Rep. John Lombardi

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution extends the deepest condolences of the State of Rhode Island House of Representatives on the passing of Dorothy Jean McCaffrey, also known as "Dottie." The resolution acknowledges her life, her contributions to her family and community, and directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to her family.

Maddy summaryHB 5884 amends existing Rhode Island law regarding tinted windows on motor vehicles. The bill specifically creates a new exemption for members of the Rhode Island judiciary. This means that motor vehicles owned and operated by Rhode Island judiciary members would not be subject to the state's restrictions on nontransparent windshields and windows.

Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

Increases the membership of the state crime laboratory commission from five (5) to nine (9). The overseer and co-executive secretaries of the commission have been changed to the deans of URI's colleges of pharmacy and engineering.

Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would create four (4) year terms for general assembly members and impose term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2028 election.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5488, "The School Libraries Act," mandates that every public school in the state establish and maintain a dedicated school library. It requires these libraries to include essential elements such as adequate book collections, study space, technology, and a budget for materials. The bill also stipulates that all public schools must employ certified school librarians, with staffing levels varying based on student population and a phased implementation schedule extending through the 2030-2031 school year. Furthermore, it ensures students have daily access to their school library resources, including extended hours for secondary schools.

Maddy summaryHB 5335 proposes to terminate the extended turnaround plan for the Providence public school district (PPSD). Specifically, the bill would nullify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's decision from August 29, 2024, which extended the PPSD's turnaround action plan until October 15, 2027. If enacted, this means the PPSD would no longer be operating under that particular extended turnaround status. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5113 amends the general powers and duties of school committees. This bill specifically mandates that school committees provide transportation services for any students who reside two (2) or more miles from their school. The legislation modifies an existing section of law to include this requirement, ensuring that students meeting the distance criteria are guaranteed access to school transportation.

Requires the department of education to develop and make available for use in all schools a mental health curriculum. School districts would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.