Rep. Scott Slater

Maddy summaryHR 7059 is a joint resolution appropriating $100,000 to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging for the Alliance for Better Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This funding directly supports the state's ombudsman program, which advocates for residents in nursing homes (76 facilities, 8,405 beds), assisted living residences (65 facilities, 5,209 units), and specialized facilities like the Bristol Veterans’ Home. The program handles complaints - such as abuse, neglect, and care issues - on behalf of vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities receiving long-term care. The resolution addresses a funding gap, as the program’s workload has more than tripled since 2023, with complaints rising from 597 to 1,787 in 2025.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $300,000 to the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner for the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Terminal Patients' Right to Try Act, would allow terminally ill patients in Rhode Island to access unapproved drugs, biologics, or medical devices that have completed early clinical trials but are not yet FDA-approved. The law directly affects patients with life-threatening conditions who have exhausted standard treatment options, as well as healthcare providers, facilities, and drug manufacturers involved in their care. Key provisions include granting immunity from lawsuits to manufacturers and providers if they follow proper procedures and obtain informed consent, while also defining specific eligibility criteria such as requiring physician diagnosis and excluding those who can participate in standard clinical trials. The legislation aims to remove legal barriers to accessing experimental treatments while maintaining oversight through institutional review boards and informed consent requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.

Maddy summaryHB 8486 authorizes the committees of the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely during meetings. Under this bill, individuals can participate via electronic communication, such as telephone conferencing or videoconferencing, provided that remote participants are audible and visible to those present in the room. The legislation also includes specific requirements for public notice when videoconferencing is used and ensures that a quorum of the committee members must be participating for the meeting to proceed. This change aims to increase accessibility for the public without altering the existing rules regarding closed sessions or disruptive conduct.

Increases historic tax credit to 30%, and up to 35%, depending on the amount of rental area available for multi-family housing, affordable rental units and units sold as affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHB 7803 establishes a state-funded rental subsidy program in Rhode Island to help extremely low, very low, and low-income households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It allocates $25 million from the state general fund (starting July 2026) to provide project-based rental assistance, meaning the subsidy is tied to specific housing units rather than individual tenants. The program requires that tenants pay no more than 30% of their gross income toward rent (after utility allowances), regardless of area median income thresholds, and prioritizes households referred through Rhode Island’s Continuum of Care or Olmstead Plan. The program will be administered by the state’s executive office of housing, ensuring units meet federal safety standards and comply with fair housing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 8186 modifies the revenue-sharing structure for sports wagering operations in the state. It specifically changes the percentage of sports wagering revenue that host facilities (such as casinos or racetracks) receive. The bill redefines existing sports wagering sections to implement this adjustment. The current abstract does not specify the exact percentage change or additional provisions. As introduced on February 27, 2026, no further details about the specific percentage or broader impacts are provided in the available context.

Provides that every gas distribution company that charges for the distribution of would need to include certain information on any bill or statement provided to the consumer.

Adopts several concepts from other jurisdictions with the goal of promoting a stronger climate for business growth in Rhode Island, including a "Franchise Fee" in lieu of the corporation tax.