Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryHB 7620 prohibits the construction and operation of new plastic waste conversion facilities in Rhode Island. The bill bans permits for facilities that use "regulated technologies" (including gasification, pyrolysis, and chemical processes) to convert plastic waste into fuels, chemical feedstocks, or other products. It directly affects developers seeking to build such facilities and aims to prevent environmental and health risks linked to toxic emissions and hazardous waste. The law defines these facilities broadly to include "advanced recycling" or "molecular recycling" operations, regardless of how they are marketed.

Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. It also prohibits the sale of a force-fed poultry product or food containing a force-fed poultry product.

Maddy summaryHB 7699 eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing Chapter 44-22 of the General Laws, which previously imposed a progressive tax on inherited property. This affects heirs who would have paid taxes on estates valued above $25,000, removing a state-level tax on property transferred after a person's death. The bill removes all tax rates (ranging from 2% to 9% depending on estate size) and related deductions described in the repealed chapter. As a result, estates passing to heirs in Rhode Island will no longer be subject to this specific state tax.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7709) passed by the Rhode Island House on February 11, 2026. It formally congratulates and thanks Dr. Christopher A. Campagnari, MD, for his 32 years of service as a family medicine physician at Wood River Health in Hope Valley, including his leadership as Medical Director from 1998 to 2018. The resolution recognizes his work implementing electronic health records, achieving Patient-Centered Medical Home designation, and his roles at Brown University and Westerly Hospital. It has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation for his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7711) formally congratulates the Berntson family on the 50th anniversary of Diamond Hill Vineyards in Cumberland, Rhode Island. It directly affects the Berntson family, the founders and current owners of the family-run vineyard. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026, expresses legislative recognition of the vineyard’s history since its founding in 1976 and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the family. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a ceremonial tribute.

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

Car rental company not subject to registration penalties resulting from out-of-state toll violations from operators using their rental vehicles but are responsible for any outstanding toll amounts due.