Rep. John Lombardi

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 27, 2026, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day" to highlight rising food insecurity in the state. It does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes the issue through a symbolic declaration. The resolution references current data showing 34% of Rhode Island households face food insecurity, with higher rates among communities of color. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Governor, serving only as a ceremonial observance.

Requires mandatory training standards for police officers and trainees, in identifying, responding, and handling all incidents involving any person with a developmental disability.

Changes the timeframe of the Revenue Estimating Conferences meeting to within the last ten (10) days of April and the first ten (10) days of November of each year.

Maddy summaryHB 7023 would have restructured governance for Rhode Island's Urban Collaborative, requiring it to be led by a five-member board of trustees instead of its previous structure. The board would include the Providence superintendent (or designee), representatives from other participating districts, and members appointed by the education council. Key provisions would have transferred state education funding directly to the collaborative (rather than local districts) and allowed it to receive federal aid, grants, and Medicaid revenue as if it were a single school district. This would have affected Providence, Pawtucket, East Providence, Central Falls, and other participating urban school districts collaborating on alternative education programs. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn the same month.

Maddy summaryHB 7024 would have restructured governance for Rhode Island's Urban Collaborative, a partnership of school districts including Providence, Pawtucket, East Providence, and Central Falls. The bill would have required the collaborative to be governed by a 5-member board of trustees (featuring superintendents from participating districts and appointed members) instead of its previous structure. It also outlined specific funding mechanisms, directing state education aid to flow directly to the collaborative and requiring local districts to transfer funds to support its operations. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn at the sponsor's request and never took effect.

Maddy summaryHB 7109 bans healthcare providers and facilities from paying or receiving money (like commissions, kickbacks, or bonuses) to refer patients to other providers or facilities. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, and brokers involved in patient referrals, prohibiting financial incentives that steer patients. The bill establishes penalties: fines of $50,000 for fewer than 10 patients, $100,000 for 10-19 patients, and $500,000 for 20+ patients, enforced by the Rhode Island Attorney General. Certain exceptions apply, such as standard insurance agent fees or payments within group practices. The law aims to prevent unethical financial arrangements in healthcare referrals.

Maddy summaryHR 7101 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 28th anniversary of Funda Fest, organized by the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS). It recognizes RIBS' mission since 1998 to promote Black storytelling through performances and educational events, and acknowledges Funda Fest's 28-year history of engaging thousands statewide. The resolution urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in Funda Fest 2026 (January 13-25) to learn about Black history and traditions through storytelling. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to RIBS, with no new policies or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in Rhode Island. It formally honors law enforcement officers for their service and urges citizens to show appreciation through actions like wearing blue clothing, writing thank-you notes, or participating in the annual Blue Blood Drive (January 1-14). The resolution has no binding policy changes and is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Fraternal Order of Police.

Maddy summaryHB 6394 modifies property tax levy limits for cities and towns in Rhode Island, with specific provisions for Providence. It gradually reduces the maximum annual tax increase cap from 5.5% (through 2007) down to 4% (starting 2013), requiring local governments to stay within these limits unless exceptions apply. The bill includes a special provision allowing Providence to exceed its cap in fiscal year 2026 for revenue from Class 2B property tax rates above $28.80 per $1,000 valuation. Exceptions permitting higher taxes include certified revenue shortfalls, emergencies (like health insurance spikes), debt service increases, or major new construction requiring infrastructure spending.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.