Rep. Arthur Handy

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special legislative commission to study the need for establishing an Office of the Elder Advocate in Rhode Island. The commission will consist of thirteen members, including representatives from the legislature, legal organizations, senior advocacy groups, and older adults, who will meet to examine unmet needs and existing systems for protecting older residents. The group will provide recommendations on the structure, powers, and funding for such an office and must submit its final report to the House of Representatives by March 15, 2027.

Updates the RI coordinate system to adopt the most recent system of plane coordinates established by the NGS, a federal agency which is part of NOAA and the USDC. Modifies the meter to foot conversion to adopt the international foot to provide uniformity.

Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.

Maddy summaryHB 7910 creates a program requiring companies that produce packaging and paper products (like food containers, boxes, and paper goods) to manage their recycling. It directly affects manufacturers and brands by shifting the financial and operational responsibility for recycling these materials from taxpayers and local governments to the producers themselves. Key provisions mandate that producers fund, organize, and oversee the recycling system for their packaging and paper waste, rather than relying on public recycling programs. This policy change aims to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill waste by making producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products.

Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.

Maddy summaryHB 7690 increases the cash support pass-through under Rhode Island Works, allowing families receiving cash assistance to keep more child support payments. Specifically, it raises the amount from $50 to $100 for one child and from $100 to $200 for multiple children (or the full payment if less than these amounts), provided the child support is paid on time and collected by the Department of Human Services. This pass-through payment must be sent to the family within two business days of being due. The bill applies to families with children receiving Rhode Island Works cash assistance and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.

Amends the Rhode Island works program to allow lawful permanent residents to receive benefits without a waiting period and increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 to fund Rhode Island's Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program. It provides low-income SNAP recipients with double the value of their benefits when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at participating local farmers markets and farmstands. The funds directly support both low-income families accessing nutritious food and small-scale Rhode Island farms selling produce. The money will be administered by Farm Fresh RI to sustain this existing program, which has distributed over $1.7 million since 2009.

Maddy summaryHB 7241 establishes a state tax credit for Rhode Island residents who provide unpaid care to qualifying family members. It allows eligible caregivers (earning under $50,000 individually or $100,000 jointly) to claim a 50% credit on out-of-pocket expenses for caregiving, capped at $1,000 annually. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care, but exclude insurance-covered costs or general home maintenance. The credit applies to expenses incurred after 2026 for family members aged 65+ or with disability benefits who live with the caregiver and need help with at least two basic self-care tasks (like bathing or dressing).