Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, a voluntary retirement savings initiative administered by the state's general treasurer for private sector employees. The program allows eligible workers, who have been employed for at least 120 days, to contribute to their retirement through automatic payroll deductions, with employers having the option to participate. Funds are held in individual accounts that offer a limited selection of investment options, including portfolios tailored to different risk levels and those prioritizing companies with strong environmental and social practices. The legislation also mandates that the program provide participants with education and counseling services to help them make informed financial decisions.

Enacts the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.

Would extend the reporting and expiration dates, and amend the commission’s purpose to include glass and aluminum products, and increase the membership to twenty (20), and would report back by April 25, 2025, and expire on April 30, 2025.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.

Requires the department of administration to publish a report to the speaker of the house, president of the senate, and secretary of housing evaluating the cost to establish and maintain a statewide geographic information system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Rhode Island Housing Resources Act to officially include mobile and manufactured homes as a form of affordable housing under specific conditions. To qualify, these homes must serve as a primary residence, be located on land owned by the resident or a community they own, have been built after June 15, 1976, and meet federal safety standards. The legislation also updates the state's definition of affordable housing to ensure it covers various types of year-round living arrangements, including those accepting rental vouchers. By making this change, the law expands the scope of housing inventory that local communities can count toward their affordable housing goals.

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Rhode Island-Ireland trade commission to promote economic ties and mutual interests between the two regions. The seven-member advisory group will be appointed by the governor, the Senate president, and the House speaker, with members serving unpaid terms of two to four years. The commission will research trade opportunities, facilitate business and academic exchanges, and submit annual written reports with recommendations to state leaders. It is authorized to raise its own funds through donations and grants to cover administrative expenses and will operate under state open meetings laws.

Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.

Allows victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds under the State Crime Victim Compensation Program.