Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summarySB 2212 automatically extends teaching licenses for 3 or 5 years without fees or penalties for all teachers certified as of July 1, 2026. It also waives all application and Praxis exam fees for new teacher certifications through June 30, 2029, to support recruitment. The bill requires the Rhode Island Department of Education to revise certification rules to create flexible pathways, including credit for work experience or competency demonstrations, for both initial and additional teaching credentials.

Requires that the state’s share to support public library services in fiscal year 2027 be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town in the second preceding fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Rhode Island's unfair discrimination protections in accident and sickness insurance policies to include additional categories such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and reproductive health services. It prohibits healthcare entities from denying coverage, limiting benefits, or discriminating against individuals based on characteristics including race, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, and gender identity, while also banning categorical exclusions for gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare. The legislation requires insurers to provide clear notices to enrollees about their nondiscrimination rights and grievance procedures, and establishes penalties for violations while preserving legitimate medical management decisions unrelated to bias.

Redefines dyslexia to mean a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography.

Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for students of this state.

Maddy summarySB 2015 removes an existing licensing exemption for lenders who originate fewer than six loans in any 12-month period in Rhode Island. This change directly affects small lenders, including independent brokers or micro-lenders, requiring them to obtain a license under the state's financial institution regulations starting January 1, 2027. The key mechanism eliminates a specific exception in current law that previously allowed these entities to operate without oversight. The bill does not alter other existing exemptions for nonprofit lenders, large commercial loans, or certain financial institutions.

Effective January 1, 2028, Increases the hourly minimum wage in accordance with the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region for the previous four (4) fiscal years.

Designates the month of May, annually, as "Rhode Island Native Plant Month," with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize and educate people about Rhode Island's native plants.

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

Prohibits bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents from engaging in civil immigration enforcement, define such conduct as unprofessional, and subject violators to professional discipline under Rhode Island law.