Sen. Jonathon Acosta

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a postsecondary tuition assistance program in Rhode Island for individuals pursuing teaching degrees in "shortage teaching fields," such as middle and high school science and mathematics. Administered by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, the program provides funds for tuition, room, board, mandatory fees, and other costs of attending a Rhode Island postsecondary institution. To qualify, recipients must commit to completing at least three years of full-time teaching in a designated shortage field within the state. If this service requirement is not fulfilled, the tuition assistance converts into a loan that must be repaid by the individual. The program is open to both Rhode Island residents and non-residents and does not require SAT or AP scores for admission to the teaching program.

Creates an 11 member commission to analyze the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms on Black Rhode Islanders, and would report back by February 5, 2026, and expire on April 5, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 176 establishes the "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Act." This bill allows students aged 18-21 (or up to 22) with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities, who receive special education services, to attend state colleges and universities. These students are not required to meet standard college admission criteria like entrance exams or a high school diploma. The act aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities, including participation in courses and development of employment and independent living skills, with costs covered as part of their special education services.

Maddy summarySB 478 amends licensing rules for midwives to expand their prescribing authority for specific medications related to maternal and infant health. Certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) would be permitted to prescribe up to 51 listed medications - including antibiotics for infections, medications for hemorrhage, prenatal vitamins, vaccines, and pain management - under oversight by the Department of Health. This directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by allowing midwives to address common health needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum without requiring physician referrals for these specific treatments. The bill does not change midwives' scope for complex medical conditions but formalizes existing practices for routine care. It is pending further committee review after a recent recommendation to hold it for additional study.

Mandates that all restaurants offering children's meals offer at least two (2) children's meals that complies with certain detailed nutritional standards set forth in the act.

Maddy summarySB 100 eliminates the sunset date for child care assistance for eligible child care educators and staff working at least 20 hours weekly in licensed facilities. This permanent change (previously set to expire July 2025) ensures ongoing funding for these workers to access child care while they work, directly affecting early childhood educators and staff providing services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill requires the department to provide this assistance without time limits, maintaining the same eligibility criteria as current programs. This policy change specifically modifies Section (k) of the Rhode Island Works Program, making a temporary provision permanent for affected child care professionals.

Directs the DHS and the department of education to work collaboratively to sustain and strengthen existing workforce development and compensation programs for educators working in licensed child care and early learning programs statewide.

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments, including the right to clean and sanitary conditions and impose penalties for violations of the rights set forth in this chapter in the amount of $500 per violation.

Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.