Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryHB 6206 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act, creating a statewide recycling refund program for certain beverage containers. Under this act, "producers" (brand owners) are responsible for compliance with the program's requirements. It defines various types of "redemption sites," such as "express redemption sites" for virtual account credits and "full-service redemption sites" for immediate refunds, where "consumers" can return eligible empty containers. This system aims to promote the collection and recycling of beverages by providing a financial incentive for returns.

Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

Maddy summaryHB 5779, titled the "2021 Act on Climate," proposes to increase a fee imposed on petroleum products received at marine terminals in the state. The bill would raise the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee from five cents to ten cents for each barrel of petroleum products. These collected funds, along with existing money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration, and Response Fund and the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act, would be directed towards climate change initiatives. Specifically, the funds would support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce climate emissions and meet the goals of the 2021 Act on Climate.

Maddy summaryHB 6205, titled the "Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging and Paper Act," creates a new program to manage the recycling of packaging and paper products. This bill makes product producers responsible for funding and improving municipal recycling programs. These programs would cover the collection, transportation, sorting, and processing of defined packaging and paper products from single-family and multi-family residences. The aim is to enhance the coordination, funding, and overall effectiveness of the state's recycling systems for these materials.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6309 is a commemorative resolution that designates May 6th through May 12th, 2025, as "National Nurses Week" in the State of Rhode Island. It officially recognizes the contributions of registered nurses and encourages all state residents to honor them for their selfless care and efforts in improving the healthcare system. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to relevant nursing organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 5760, proposes to increase the state's earned-income tax credit (EITC). Specifically, it would raise the credit from 20% to 30% of the federal EITC amount. This change would directly affect low-to-moderate income working individuals and families who are eligible for the federal credit, starting with tax year 2026.

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 5747 establishes a new Board of Trustees for the University of Rhode Island (URI), making it a public corporation with legal title to URI property. This Board assumes powers and duties for URI previously held by the Council on Postsecondary Education, becoming the employer of record for university faculty and staff. The bill grants the Board authority to manage its own procurement processes and requires it to define and implement performance-based measures for the university. Additionally, it mandates the Board to develop transfer pathways for students from community colleges and ensure URI accepts Advanced Placement scores of 3 or better for course credit.

Maddy summaryHB 5736 amends existing law concerning public health dental hygienists, primarily to expand the sources from which they can receive reimbursement for their services. Currently, these hygienists are largely limited to reimbursement from Medicaid or state healthcare insurance programs. The bill would permit public health dental hygienists, or the agencies they work for, to seek reimbursement from "other insurance" or third-party payors, including Medicare. This applies to services provided in public health settings such as schools, nursing homes, and community health centers, often performed without immediate dentist supervision under a collaborative agreement. The bill also maintains requirements for patient consent and referrals for further dental examinations.

Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.