Rep. Marie Hopkins

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally honors the Rhode Island Medical Society for organizing the 2026 State House Advocacy Day event. It recognizes the physicians participating in this gathering for their work in patient care and their efforts to share medical expertise with state policymakers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this acknowledgment to the medical society, serving as an official record of appreciation rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution formally honors and celebrates Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2026, to recognize the service of all U.S. military personnel. The bill acknowledges the sacrifices made by active and reserve members and their families while thanking them for protecting the nation's freedoms. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Adjutant General for official record-keeping. As a commemorative measure, the legislation does not change laws or policies but serves to express state appreciation for the armed forces.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN), a nonprofit organization that provides support to families navigating special education, healthcare, and aging services. The funding is designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be used to sustain RIPIN's peer-led programs, which include individualized family support, health insurance assistance, and community resources for parents and caregivers. As Rhode Island's federally designated parent training and information center, RIPIN serves thousands of families annually through workshops, online content, and direct consultations with state agencies. The resolution authorizes the state controller to release funds from the general treasury upon receipt of proper documentation.

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

Requires DCYF to establish segregated savings account for foster care child receiving SS, SSI, veterans benefits or railroad retirement benefits to manage the accounts and keep child eligible for future benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 7394 requires Rhode Island's Department of Human Services to automatically enroll families receiving cash assistance under the Rhode Island Works Program (Section 40-5.2-11) into SNAP benefits if they meet SNAP's standard eligibility requirements. This change eliminates the need for separate SNAP applications for qualifying families already approved for cash assistance. The bill directly affects low-income households receiving state cash aid who would otherwise need to apply separately for food assistance. It streamlines access to nutrition benefits by linking eligibility determinations between the two programs, with no new benefit amounts or requirements added. The policy takes effect upon passage, applying to all families meeting both programs' criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 6th through May 12th, 2026, as National Nurses Week in the State of Rhode Island to honor the profession. It recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of an aging population and the need for more qualified staff. The resolution also urges all residents to celebrate nurses' contributions throughout the year, not just during this specific week. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.

Maddy summaryHB 7392 caps the maximum application fee for healthcare facilities seeking approval to build new or expand tertiary or specialty care services under Rhode Island's certificate of need program at $25,000. The fee is calculated as $10,000 plus 0.25% of the project's total capital costs, but the total cannot exceed $25,000 regardless of project size. This change affects facilities planning high-level care expansions, ensuring predictable costs without exceeding the cap. The bill does not alter fee structures for other healthcare facility applications, such as those for general services.

Maddy summaryHB 7421 requires the Department of Revenue to annually report to the budget office the costs cities, towns, and school districts incurred for state mandates established after 1979. It mandates a public report, published on the state transparency portal, identifying school district costs that are partially funded or unfunded by the state. This report must be provided to the governor, legislature, and the public to inform budget decisions. The bill directly affects school districts bearing uncovered costs and local governments seeking reimbursement for state-mandated expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 7420 updates how state education funding is calculated to address inequities, primarily affecting school districts with high numbers of students in poverty. It introduces a new formula that factors in a district's revenue capacity and poverty levels to determine state aid, with a poverty loss stabilization fund for districts seeing aid drops over 2%. The bill also creates specific state-funded programs for special education costs, career and technical education, pre-K access, and stabilization for districts like Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center. It requires the state to publish a report identifying unfunded district costs and share this with lawmakers and the public. These changes aim to adjust funding based on need while adding targeted support for specific educational programs and struggling districts.