Rep. Mary Messier

Establishes a fund to support children’s community-based providers’ infrastructure changes necessary and related to the state’s Medicaid transformation initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 7145 modifies firearm storage laws by adding "Dillon's Law" to the section title (a procedural change), while establishing new safe storage requirements. It requires firearms to be stored in locked containers or secured with tamper-resistant locks to prevent access by children or prohibited persons (e.g., those banned from owning guns by law). Violations result in escalating penalties: first offenses incur fines up to $250, second offenses up to $1,000, and third offenses may lead to up to six months in jail or a $500 fine. Criminal storage charges apply if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes injury or uses it in a crime, with enhanced penalties for such outcomes. The law explicitly excludes cases where firearms are locked, being carried lawfully, or accessed during lawful self-defense.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $118,422 to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network to support Rhode Island’s Medicare-Medicaid Dual Ombudsman Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's tax and sales regulations on electronic nicotine-delivery systems by classifying menthol as a flavored product. It prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products to consumers within the state. The law defines characterizing flavors broadly to include menthol along with other tastes or aromas such as fruit, mint, chocolate, and vanilla, and requires consideration of product labeling and advertising claims when determining flavor status. Licensed compassion centers and cannabis cultivators remain exempt from this ban, except for products containing tobacco or nicotine. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Fire Services Training Fund to support firefighter training programs. It directly affects firefighters and fire departments by creating a dedicated state funding source for their professional development. The fund will be managed under state government oversight, though the abstract does not specify funding sources or administrative details. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on creating the fund structure.

Maddy summaryHB 7581 creates new state funding streams for specific education needs in Rhode Island school districts. It provides direct funding for special education costs exceeding 4x the core foundation amount, career and technical education program setup/maintenance, voluntary pre-K access, and transportation costs for students in regional districts or out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regional school districts a two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) for regionalization. School districts seeking reimbursement must share costs if total requests exceed available funds, with the Department of Education prorating allocations annually. This bill primarily affects public school districts, special education programs, and regional education entities across Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHR 8204 authorizes the City of Pawtucket to issue up to $22.5 million in city bonds, notes, or other debt instruments to finance school construction, renovations, or repairs at Samuel Slater Middle School or for a new middle school facility. It directly affects Pawtucket's public school infrastructure by enabling funding for building projects, design costs, demolition, athletic fields, landscaping, and parking. The bill does not change existing school policies but provides a financial mechanism for capital improvements. The resolution is pending in the House Finance Committee after introduction on February 27, 2026.

Mandates additional state education funding for the mental and behavioral health of students equal to 2% of the district’s total expenditures, and require those funds be used to hire staff such as school social workers, and behavioral specialists.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination in voting by creating new legal standards that political subdivisions must follow. It prohibits election policies or practices that disproportionately affect protected classes based on race, color, language, disability, or other characteristics, without requiring proof of intentional discrimination to establish a violation. The law also addresses vote dilution by restricting election methods that impair the ability of protected groups to elect candidates of their choice, particularly when racially polarized voting is present. Local governments and election administrators would need to ensure their procedures do not create material disparities in voter access or participation opportunities.

Provides that retirees in the state pension system receive cost of living adjustments compounded into the retiree’s total retirement benefits each year beginning January 1, 2026. This act would be prospective only.