Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the Rhode Island Early Care and Education Workforce Data Act to formally establish a statewide registry for early childhood educators. The Department of Human Services must implement this system by July 1, 2025, to collect data on staff working in licensed child care centers and family homes, including their demographics, qualifications, and turnover rates. Once established, the registry will provide educators with professional development opportunities and allow the state to generate annual reports on workforce characteristics for the public and government officials.

Relocates the chapter relating to licensing of massage therapists from the health and safety title to the businesses and professions title with multiple amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase visibility of arts programs in Rhode Island public middle and high schools. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, schools must report annually on the percentage of students enrolled in arts courses and the number of available classes in dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts. Additionally, the state may appoint arts education curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these reporting requirements, and high schools must begin submitting student portfolios demonstrating proficiency in an art form by the 2026-27 school year.

Changes the term "assumed name" to "trade name" and centralizes the filing, administration and regulation process of trade names to the secretary of state and also requires an annual renewal of the trade name.

Mandates, as of 1/1/26, all recovery housing facilities register with department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals adhere to the National Alliance for Recovery Residences process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's laws to require healthcare facilities to inform patients about their breast density using specific national standards after a mammogram. It mandates that reports sent to patients must include a standardized message explaining that dense tissue can make it harder to detect cancer and may suggest additional screening options like ultrasounds or MRIs. The law applies to all facilities performing mammograms and requires them to provide this information starting October 1, 2014, with the goal of encouraging patients to discuss their results with their doctors.

Specifies the requirements and procedures for licensing lactation counselors as well as the renewal, expiration, termination, refusal, revocation and suspension of licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the expiration date set for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which was scheduled to end on July 1, 2025. By repealing this sunset provision, the legislation ensures that the rules allowing doctors to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses remain in effect indefinitely. The change directly impacts medical professionals who rely on the compact to work across state lines and the patients they serve. No new requirements or operational changes are introduced; the bill simply prevents an existing framework from automatically shutting down.

Allows victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds under the State Crime Victim Compensation Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Social Work Licensure Compact that allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple member states with a single license. It creates a commission to manage the system, which includes sharing information about licenses and disciplinary actions between states. The law aims to improve public access to services, reduce the need for multiple licenses, and support military families by enabling easier interstate practice. Additionally, the compact permits the use of telehealth to expand service availability while maintaining each state's authority to protect public safety.