Rep. John Lombardi

Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences of the Rhode Island House of Representatives on the passing of the Honorable Dominick J. Ruggerio, who served as President of the Rhode Island Senate. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to his family and friends.

Maddy summaryHB 5523 requires all public bodies to offer translation and interpretation services for their open meetings. This bill directly affects individuals who need language assistance, including American Sign Language (ASL), to understand or participate in these public proceedings. Public bodies would need to develop a "translation assistance plan" to ensure meeting accessibility upon request. These plans must be implemented by September 1, 2026.

Permits the family court to award custody of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the importance of helping people with criminal records reintegrate into society, citing barriers like employment discrimination and housing restrictions. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but publicly supports efforts to provide second chances. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with organizations supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a Rhode Island House resolution (not legislation), urging federal lawmakers to address concerns about Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It calls for transparency measures, stricter marketing rules, and redirecting funds from MA plans to strengthen Traditional Medicare. The resolution highlights issues like higher costs for enrollees, narrower provider networks, and profit-driven practices by MA insurers, but does not create new laws. It specifically recommends actions for Congress and federal agencies, such as requiring MA plan audits and prohibiting practices that prioritize corporate profits over patient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries or core charges when customers return used vehicle parts (like batteries or auto components). It directly affects retailers selling batteries and motor vehicle parts, requiring them to hold these deposits in trust for the state and not include them in taxable sales. The tax department must notify retailers about this exemption and post clear notices at their stores. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage, removing tax from these specific refundable fees.

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person would receive a partial refund of the fee that had been paid.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Crime Victims Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It symbolically reaffirms the state's commitment to crime victims and survivors, honoring efforts to improve services and support within the justice system. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of ongoing work to ensure victims receive trauma-informed care and justice. It directly affects all crime victims and survivors in Rhode Island by promoting awareness of available resources.