Rep. Evan Shanley

Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $50.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.

Maddy summaryHB 7721 establishes Rhode Island's first statewide ban on the corporate practice of medicine, prohibiting non-licensed entities (like corporations or management services organizations) from owning medical practices or interfering with physicians' clinical decisions. It requires that medical practices be majority-owned and controlled by licensed physicians, with physicians holding the majority of voting shares, board seats, and key leadership roles. The law also bans restrictive contracts, noncompete agreements, and advertising by non-physician entities that could undermine physician autonomy over patient care. This directly affects medical practices partnering with corporate management entities, ensuring doctors maintain control over clinical operations, staffing, and patient care standards.

Requires a healthcare entity to submit written notice to the attorney general and the department of health of any material change transaction at least 180 days prior to that transaction.

Provides protections to children using online platforms by requiring platforms to turn off open chats by default for young users, and requires parent to approve children's financial transactions on gaming and social media sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates April 2026 as the 'Month of the Military Child' within the State of Rhode Island to honor the sacrifices of military families. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by military children, such as frequent school transitions, and specifically acknowledges the Middletown School District for serving a significant number of these students. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the proclamation to the Middletown School Committee and Superintendent William J. Niemeyer to facilitate local observance.

Maddy summaryHB 7610 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to produce a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy rates for consumers. The study must compare Rhode Island's electric and gas rates with other states, review all state energy programs that increase costs, and identify policies or practices that could be changed to reduce bills. The PUC will use $100,000 in funding to hire consultants and develop a research plan, including recommendations for transparent "energy notes" on future legislation affecting costs. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents who pay energy bills by directing state agencies to investigate cost-reduction strategies.

Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

Creates an emergency action plan related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather and establishes a statewide notification system with the National Weather Service initiating warming/cooling center alerts.

Amends the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) board composition by adding the Rhode Island Climate Community to the groups given due consideration for appointment to the board.

Allows private employees at nursing homes, developmental disability and home care providers whose salaries are 90% funded with federal or state monies to be eligible to opt into the state healthcare plan.