Rep. Enrique Sanchez

Maddy summaryHB 7595 would impose a 1% tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals and businesses (defined as "artificial persons") with significant assets like stocks, business ownership, and intellectual property. The tax is calculated annually based on the fair market value of these assets as of December 31 each year. This directly affects high-net-worth residents and entities domiciled in Rhode Island, excluding certain exempt intangible assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes school counselors' roles in supporting student development, career exploration, and collaboration with parents and educators. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It solely serves to honor the profession through symbolic recognition during the specified week.

Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 8/1/26, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7025 requires Rhode Island school committees to provide transportation for any student living two or more miles from their assigned school. This policy change directly affects school committees statewide and the students who reside at that distance from their school. The bill amends existing law to explicitly mandate this transportation service as a specific duty of school committees, adding it to their list of responsibilities under Section 16-2-9(21). The requirement applies to all public school districts and takes effect upon passage.

Establishes a two-year pilot program, from January 2027 to December 2028, to incorporate equity impact statements into the legislative process for both the House and Senate chamber.

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 summaryHB 7065 requires all liquid beverages sold in Rhode Island to reduce their added sugars content by 50% by January 1, 2030, compared to the sugar levels measured on July 1, 2026. The law applies directly to beverage manufacturers and retailers operating within Rhode Island, mandating reformulation to meet the new standard. "Added sugars" is defined using existing FDA labeling rules (21 CFR Part 101), ensuring consistency with federal guidelines. The bill establishes a clear timeline for implementation without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.