Rep. David Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, thereby extending anti-discrimination protections to domestic workers. The legislation updates various legal definitions within the state's employment chapter to clarify terms related to gender identity, race, disability, and religious accommodation. By making these changes, the bill ensures that domestic workers are covered by the same safeguards against discrimination as other employees in the state.

Allows electronic notifications modernize language for notifications, synchronize renewal dates for certain license-types, streamline licensing requirements across several license-types, and update the unlicensed health care practices statute.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 7218 creates the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent entity separate from Providence city government and the state, to maintain the Crook Point Bascule Bridge and related property. The authority will be governed by a 3-member board appointed by the mayor (with city council approval), with members serving five-year terms and no compensation. Key provisions include the authority’s power to manage finances, enter contracts, borrow funds, and handle maintenance without burdening city or state budgets or taxes. The bill ensures the bridge’s upkeep is managed through a dedicated body, with annual financial reports submitted to city officials.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to continue processing marriage-based immigration applications in the United States rather than forcing couples to apply abroad. It specifically targets a recent unsigned memorandum that would require U.S. citizens to send their foreign spouses overseas for visa processing, a change the bill argues disrupts family unity. The document urges immigration officials to exercise discretion consistent with past practices and directs state officials to send copies of the resolution to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences and honoring the life of Janice Luongo, a prominent Rhode Island advocate who passed away in May 2026. It directly affects Luongo's family, friends, and colleagues by formally acknowledging her contributions to helping people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. The resolution highlights her specific work, including founding the publication "Street Sights" and her dedication to addressing the root causes of housing insecurity. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to Luongo's wife, Annmarie Simoli, and her family.

Amends the school funding formula to ensure that local education authorities do not lose funding due to disruptions in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allocating $320,000 from the state budget to Better Lives Rhode Island for the 2026 fiscal year. The funds are intended to support a transitional housing program specifically designed for women who are leaving prison. If passed, the money would be used to provide housing assistance as part of the reentry process for this specific group of individuals.

Authorizes the appropriation of $850,000 for New Bridges for Haitian Success for the purpose of residential property acquisition for transitional housing to support immigrants with TPS and asylum status, for the fiscal year ending 6/30/2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to require landlords to give tenants a receipt whenever rent is paid in cash. The rule applies directly to residential property owners and tenants who use cash for rent payments. Landlords must provide the receipt at the exact moment they receive the payment, ensuring there is immediate proof of the transaction. The law would become effective immediately after it is passed by the legislature.