to align with federal requirements.

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

Maddy summaryHB 5726, the Freedom to Read Act, prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing materials based on disagreement with their content (such as race, gender, or political views), while allowing removals only for content deemed developmentally inappropriate or legally obscene. It requires public libraries to adopt a model policy for material selection and a formal reconsideration process where patrons can challenge materials through a written form, with reviews completed within 30 days by a committee including library staff. The law mandates that challenged materials remain available during review and requires governing bodies to provide written justifications for removal decisions, making them publicly available. This directly affects public libraries, school libraries, and patrons who use these services by establishing clear, transparent procedures for handling material challenges.