Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.
Eliminate all exceptions to the provision that all employees are to be paid weekly except for employees of the state and its political subdivisions, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations with less than twenty-five (25) employees.
Maddy summaryHB 5507 gradually increases the minimum cash wage for employees in tipped occupations (like restaurants and hotels) who rely on gratuities. Starting from $3.89 per hour in 2017, it raises this rate by $0.50 annually until 2026, then increases by $2.00 each year through 2030 to reach $14.95 per hour. By January 1, 2031, these workers will receive the same minimum wage as non-tipped employees, eliminating the tip credit. The bill directly affects tipped workers in qualifying industries and requires employers to pay at least the stated cash wage without deducting gratuities below the specified thresholds.
Maddy summaryHB 5508 would set a new minimum wage of $22.00 per hour for covered workers, effective January 1, 2026. This amendment updates the existing minimum wage schedule in the state's labor law, which has previously increased incrementally since 1999. The bill directly affects all employers subject to minimum wage requirements under state law, including most private-sector workers. The change represents a significant increase from the current $15.00 hourly rate set to take effect in 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5983 requires all public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island to provide free breakfasts and lunches through federal programs like the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. It mandates that schools offer these meals to all students from families meeting federal or state income criteria for free or reduced-price meals, with the state covering the funding gap between federal reimbursement rates for free and reduced-price meals. This bill directly affects public school students from low-income households and school districts receiving state funding adjustments to support meal programs. The policy change takes effect upon passage, ensuring consistent access to free school meals for eligible students through expanded state and federal funding.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.
Maddy summaryHB 5321 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning within the state government by June 2027 to manage the state's child care system. It directly affects families with young children (capping child care costs at 7% of income), child care providers, and early educators by providing direct funding to cover costs not met by family fees. Key provisions include requiring providers to improve educator wages to match K-12 standards, expanding access in underserved areas, and ensuring care for children with disabilities. The bill aims to make high-quality child care affordable and accessible statewide while consolidating oversight from multiple departments.
Maddy summaryHR 5059 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It recognizes his civil rights legacy and efforts to advance equality, without creating new laws or affecting any specific group. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, Rhode Island's congressional delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact beyond acknowledging Dr. King's historical significance.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5061) honors Ruth Ann "Diamond" Madsen, a Rhode Island advocate for unhoused residents who passed away on December 18, 2024. It recognizes her volunteer work with organizations like the George Wiley Center, the Rhode Island Poor People's Campaign, and Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, where she provided shelter, supplies, and meals to those in need. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House on January 15, 2025, formally acknowledges her contributions and directs the Secretary of State to share a certified copy with her community partners. It has no policy or funding provisions, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.
