Maddy summaryThis bill amends state liquor licensing laws to allow the issuance of a new Class BV license for a specific property at 819 Westminster Street in Providence, Rhode Island. The legislation modifies existing restrictions that typically prevent alcohol licenses from being issued near schools, churches, or properties where neighbors object, creating a special exemption for this particular location. By adding this specific property to the list of exempted areas, the bill enables the Providence Board of Licenses to approve the license despite proximity concerns that would normally apply under current rules. The change directly affects the ability to operate an alcohol retail establishment at the specified address and adjusts how licensing authorities evaluate applications in that area.
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Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.
Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.
Requires that before any fire fighter or police officer is eligible to receive benefits for illness or injury sustained off duty, they prove they had reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency existed that required immediate need of their assistance.
Requires any licensed lab performing blood lead analyses of a child under 6 to be certified by the director and said laboratory must perform this test regardless of the child or child’s parent’s ability to pay and at no cost.
Provides that any schools days a public school is closed due to a declared state of emergency be deemed excused for purposes of compliance with minimum school days calendar requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 7938 requires the state department of health to administer the licensing exam for certified nursing assistants in both English and Spanish. This directly affects nursing assistants seeking licensure, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, by improving access to the exam. The bill mandates that the exam be offered in both languages without changing the content or requirements for passing. It takes effect upon passage and does not alter other provisions like fee structures or exemptions.
Enables the Rhode Island public transit authority (RIPTA) to work with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to allow commuter rail passes to be used as dual passes for both RIPTA and MBTA.
Maddy summaryHB 7152 increases the property tax exemption for veterans from $1,000 to $6,000 specifically for municipal taxes. This directly affects veterans who own property in municipalities covered by this bill. The key provision raises the exemption amount, reducing the taxable value of their primary residence. The bill is currently pending in the House Municipal Government & Housing committee after being referred on January 16, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates June 2026 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese community. It recognizes the group's historical contributions to the state's economy, culture, and public service, as well as key landmarks like the Our Lady of the Rosary Church. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to state officials, Portuguese government leaders, and local organizations.